Have you ever dropped a pebble into a pond and watched as one tiny movement creates ripples that spread across the surface? That’s the essence of CI’s Ripple Effect Award, which celebrates students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, inspired their peers, and initiated ripples of positive change. One of the winners of the 2022 Ripple Effect Award saw those ripples turn to waves in a week-long paddlesport adventure on Colorado’s waters!

Darrius​​, an eighth-grade student at AXL Academy in Aurora this past year, won the award for exemplifying leadership qualities both in the classroom and in the wilderness. He motivated his peers, lifted spirits, and offered support to fellow students during CI’s wilderness trips and Action Projects.

As part of the award, Darrius got to participate in a Paddlesports Expedition run by our partners at Avid4 Adventure! This exciting camp takes kids’ outdoor adventures to the next level through kayaking, whitewater rafting, camping, and more. Darrius spent his days honing paddling skills while rafting rapids and kayaking serene lakes. His nights were full of camping under the stars and bonding with new friends.

This experience and all our Ripple Effect scholarships are made possible thanks to the Lauren Guthrie Make a Difference Fund. This fund honors the spirit of Lauren Guthrie by helping youth access transformative outdoor education programs and cultivating the next generation of socially conscious leaders. At Cottonwood Institute, we are endlessly grateful for partners like the Guthrie family and Avid4 Adventure, who help us inspire outstanding youth like Darrius. Darrius’s compassionate leadership will certainly create ripples of positive change wherever he goes. Keep making waves!