Updated: Friday, March 3, 2008
The Della Icenhower Intermediate School Huskies take their mascot seriously. The school staff pooled funds together to send their principal, Mr. Duane Thurston, to Anchorage, Alaska for Opening Ceremonies for the 36th running of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
 On Saturday, March 1, Thurston had the once in a lifetime chance of being a part of the ceremonial start of Iditarod 2008 by traveling the first 11 miles of the race with musher William Kleedehn.
“Thanks to everyone who visited the blog, emailed me while in Alaska, provided technical support (Ms. Middleton and Ms. Brock), and supported this trip in so many ways,” writes Thurston. “As I said on day one, you all are the best. Husky Pride!”
“Icenhower's mascot is the Husky and we talk a great deal about the passion and courage of these beautiful animals,” writes Thurston on his trip blog. “From Togo and the Great Serum Run to the essential everyday work of these dogs, the heart of the Husky is undeniable. It is my privilege to work with an incredible group of students, staff, and parents who exhibit this passion and courage in school and life. Thank you to our students, staff, parents, and community who exhibit this "Husky Pride" as you show your heart and passion everyday.”
Togo was the Siberian Husky sled dog who led Leonhard Seppala and his dog sled team as they covered the longest distance (260 miles) in the 1925 relay of life saving medicine from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska, to combat an outbreak of the disease. Balto was the Siberian Husky sled dog who led his team on the final leg (55 miles) of that famous serum run to Nome.
The serum run is commemorated by the annual Iditarod dog sled race. History has made Balto more famous than Togo, but the Icenhower staff saw fit to compare their leader with the canine hero.
“You run this race to finish the job everyday, pushing yourself and the team you lead to do and be the best we can be,” said Thurston's secretary, Kathy Mills, during a recent special presentation. You are our Togo. “You seldom receive or want the credit for the many things you do.”
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