edia outlets recently featured a story that captivated many. A young man has just completed a courageous journey across the vast expanse of frequently changing waters of the Pacific Ocean, alone, in a sailboat. From a small town in Oregon, where the mighty Columbia River empties into the Pacific, 29-year-old Oliver Widger with his cat, Phoenix, sailed solo for 25 days to the safe harbor of the Waikiki Yacht Club in Honolulu, Hawaii. Others have done it before and more will likely follow. Why did this voyage captivate our attention?

Social media is certainly part of the calculus. Widger gave daily updates to millions of followers, looping them into the narrative. His experience was theirs. He invested all he had in a sea-worthy boat, equipped with the latest technology, to ensure good navigation and safety. This technology also supported his contact with the world to share his journey to Hawaii. But there was more to the narrative than what he had and how he used it that resonated with followers.

The news story headlines revealed some of the allure. “Oregon man who quit job and cashed out 401(k) completes 2,000-mile journey to Hawaii,” was one headline. Another read: “Sailing with Phoenix, Oregon man who quit job to sail with cat, arrives to cheering fans in Hawaii.” “Widger has completed his dream journey, sailing from Oregon to Hawaii.” Reading the stories not only spoke of one who conquered alone, but one who had the courage to leave the safety of corporate consistency for an uncommon experience. We also learned in these stories that Widger had recently been diagnosed with a health condition that could potentially alter his life in dramatic ways. So, we also stand in admiration of one who took charge of his life’s journey in such a challenging context and rose significantly above the circumstances to accomplish much. We like stories of those who overcome. We like hero stories.

In Adventist education you embark on a journey of learning and growth anew each school year, with a clear purpose of inspiring students to be followers of Jesus for a life of fulfillment and significance. It is a journey of eternal consequences that is long, difficult, and variable with each sailing. Your embarkation each school year is evidence of courage that is not common among mankind. Though you may have training in core elements of learning and a collaborative network of like-minded colleagues in this ministry of Adventist education, it is your personal commitment to improving the journey, to step into the boat, and take sail that distinguishes your life’s experience. It is an inspiring story.

Others have done it before and more will follow your example. However, each sailing is unique. Thank you for responding personally, professionally, and with courage to the consequential ministry of bringing God’s youth to the Kingdom. You have sacrificed much to embrace the possibility of making a life-altering difference in your students and their families. Thank you for courage and commitment to sailing in all kinds of weather to show and share God’s love and high ideals for each student in your classroom and in your school.

Dennis L Plubell

Interim Vice President for Education

Dennis L. Plubell, currently serving as the Interim Vice-President for Education at the North American Division, brings a wealth of experience and a collaborative spirit to Adventist Education. With 45 years of service spanning school, conference, union, and division levels, Dennis has dedicated over 25 years to union/conference leadership roles, including his previous tenure as Director of Secondary Education and Accreditation at the NAD Office of Education. A passionate advocate for the Journey to Excellence initiative and a key contributor to the development of accreditation standards and educator certification protocols, Dennis is deeply committed to supporting leaders and educators in guiding young minds to embrace Jesus. Known for his caring communication and insightful counsel, he continues to inspire and empower Adventist educators to fulfill their calling with excellence.