BY KAREN BOSSICK

A Sun Valley Community School educator has been tabbed to head up Far + Wise.

Sam Herrick, who has served for eight years as Head of the Middle School at Sun Valley Community School, will succeed Laura Rose-Lewis on July 1. Herrick will work alongside Rose-Lewis this summer to ensure a smooth transition.

He was chosen because he has deep roots in the Wood River Valley and a strong belief in the potential of every young person.

“I am drawn to Far + Wise because it embraces children's innate curiosity, celebrates their desire to understand the world and fuels their hope for their own futures,” said Herrick. “Far + Wise is a collection of people committed to changing lives, with an impact that extends beyond our valley.”

Herrick holds a Master of Arts in School Leadership from Columbia University. Prior to serving at the Community School, he spent seven years as Dean of Student Life at Live Oak School in San Francisco.

His new challenge—Far + Wise--is a year-round Kindergarten-to-Career program dedicated to ensuring that every student in Blaine County can thrive academically, professionally and personally.

It offers afterschool programming that addresses math and literacy skills and socio-emotional skills, while providing hands-on projects and enrichment activities free of charge to students in a county where nearly half of youth live at or below the poverty line.

A couple years ago Far + Wise also established the Center for Career Exploration that offers trade camps for students wanting to explore careers in everything from A.I. and aviation to construction and the automotive industry.

Rose-Lewis has guided the organization for six years since 2019. She oversaw its transition from a local branch of the national I Have a Dream Foundation to an independent nonprofit organization that could serve more children in keeping with the Wood River Valley’s unique needs.

What began with 45 students, a small staff and a handful of volunteers has grown to serve hundreds of students a year supported by a staff of 22 and key initiatives like the Center for Career Exploration.

Rose-Lewis was visionary and enthusiastic.

“Laura’s impact on our organization and community has been profound,” said the Far + Wise Board in a written statement. “Her dedication, compassion and tenacity have shaped Far + Wise into the trusted and dynamic organization it is today. Her legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come.”

Want to know more? Visit www.farandwise.org.