JONATHAN APIRION                            HOME                          
(928)607-3044,  apirion@apirion.com

Attorney at Law, Member of the Arizona State Bar since October 1999

¨EDUCATION;

¨LEGAL EXPERIENCE;
¨TECHNICAL GUIDING, INSTRUCTION AND RESCUE EXPERIENCE;

¨OTHER WORK;

¨OTHER PURSUITS;

¨REFERENCE LETTERS.

¨Philosophy work by Jonathan Apirion.

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¨EDUCATION


Juris Doctor: University of Arizona Law School, MAGNA CUM LAUDE, Tucson, AZ, 1999
·Dean’s Achievement Award Scholarship
·Dean’s List all Semesters

 

Master of Science: Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN

Text of reference letter from Dr. Jasper Hunt   Scan.

 

Bachelor of Arts: St. John's College, Santa Fe, NM & Annapolis, MD: four years of Philosophy, four years of Math)

Click for a description of the St. John's College Great Books curriculum and non-elective educational program
·Student Government Representative
·Fencing Team, NM; Crew, MD

 

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¨LEGAL EXPERIENCE

 

DEPUTY COUNTY ATTORNEY; CRIMINAL PROSECUTOR, Navajo County Attorneys Office, Arizona, Current since February 2001.
·Felony prosecution, including many murder and sex crimes cases
extensive jury trial experience.
·Significant research, writing and motion work.

VOLUNTEER ATTORNEY- COCONINO COUNTY LEGAL AID, Flagstaff, Arizona, Fall 2000
·Provided representation for low income individuals involving public housing, constitutional law issues, general tenants rights, family law and other general civil practice areas.
·This work involved substantial research and writing, drafting and filing pleadings, representation at hearings, interviews and negotiations.
·Text of reference letter from Mikkel Jordahl, Director of Coconino Legal Aid;   Scan.

 
ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY - LAW OFFICES OF KEITH KNOCHLE, Bullhead City, AZ

·Trial practice in the areas of criminal defense, family law and general civil practice.
·Full litigation representation through all stages from initial interviews, research, hearings, negotiations, depositions, trial, etc.. 

 

LEGAL CONSULTANT - WELLS FARGO BANK San Francisco, CA, Fall 1999
·Developed loan documentation and underwriting guidelines for a new credit product
·Established protocol for contracting with government and non-profit organizations
· Text of reference letter from Adam Murray, Vice President;   Scan.

 
LEGAL CLERK - US GOVERNMENT, J.A.G. Corps, Colorado Springs, CO, Summer 1998
·Research, writing, briefs, information gathering, plea drafting
·Offered a Commission
· Text of reference letter from Captain Schoup;   Scan.
· Text of evaluation by Colonel Graves;   Scan.

 

LEGAL CLERK - PIERCE ATWOOD Portland, ME, Fall 1997
·Corporate contract review
· Text of reference letter from Devin Anderson;   Scan.

LEGAL INTERN - PINE TREE LEGAL Bangor, ME, Summer 1997
·Developed cases and represented clients through administrative hearings involving evictions, etc.
·Conducted negotiations with State institutions,
·Legal research and factual investigations

 

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¨TECHNICAL GUIDING, INSTRUCTION AND RESCUE WORK

An overview of the technical climbing guiding profession and how this experience has aided me in the practice of law.

 

ALPINE CLIMBING GUIDE- AMERICAN ALPINE INSTITUTE, WA
·Instruction and guiding in technical alpine rock, multi-pitch ice, glacier travel, etc.
·Guided technical, remote alpine climbing routes in the North Cascades involving multi-pitch ice, rock and glacier travel at altitude
·Instructed Crevasse Rescue, French Technique, Advanced Alpinism, Alpine Rock, Winter Camping skills, Avalanche hazard evaluation, Basic ice climbing, crevasse rescue, etc.

· Text of reference letter from Steve Dunbar, Senior Guide;   Scan.


