HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-065 (Human Rights Award - Trumper)Stillwater
The Birthplace of Minnesota
RESOLUTION 2020-065
Stillwatbr Human
Rights Commission
Harmony • Dignity • Respect
STILL WA TER HUMAN RIGHTS A WARD
MARK TRUMPER
Whereas, the Stillwater Human Rights Commission requested nominations for the 2020
Stillwater Human Rights Award, and Mark Trumper has been nominated for benefitting a community
children at Pillsbury Elementary School inby teaching them safe biking practices, introducing them to
the surrounding neighborhood amenities, and by building self-esteem and empowerment; and
Whereas, Mark recently retired from teaching at the North Minneapolis school that enrolls
many immigrant children, mainly from East Africa. About 7 years ago, after finding out most 4th and
5th graders did not know how to ride a bike, he began "Pedal Power" a bike riding group for children
to safely learn to bike ride, as a vehicle, and for the adventure, grit and persistence it takes to learn to
ride, ride well, and ride a long time. Education on bike repair and maintenance is also provided. This
offers a method of transportation and empowerment to a group of children who experience a variety
of disparities as immigrant chilren; and
Whereas, hundreds of hours were volunteered to bring biking to these students who are on
subsidized lunch programs and more than half do not speak English at home. Mark takes the students
out for weekly rides, use bikes rather than buses when possible, and they learn science, art, history
and more from their biking adventures; and
Whereas, one student remarked that they had never seen the Mississippi River, even though the
school and homes of the children are just blocks from it. Another quote was "You never know what
you will learn about on a bike ride," where the children found a turtle and huddled around it to learn
about its habitat and characteristics; and
Whereas, Mark also takes the students Nordic Skiing after school to expand their outdoor
experience. He wrote many grants for funding for the skis, poles, and so forth, and established Pedal
Power as a 501.c.3. nonprofit, separate from the school district. Mark is also an active member of
Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater and volunteers on the Stillwater Nordic Ski Team.
Now Therefore, Be It Resolved, by the City Council of the City of Stillwater, Minnesota, the 2020
Human Rights Award is presented to Mark Trumper in appreciation of his outstanding leadership
and dedication to human rights, and is hereby commended for those efforts.
Adopted by the City Council this 21st day of July, 2020.
.Mayor