Grateful for You

A Thanksgiving Message from LAS

As Thanksgiving approaches, all of us at Loren Academic Services (LAS) are taking a moment to “push pause” and reflect on what we’re most grateful for: your support, your collaboration, and the trust you place in us every day.

We know that gratitude is best shown through action. That’s why Loren continues to volunteer her time and energy in the community. This winter, she will return to Achieve Tahoe—a nonprofit that provides adaptive ski and snowboard instruction for individuals with disabilities. Don’t worry, she’s not leaving her day job! But Loren is deeply committed to the core values that both Achieve Tahoe and LAS embody: professionalism, inclusion, respect, community, quality, and passion.

What is Achieve Tahoe?

Achieve Tahoe was founded in 1967 by Jim Winthers, a World War II veteran of the 10th Mountain Division and Director of the Soda Springs Ski School. Winthers brought together a group of Vietnam Veterans with disabilities who taught themselves to ski and innovated adaptive equipment that didn’t exist at the time. The positive impact of this effort inspired him to create a formal program that could serve the broader community. Today, Achieve Tahoe is proud to be the founding chapter of MoveUnited (formerly Disabled Sports USA) and continues to lead the adaptive sports world with pioneering staff and volunteers.

LAS shares Achieve Tahoe’s dedication to building health, confidence, and independence. Even in uncertain times, we remain committed to upholding inclusion, diversity, and representation; removing barriers to academic and career success; and eliminating the stigma surrounding learning challenges and psychological difficulties—so that every individual can Learn, Achieve, and Succeed (LAS).

As you head into the holiday, we hope you, too, find a moment to push pause. Please know that we are sincerely grateful for the privilege of walking alongside you.

We wish you a warm, restful, and joyful Thanksgiving and look forward to continuing our work together.

Warmest regards,

Loren and the LAS Team!