HEAD CLIMBER, SENIOR INSTRUCTOR, CLIMBING GUIDE- NORTH CAROLINA
OUTWARD BOUND AND HURRICANE ISLAND OUTWARD BOUND

·Managed climbing program including all aspects of staff supervision and resource coordination
·Instructed staff trainings in high angle rescue and rock site management
·Instructed 90 day semesters in Mexico including ascent of the glaciated Volcanoes (to 17,000 ft)
·Instructed 50 day Instructor Development Courses
·23 and 9 day Adult Standard Courses
·Served as National Office Safety Inspector
·Helped to write new safety manuals
·Led various technical rescue workshops and classes

·reference letters and evaluations related to this work:

Bryan Thysell, Course Director and Attorney at Law;   Scan.

Mike Fischesser, President of Alpine Towers;   Scan.

Zeb Gray, Program Director;   Scan.

Jeep Barret, Technical Climbing Program Chief;   Scan.

Lisa Loveday, Basecamp Director;   Scan.

Lon Coulter, Base Camp Director;   Scan.

Meg Clews, Senior Instructor;   Scan.

Tom Schumaker, Head Climber;   Scan.


ROCK-CLIMBING GUIDE: ACADIA MOUNTAIN GUIDES, MAINE
·Guiding and instruction in technical rock climbing
·multi-pitch rock climbing
·Lead guide on multi-guide contracts

Acadia Mountain Guides Newsletter.


PROGRAM COORDINATOR- HARBOR HOUSE South West Harbor, ME
·Created and ran a new adventure program
·Supervised staff

OTHER PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTION AND TECHNICAL GUIDING WORK

·Mainbound, ME and NH (Multi-pitch ice, winter camping skills, basic Alpinism)
·Chauncey Ranch, AZ (Ropes Course and leadership work with various client groups)
·Farm and Wilderness, VT (Rock Climbing trips)

Text of Dave Woodmansie Letter;   Scan.
·On the Edge Productions, AZ (Corporate clients, Ropes Course and Leadership work)

Text of Dean Spillane letter;   Scan.
·MO Dpt. Of Parks & Rec., MO (Rock Climbing trips)

Text of Andy Gerrard Letter;   Scan.

·Camp Beach cliff, ME (Ropes course design, construction and staff training contract)
·Florida Everglades, FL (Extended swamp/coastal island trips)
·Caving/Spelunking, TN (3 day subterranean trips)
·Camp Zoe, MO (Waterfront Director)
·White water instruction, NC (Chatooga, F.B., etc.)

UNIT LEADER- MOUNTAIN SEARCH AND RESCUE Santa Fe, NM (Volunteer work during college)
·Remote mountain rescue; high angle rescue;
extended search operations in winter conditions;
·Emergency medical services;
·back-country patient care;
·body recovery

Newspaper clippings.  (I am the one in the red circles)

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 OTHER WORK

 

General Carpentry and Painting for Blue Mountain Center on Eagles Nest Lake, NY (Summer and Fall of 1988)

Neuro Biology Lab Technician, Washington University Medical School, St. Louis, MO (I was considering medical school) (Winter and Spring of 1989)

Text of reference Letter from Dr. Price;   Scan.


SOLO Wilderness Medicine Intern, Conway, NH (Through this internship I earned my EMT and WEMT certifications)
Text of reference letter from Buck Tilton, Wilderness Medicine, EMT Instructor;   Scan.


Handyman for G.P. Galleries, Santa Fe, NM

Brick Rehabs in St. Louis (This summer work covered college costs  and expenses that scholarships did not.  I dug out under existing foundations to pour new concrete to bring buildings up to code, shoveled a lot of gravel, did a lot of framing, worked a jack hammer, etc..)

Log Cabin from scratch in Maine (personal) –The hardest work I have ever done.

 

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OTHER PURSUITS

 

PHILOSOPHY: Philosophy has been one of my primary intellectual pursuits since high school. Sample paper(s).

 

OTHER WRITING: I have written several articles on technical guiding and adventure education. Some have been published in Boulderdash, a climbing magazine. Most of these articles concerned the ethical aspects of technical guiding. I wrote

"INSTITUTIONAL CLIMBING" a manual for climbing programs, available on-line.

