Featured Volunteer: Jason Ell

JJae, or Mr. Ell as he is known to many, is a teacher at Washington International School. He is also perhaps our most enthusiastic volunteer. We can't even remember a time when Jae wasn't a part of our crew every spring...it must be close to a decade now that he's been bringing students to help in the warehouse. 

This typically occurs during their mini-mester right before spring break. How he keeps the kids on task when they are whisking away to exotic vacations the next day we have no idea, but he does. They schedule back to back sessions with us and we are often loading a container. The kids are not quite as enthusiastic as Mr. Ell (who could be!?) but he's brought great crews every year. 

This all started (we think) out a friendly self induced competition between friends. Jae was aware of what Ken Woodard set up with his students at Stone Ridge and he wanted to do something similar. This is when the mini-mester at Bikes for the World was born.

Jae is just a gem, there's no other word for him. Jae seems to be passionate about everything he does. Biking, volunteering, teaching...these are the ones we see, but we know it's just in his character. Every year we look forward to the crew joining us from WIS, but we'd be lying if we didn't admit that has a lot to do with the energy Jae brings with him. Mid way through our busy season Jae inspires us to keep pushing through which gets us through a busy May.

Enjoy your summer Mr. Ell...you deserve a break!