As winter settles in here in Maine and the holiday season is upon us, we have loaded up this Peak News with stocking stuffers just for you! Read on for updates and info!
Apogee Alum Feature: Matthew Royce
In the skies over Kingsville, Texas, Matthew, a former Apogee student, is now working as an Instructor Pilot for the U.S. Navy. Matthew finished flight school this past April, earning his wings and becoming a qualified fighter pilot. The Navy thought so much of Matthew’s flying prowess that they tasked Matthew as an instructor in the very aircraft he had just learned in!
Matthew’s obsession for flying started early, obtaining his pilot’s license in high school. He continued to fly recreationally while at the Naval Academy, before the Navy selected him for the prestigious flight school program.
Matthew, who grew up in St. Louis, says his time with Apogee was a crucial part of his formative years. Reflecting on his time on four Apogee trips, including Alps Explorer, Vermont to Montreal, Maine’s Downeast Explorer, and California Mountains and Coast, he recalls the excitement and challenges that shaped his character. Apogee provided a unique opportunity for him to push his limits, building the confidence that would become an asset in his role as an instructor pilot.
For Matthew, Apogee wasn’t just about the adventure; it was about building connections and fostering teamwork. And it is skills like these that he relies on daily in the cockpit. We salute you, Matthew!
Welcome, Megan!
We want to take this opportunity to introduce you, our Peak News readers, to the newest member of the Apogee year-round team, Assistant Director Megan Iverson!
A graduate of the Outdoor Education program at the University of New Hampshire, Megan joins Apogee fresh off her summer working with the US Forest Service as a backcountry ranger in Wyoming’s Wind River Range. During college, she facilitated youth programs, led backcountry trips, and supported UNH’s Outdoor Adventures program. She developed a passion for trail stewardship while working during the summers as a backcountry caretaker in the White Mountain National Forest. Just before joining us, Megan also spent time timber framing and working in the ski industry in Colorado. Fun fact: in the five years before joining Apogee, she logged nearly 400 days in the field!
We look forward to many of you meeting Megan over the phone or via email over the coming months!
Apogee in the Local Community
There was a strong Apogee presence at the “Zamboni Pull” fundraising event for one of our local non-profit organizations here in mid-coast Maine, Six Rivers Youth Sports, in early December. Coordinated by former Apogee Assistant Director, Izzy Janzen, the Apogee team may not have won the Zamboni Pull event itself, but they came home title for best costumes. We knew you could do it, team!
Newest Member of the Apogee Family
Leah Tripp
And let’s take a moment to welcome Leah Tripp to the Apogee Family! Leah’s dad, Sam Tripp, is a long-time member of the Apogee fam. As a student, Sam participated on our cycling trips, Coast to Quebec, Montana Service Adventure, and America Coast to Coast. During and after his time at Williams College, Sam returned to us both in the office as a support staffer and as a trip leader America Coast to Coast. Sam says Baby Leah is already looking forward to Cape and the Islands 2035!
Coming Soon – Apogee’s Roadshow!
January is coming up, and you know what that means… it’s Apogee Roadshow season! We’ll be live and in-person across the country giving presentations about our summer programs. In addition to seeing stunning photos, expect to learn about what makes Apogee unique, our efforts to recruit and train outstanding leaders, what a day on an Apogee trip might look like, and ask any questions you may have.
Dates and locations will be announced soon on our website, and we’ll be sure to let you know if we’re coming your way. We hope to see you out there!
Parallel Plug:
May 12-17 Portugal’s Fishermen’s Trail
Our sister company, Parallel Adventures, would love to welcome you to our small-group (no more than eight participants) hiking trip to Portugal this May. If you: 1) love hiking, 2) love beautiful places, 3) love local culture and good wine, and 4) love the chance to meet new people and be as independent as you’d like (no follow-the-leader hiking here!), then we suggest you would love a Parallel trip…
Email Chad at chad@apogeeadventures.com or chad@parallel-adventures.com