CLIMBING: Various major ascents throughout North, Central and South America.  See personal climbing resume for details.

 

RUNNING: Placed fourth in the 1999 Stinson Beach Marathon. (While I enjoy running and racing, I take much more pride in my climbing. Physical endurance is only one of the many skills required for serious technical alpine climbing, and, comparatively, one of the most easily acquired.)

LANGUAGES:
Spanish - Conversational; required for my work and climbing in South America and Mexico;
Ancient Greek - Translational; Required for reading many of the great ancient works in their original form.
French - Translational; Required for reading many of the great European works in their original form. I never learned French well, but I did manage some translations of Baudelaire and De Tocqueville that brought me some satisfaction.

BICYCLING: Rode from St. Louis to the Atlantic Ocean on $85.00 in nine days.  These days I do a lot of mountain-biking as a pursuit in itself, but primarily to maintain my cardiovascular endurance.

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ST. JOHN'S COLLEGE
St. John's College is the third oldest school in the United States. It employs a traditional approach to providing a well rounded undergraduate education. Each student is required to take four years of Math, four years of Philosophy, four years of Language, including two years of Ancient Greek and two years of Translational French, three years of Science and one year of music. It is an extremely rigorous, classical education. I found law school to be much less demanding in terms of both the time I needed to spend studying and the depth of thought required to master the subject matter.  St. John's has been the single most important influence in my life.

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AN OVERVIEW OF THE WORK INVOLVED IN GUIDING TECHNICAL CLIMBING ROUTES
Technical alpine climbing guides are a misunderstood and underestimated group of extremely skilled and dedicated professionals. The basis for this misunderstanding is perhaps the public's ignorance about what this type of climbing and guiding require in comparison to the recreational pursuits they are normally exposed to. The most common type of rock climbing involves doing routes of under 100 feet with good, easy protection. There are tens of thousands of people in the U.S. taking groups out for climbing experiences that involve nothing more than this. This type of climbing involves little real (meaning unavoidable) risk and the people working in this area for summer camps or climbing gyms are generally not necessarily highly skilled. Multi-pitch adventure rock routes involve multiple pitches of such climbing with protection that is perhaps harder to come by and which involve complications of route finding and descent. There are few guides in the U.S. who are competent to work these types of routes. Technical alpine climbing involves the multi-pitch rock and/or ice in settings that involve difficult approaches and descents over glaciated terrain, steep snow, low angle ice, etc. These routes may involve significant altitude challenges, weather hazards, avalanche hazards, etc. Even fewer in the U.S. are competent to guide such routes.

In addition to physical strength and a broad base of climbing skills, technical alpine climbing, and especially guiding, require a level of judgment and mental endurance that are rarely required in other pursuits. I believe that my experience as a guide fostered a good deal of the judgment, focus and personal responsibility that assist me in my practice of the law. I learned how to work with clients in stressful situations.  I learned how to work long days without losing my focus. My recent work involves at the most, only eight to ten hour days, spent in a comfortable office.  Guiding often involved getting up sometime between midnight and 2:00 am for hard eighteen to twenty hour days.   Having worked in these different fields I am amazed at just how disproportionate compensation is with either the intellectual skill or work involved.

 

 

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VARIOUS LETTERS OF REFERENCE

Please note: The reference letters below are the verbatim text of letters and evaluations I have gathered over the years. Copies of the originals are available on request.  

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Mikkel Jordahl, Director of Coconino Legal Aid,
222 E. Birch Avenue
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
(520)774-0653

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
I am the Director of Coconino Legal Aid. We are a part of DNA People's Legal Services and provide free legal services to low-income people in areas of Northern Arizona. Our Specialty areas are in family law, contracts and consumer law, housing, public benefits and other areas.

