Members of the SMHS Alpine Club will be taking their next hike with the proper footwear, thanks to a donation from Kiwanis Club of Santa Maria Valley and generous discounts from The Mountain Air of San Luis Obispo.

The Kiwanis Club recently awarded a $500 donation to the club to help students purchase high-quality hiking shoes for local hiking trips and their annual trip to Yosemite in May.

On March 5, the students were welcomed at The Mountain Air by store owners Josh and Lindsey Harring, and their employees. They personally fitted each student to help them find the right hiking shoes.

“My first time getting something from the The Mountain Air store was cool because I got some high-quality hiking shoes and that was very exciting, and I look forward to using them.” said freshman AnthonyAgustin.

“The majority of our club members do not own adequate hiking shoes. Access to proper shoes will make their hiking experiences more enjoyable, safer, and will provide additional motivation for them to continue hiking and participating in healthy outdoor activities, which will benefit them for years to come," said Amy Hennings, co-advisor for the club. "We are so grateful to Kiwanis of Santa Maria Valley and The Mountain Air."

Alpine Club Co-Advisor Oscar Velasco added, “It was great to receive support from The Mountain Air store and the Kiwanis of Santa Maria Valley to help students get the proper equipment to continue to enjoy the outdoors.’’

“The SMHS Alpine Club is creating opportunities for students to explore and enjoy the outdoors, planting seeds that could grow into a lifetime of adventure. We are honored and proud to support their efforts,” said Josh and Lindsey Harring.

The Alpine Club was founded in the 1960s on campus, and helps students connect to the outdoors and explore the local trails around the Central Coast.