January 7, 2015 (Sacramento):  Famed polar explorer and motivational speaker Robert Swan will make a presentation about Antarctica and environmentalism to students at Leonardo da Vinci K-8 School from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday (January 9).

Swan holds the distinction of being the first person ever to walk unsupported – meaning without GPS, food drops or radio communications – to both the North and South Poles. His observations of the environment during these treks led him to found 2041, an organization dedicated to educating future leaders about environmental issues.

He was invited to speak at Leonardo da Vinci by teacher Kim Williams, past winner of the Coolest Teacher in the World search sponsored by the US Green Building Council. Williams was among 90 individuals selected for the 2012 International Antarctic Expedition to learn more about the Earth’s melting polar caps alongside sustainability. Williams continues to incorporate lessons learned on the trip into her science curriculum.

On Friday, Swan will make a presentation to a large assembly of students at 11:30 a.m. and then work with Williams’ class at 12:30 p.m.

Swan’s contributions to education and the environment have been recognized through his appointment as United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for Youth, a Visiting Professorship of the School of Environment at Leeds University and, in 1994, he became Special Envoy to the Director General of UNESCO. He is a TED Talks contributor and regarded as one of the world’s top motivational speakers. A British citizen, Swan was knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1995.

WHAT:                 Presentations by polar explorer Robert Swan 

WHEN:                 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Friday, January 9

WHERE:               Leonardo da Vinci K-8 School, 4701 Joaquin Way, Sacramento