I am writing to strongly recommend the work of Jonathan Apirion. As a new attorney Jonathan is an extraordinary find. Jonathan approached our agency to volunteer his services. He has volunteered with us consistently over the last six months. He has conducted client interviews, has advised clients, and has handled numerous client hearings. He has been extremely dedicated and self motivated. His clients have uniformly appreciated his caring demeanor and his careful approach to resolving their legal problems. He has also worked very well with each and every one of our twelve staff members. I have personally greatly benefited from Jonathan's wonderful research and writing skills. He single handedly researched and wrote a very important brief regarding the constitutionality of Arizona's Freedom of Religion law. The law is being challenged by the Attorney General. It supports out client's traditional Native American religious beliefs and practices against the State’s interest in genetic blood testing. Jonathan’s research was exhaustive and his brief is extremely compelling, thoughtful and well-written. In addition, he has researched and drafted equally well-produced motions for our attorney staff. If we had a full-time attorney position available I would hire Jonathan in an instant. Please consider him for any position you may have available. If you have any questions regarding Jonathan and his work with us, feel free to contact me at the above number.
Sincerely,
Mik Jordahl
CLA Director

 

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Adam Murray, Vice President,
Business Direct - Risk Management
WELLS FARGO BANK

January 10, 2000

To whom it may concern, During the Fall of 1999 Jonathan Apirion worked under my supervision at the corporate headquarters for Wells Fargo Bank in San Francisco. I was extremely impressed with his abilities, initiative and competence. Jonathan is responsible and easy to work with. Without hesitation, I can recommend him as a desirable employee. Jonathan's contract required that he: "Do basic research and reporting to support fleet vehicle credit card product development for Business Direct. This research will include a complete report on how Wells Fargo currently underwrites municipal credit products and help develop supporting documentation that identifies specific liability in such a credit arrangement, The contractor will also aid in the development of the loan documentation /underwriting to allow corporate liability for the Fleet Card product launch." During his time at Wells Fargo he did much more than merely fulfill his contractual obligations. He provided useful analysis and explanation of many related subjects. I was, perhaps, most impressed with his sensitivity to the business issues that surrounded the project. He was able to see beyond the legal issues and actively contribute to the business plan we were putting together. He was easily able to integrate his awareness of the business realities of the project into his legal research and recommendations. He came up with a couple of ideas for contracting arrangements that will save us a good deal of time and money in the future when working with government entities. As a final comment, I should mention that Jonathan is a lot of fun to work with. Although he seemed reserved when he started, he quickly revealed himself to be a very personable co-worker. Sincerely, Adam Murray
Vice President

 

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DEVIN ANDERSON, PIERCE ATWOOD
ATTORNEYS
November 20, 1997


DEVIN J. ANDERSON

DIRECT
207.791.1286 TO whom it may concern:

E-MAIL
DAnderson@ PierceAtwood.com
I supervised Jonathan Apirion during the eight weeks he worked at Pierce
Atwood. Jonathan was brought on as a temporary clerk to help with a corporate financial reorganization project. Jonathan's responsibilities included reviewing a
large number of irregular contracts, interpreting the significance of variations in provisions and creating a table of variations to facilitate the drafting of appropriate
amendments for each contract.

Jonathan quickly grasped the requirements of the project. He was thorough, efficient and attentive, and identified many unexpected problems.

I can recommend Jonathan without reservation. I believe that the judgment and responsibility Jonathan developed in his previous work as a climbing guide,
combined with his intellectual abilities and enthusiasm for the law will enable him to serve well as an attorney in any setting.

In the event you have any questions regarding the foregoing, please do not hesitate to contact me at the number set forth on this letterhead.


Sincerely,


Devin Anderson


One Monument
Square

Portland, Maine
04101-1110

VOICE
207.791.1100
FAX
207. 791.7 350
E-MAIL
infoCa~pierceAtwood.com

 

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Office of the Staff Judge Advocate
Claims Division

Dear Sir or Ma'am:

It is my pleasure to recommend Jonathan Apirion for employment as an attorney. I am
confident that Jonathan would be a great asset to any legal office.

