Elliot Golan / Roundup
Many teachers spend their weekends grading papers or enjoying time with their family and friends.
Joseph Perret, professor of Computer Applications and Office Technologies at Pierce College, is not most teachers.
Between his job, two sons, daughter, wife, dogs and an active role within his church, Perret keeps himself quite busy.
On top of all that, he spends many of his weekends in Mammoth. Not merely skiing and enjoying the beautiful scenery, but volunteering his time.
Perret is an instructor for the Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra (DSES) organization.
The DSES is a non-profit, volunteer based group that “believes the freedom and exhilaration of outdoor challenges changes lives,” according to Kathy Copeland, executive director and founder. They offer customized instruction in a variety sports to disabled people of all ages and handicaps, both physical and cognitive.
The organization operates throughout the year, though winter is the busiest time, during which they offer two lessons a day, seven days a week.
Perret teaches predominantly skiing in winter, but continues to volunteer through the summer months, when he will take students canoeing and fly-fisihng.
The DSES currently has 200 volunteers and 350 students, according to Copeland.
“We’re all inclusive,” said Copeland. “We don’t turn anyone away.”
It is Perret’s second year with the organization.
“You don’t know how warm and fuzzy that makes me feel,” said Perret, his steal blue eyes glistening with pride.
He has been at Pierce since the Fall 2008 semester, but taught in the same department at Los Angeles Southwest College for eight years prior.
Born in New Orleans, La., Perret is a product of nearby Bishop Alemany High School and earned his bachelor’s degree at CSUN in Electrical Engineering. He then continued at Cal Lutheran University to obtain his MBA.
Perret has always been interested in volunteer work. He was involved with the Boy Scouts for over 16 years through the time each of his two sons, now 27 and 18 were a part of the organization.
Skiing is a big part of his life. Having began nearly 40 years ago; he started each of his three children on skis when they were 18 months old.
“The first goal is fun,” said Perret, sternly, his finger pointing toward the sky. “No matter what your handicap is, go out in the snow and have fun.”
He added that the spirit of his students inspire him.
“God dealt them a bad hand, but they’re making the most of it,” said Perret.
One luxury he enjoys is having his son Mitchell instruct with him.
“He’s really good at working with the kids,” said Mitchell.
In his first year with the program, Mitchell spends most of his time observing the other instructors and becoming more familiar with the program.
“It’s a great, great, great program,” said Mitchell, his voice stressing each word sternly.
During spring break, Perret and his son will be in Mammoth with the DSES.
More information on the organization and how to help with fundraising can be found at www.disabledsportseastersierra.org
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