Jonathan worked as a summer intern in the Criminal Law Division of the Fort Carson Office of
the Staff Judge Advocate in 1998. As an active duty captain, I was one of his supervising trial
counsels in the Criminal Law Division. Jonathan provided invaluable research and assistance to
our office during his three months at Fort Carson.

Jonathan's writing and analytic thinking is superb. He researched dozens of criminal law issues
and wrote clear, concise legal memoranda. His research and writing included such diverse topics as jurisdiction, immunity, speedy trial, multiplicity, electronic eavesdropping, character evidence, sentencing appellate issues, larceny, conspiracy, negligent homicide and involuntary manslaughter.

Jonathan is a quick study who easily mastered the drafting of charge sheets and accompanying documents. Trial counsels often handed new case files to Jonathan to analyze sufficiency of evidence and which crimes to charge. In particular, Jonathan helped me draft charges against a soldier who made hundreds of unauthorized long distance telephone calls.

Jonathan also displayed a high level of enthusiasm and teamwork. He was always eager to work late to help trial counsels prepare for trial or to research issues for priority investigations. Jonathan often observed our trials and provided assistance during breaks. He also contributed to the office teams during athletic competitions against other Army units. Jonathan is very athletic and is an avid outdoorsman.

I highly recommend Jonathan Apirion for employment as an attorney. He would make a fine addition to any legal office. If I may be of further assistance, please call me at (719) 526-1337.

DEREK W. SHOUP
Claims Attorney

 

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1998 JAGG SUMMER INTERN PROGRAM

AFTER-ACTION REPORT

17 August 1998


1. INTERN: Jonathan J. Apirion
2. OFFICE AND LOCATION: Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, Fort Carson.
3. PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT: 8 June - 6 August 1998.
4. DUTIES PERFORMED: Served as an intern doing legal research and writing in support of
attorneys in the Criminal Law Division.
51 PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: Outstanding.

a. Mr. Apirion made an enormous contribution to the Criminal Law Division during the eight
weeks he was here. He quickly earned a reputation among the division's attorneys as someone
who could be relied on for superior, well-researched, and well-written products. Throughout his
stay, he performed at a level far above that usually associated with interns. Our Senior Trial
Counsel said that Mr. Apirion was the best intern he has seen in his five years in the JAGG.

b. Mr. Apirion made a significant research and writing contribution during his short stay in our office. He supported trial counsel by researching such issues as jurisdiction, multiplicity, the right to a speedy trial, the sufficiency of evidence, the admissibility of various types of character evidence, and the effect of judicial omissions during the providency inquiry. Possessing
excellent oral and written communication skills, Mr. Apirion was always able to clearly communicate the results of his research to the trial counsel. He also researched and retrieved records essential for the successful prosecution of courts-martial, including phone records and chain of custody documentation. In addition to these extensive research efforts, Mr. Apirion
prepared many charge sheets, endorsements, and other correspondence related to courts-martial and administrative elimination actions. In all of these endeavors, he demonstrated a keen intellect, sound judgment, and a tremendous work ethic. In short, he was a great force multiplier for the Criminal Law Division during the summer turnover period when his many talents were most needed.

c. Mr. Apirion also participated in many other office activities. He was a regular participant in our physical training program, impressing everyone with his outstanding physical condition.
He also attended officer professional development sessions and participated in Organization Day
activities.

6. SUITABILITY FOR JAGG APPOINTMENT: Mr. Apirion is an exceptional candidate for
JAGG appointment. He has a very impressive combination of intellect, inter-personal skills, and
work ethic. On top of those traits, he is an effective team player who possesses a winning attitude.

7. HOUSING: During part of his time in our office, Mr. Apirion stayed at the Colorado Inn, the
temporary lodging facility on Fort Carson. He chose to spend the rest of the time camping in the local area and did not require assistance in finding rental housing in Colorado Springs.

8. RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING THE SUMMER INTERN PROGRAM: The intern
program is an excellent opportunity for the JAGG to make a good impression on prospective candidates
for appointment. Even those who do not apply for appointment will say positive things about the Corps
upon their return to law school if they have had a good experience. Obviously, the program is also a
good screening mechanism for the Corps. It affords us a much better opportunity to evaluate potential
for JAGG service than we have in the case of applicants who have not been interns. For these reasons, the program must be protected from any further budget cutting. It is essential to the future of the Corps.

L/JOSEPH L. GRAVES
COL, JA
Staff Judge Advocate

upon their return to law school if they have had a good experience. Obviously, the program is also a
good screening mechanism for the Corps. It affords us a much better opportunity to evaluate potential
for JAGG service than we have in the case of applicants who have not been interns. For these reasons,
the program must be protected from any further budget cutting. It is essential to the future of the Corps.

L/JOSEPH L. GRAVES
COL, JA
Staff Judge Advocate

  

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Letter of Recommendation for Jonathan Apirion


I warmly recommend Jonathan Apirion as a candidate for law school. As Jonathan's supervisor during a 50 day instructor development course at the North Carolina Outward Bound School, I was able to observe and assess not only his teaching and thinking abilities, but his
overall intellectual and personal qualities. In my opinion, Jonathan's interests and abilities are aptly suited for the study and practice of law. Jonathan is an enthusiastic, motivated Outward Bound instructor. This, combined with his intelligence, analytical ability and sensitivity to detail, make him an interesting and thought-
provoking educator. His presentations were consistently well-organized and well-conceived. He presented topics and ideas with intelligence, conviction and enough imagination to catch his students' interest and provoke a response. Jonathan also has strong writing skills. Unlike some instructors who find it difficult to write a coherent critique of their students, Jonathan was able to synthesize information and present a focused, insightful, written analysis of his students.
Moreover, in our discussions, he exhibited a strong interest in history, government and the legal
system. Besides the obvious sincerity with which he embraced these interests, Jonathan exhibited a soundness of judgment and the ability to entertain different points of view. While these characteristics enhance his competency as an educator, they also impact significantly on his capacity for scholarship, and more specifically, on his aptitude for the study of law.
Personally, Jonathan is sincere and articulate. These qualities, too, augur well for a future in the legal profession. Without hesitancy, I endorse Jonathan's candidacy as a law student and feel confident that his intellectual ability, motivation and strong personal attributes will make him a committed, successful student of law.

February 5, 1996
Brian P. Thysell
Program Manager:
North Carolina Outward Bound School
Attorney at Law

 

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Steve Dunbar
American Alpine Institute
1515 12th St.
Bellingham, WA 98225

To whom it may concern,

During the month of June in 1995, Jonathan Apirion and I co-instructed a twelve day basic alpine
mountaineering course for the American Alpine Institute.

He performed his duties with enthusiasm and dedication. He demonstrated the greatest
proficiency in the instruction and guiding of rock and alpine rock climbing. Jonathan also demonstrated excellent safety awareness and judgment. He is gaining experience and competency with instruction and guiding in glaciated environments.

Jonathan lead rope teams up glaciated peaks, large groups on Alpine rock and snow routes and
miscellaneous instructional activities. I trusted Jonathan to lead such activities independently after briefing him on the some of the particular dangers or problems associated with a given area or situation.

Jonathan is a responsible worker and a good role model.


Senior Guide with the American Alpine Institute

 

 

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Alpine Towers, Inc., Post Office Box 69, Jonas Ridge, North Carolina 28641, (704) 733-0953

Jonathan Apirion
Green Cove ~Base Camp
NCOBS _
855 Tessentte Road
FranMin, NC

Dear Jonathan:

Thanks for participating and contributing in our recent safety and quality review of staffing, training, ventures and final expeditions at the Colorado Outward Bound School.

I was very impressed with the role you played during the review. Your wisdom and insights helped me a lot during the sticky situations you and I observed up in the mountains. I'm glad we were paired together. Our combined backgrounds were vital to the success of the review. If we hadn't probed deeper into the rock scene, C.O.B.S. would have been less aware of the serious potential problems we unveiled. Your ability to analyze the root of the problems and later articulate the difficult to describe issues reminded me of Rusty Baille. As you know, I have a lot of respect for Rusty, After working with you on this review I have a lot of respect for you as well. I suspect and trust that you manage one hell of a tight rock program at Green Cove. If I were an NCOBS program manager I would feel really confident in your judgment to safely manage all the intricate nuances of staff, students, policies, training and attitudes related to institutional rock climbing. I hope we get a chance to do more reviews and climb together in the near future. Your is Program Safety and Quality, Mike Fischesser, President
cc::

 

 

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Climber Eval for Jonathan Apirion.

I found exposure to Jonathan this summer to be educational. I
found his instructional information oriented towards progress and
chance within our climbing program . I welcomed it. It was simple
to understand and simple to incorporate into the course, I was
thankful for the option. Jonathan indeed has a strong base of
climbing knowledge, common sense, and awareness of the student
experience; all of which are key factors in working with crews and
instructors.
I wanted to write this evaluation because I feel Jonathan did his job with me, an instructor, remarkably well this summer. I ended up saving about 12 hours of course time, and felt a safer rocks site was run from these changes Jonathan, indeed, embodies the intimidation and intrigue of rock climbing on a some levels. However, as I saw with both of my junior crews this summer, he is approachable, present, flexible and appealing to the students. His questions made them think, and his singing made them sing or laugh along. He actually was the focus of both of the crews' skits at the end of course. That said a great deal about him, I thought. It was random and yet revealing of something....something lasting, something approachable, something allowing of humor.
Being the first season with a climbing staff here at Cedar
Rock, Jonathan ran an obviously busy schedule. His commitment, sense of duty and work ethic seemed without end; 14-16 hour work days followed by 5 a.m. marathon duty. Knowing that as an instructor makes me proud of the corker within, yet weary of the state of the climbers body, mind, and spirit. Is the system somehow cheating students? How can the strain of hours be lessened? Does
Cedar Rock need more climbing staff?
Thanks for the opportunity to express my thanks and
appreciation of Jonathan's work.


JANE ESSELYTON, Senior Instructor

 

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 MINNESOTA  STATE UNIVERSITY


DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP


28 February, 1996

To Whom It May Concern:

Mr. John Apirion has asked me to provide a letter of support for his applications to
graduate study in law. This is a very easy one to do. I have known Mr. Apirion for two
years. I have served as his academic advisor as he completes his master's degree in

educational leadership and experiential education.

Mr. Apirion is in the top 5% of graduate students with whom I have worked. He is quite
bright, always well prepared, articulate, and thorough.

Mr. Apirion's academic abilities are rooted in the superior undergraduate education he
received at St. John's College. His education has been classical in the best sense of that
word. It was a delight for me to have a graduate student who had studied the old masters
in the original and who was able to apply their thinking and insights to the contemporary
arena.


Mr.  Apirion has his feet solidly on the ground in the real life concerns of non academic
people. He is a senior Outward Bound Instructor with much experience dealing with people in high stress situations demanding a high degree of professionalism on his part.
He has responded well to this sort of stress and, indeed, has flourished in such situations.

I think the best way to frame this reference is to say that it is not a matter of whether or
not he can get accepted into a law school; rather the question is which law school will be lucky enough to have this young man in its midst!

Therefore, I give him my highest recommendation and I do so with no hesitation
whatsoever. If more detail is needed, I will gladly provide more information in this

Sincerely,
Dr, Jasper S.'Hunt, Jr.
Professor of Leadership Studies and Experiential Education
Department of Educational Leadership
MSU, P.O.Box 8400,Mankato,Minnesota 56002-8400 (507)389-1116 FAX: (507)389-5863

 

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Climber Evaluation Form

Employee's Name Jonathon Apirion

Course Number Summer. 1993 Name of Evaluator Jeep Barett

1) Greatest Assets as a Head Climber: What specific skills, traits,
or methods of instruction make this individual effective as a Head
Climber?
Jonathon is one of the best teachers we have had in the role of Head Climber. He is innovative, interesting and extremely conscientious in his approach to teaching both O B students, and his own staff.

He is a visionary and an inventor. He doesn't just manage the climbing program at Green Cove, he improves it.
His creation of a newsletter late this summer, which was
insightful, thought provoking and humorous, is an example of his industrious personal style.

2! Most Development Needed: In what specific areas is this individual least effective? Note: this is a relative assessment which does not mean that work was necessarily done poorly, but that it was
not accomplished as well as other areas.
In the past Jon has been held back somewhat by his reluctance to assert his opinions. Although more comfortable away from the limelight, he has realized the need to be more outspoken and
directive. With this change he has become an even more valuable asset to our school.

3~ What specific steps could this -individual take to improve these
areas?
To continue to learn and grow by observing the style and skill of those people who have the experience and skills of the master OB
instructor.
To work more courses in the field. To initiate more contact with town office folk, program staff such as Zeb and ED, and attend program
meetings when possible.

4) Briefly Comment on the Following Topics
Please include specific recommendations for improvement *

Teaching Skills: Does this person have an effective teaching
style? How is this person's knowledge of materials? Organization and presentation of materials? Use of voice and eye contact? Ability to hold students attention? Ability to coordinate with, and support
Instructors? Understanding of the experiential approach?
Jon's overall teaching style is very effective. His knowledge of OB climbing policies is sound, his presentations are organized, and he
is well prepared. He has the experience necessary to know when his students attention level is low. His ability to coordinate with and support instructors is one of Jon's greatest strengths. He knows and
understands how the experiential approach to learning can be used effectively.

Safety: Was this person's attitude toward safe climbing practices demonstrated by good judgment, careful supervision, ability to assess student capabilities and a thorough grasp of NCOBS policies and procedures?
Absolutely! His judgment is well grounded in the realization that the difference in personal climbing and institutional climbing is one of considerable degree. Jon did an excellent job of supervising his staff this summer. He was in a situation of concern by having new
climbers on board and what appeared to Be a very difficult schedule to support. His response was very professional and effective. His grasp of NCOBS policies and procedures is solid.

Counseling Skills: Has the Head Climber demonstrated the interest and ability to make significant personal contacts with students in their assigned crews? Does he/she possess good qualities of involvement, listening, confronting negative behaviors when necessary, awareness of group attitude and morale, dealing
with crews interpersonal dynamics and facilitating group process?
As Head Climber, Jonathon has demonstrated the ability to make personal contact with crews. He has an honest and appealing interest in the sport of climbing and communicates this quite readily to students. He is more prepared to step in and deal with negative
behaviors all the time. This is a function of his maturation as an OB instructor, and as a person. He does an excellent job as a discussion facilitator, this is another one of his very strong traits.

Technical Skills: Does this Climber possess a high level
of technical competence? If not, in what areas do they need to improve their capabilities?
Jonathon's experience and knowledge in the area of technical high angle rescue is as solid as anyone who has worked for this school. He is our resident expert on the Kootenay Highline, and possesses the ability to understand and improve on complex rescue
scenarios.

Professional Relationships: Does this person effectively give and receive feedback? Is this person helpful in providing Instructors technical knowledge, feedback on climbing presentations and developing their personal climbing expertise? Does this person work cooperatively and effectively with other members of the community?
Jon's ability to provide effective feedback to his staff and to field instructors is excellent. He is also incredibly open to receiving feedback and learning from it. He is a well respected and valued community member, and is very helpful in promoting climbing skills within the Green Cove community.

Role Model: Did this person represent the best and most
professional aspects of OB in their contact with staff, students, and outside agencies?
Absolutely, Jonathon is the true professional at all times
necessary, and able to represent the school as a role model in the best sense of the word.

Other Support: Does this person effectively assist the Chief Climbing Instructor and other support persons in programmatic and logistical support?
Definitely With Jon as Head Climber at the Cove I know there is nothing for me to worry about. His work ethic and personal integrity are of such high quality that he really requires no supervision beyond the occasional check in. Jonathon is the type of individual that NCOBS needs to help keep our program vibrant and
progressive. We should make every effort to encourage him to continue his career with the school.

 

 

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