Fort Couch Middle School student Juliette Hirzel pushes past limits to honor the legacy of World War II heroes.
Strength Beyond Her Years
BY NICOLE TAFE
Fort Couch Middle School student Juliette Hirzel pushes past limits to honor the legacy of World War II heroes.
Juliette Hirzel crossing the 13-mile marker in the shadows of the Organ Mountains of New Mexico.
It’ s not every day that a 14-year-old chooses to test her limits. But for Juliette Hirzel, who took on one of the most grueling endurance challenges in the country, the 65-mile Bataan Memorial Death March, the challenge meant something more.
The 14-year-old Fort Couch Middle School student is widely involved in both academics and extracurriculars— from crosscountry and softball to years of piano and violin training. But even with that strong foundation of discipline, nothing could fully prepare her for a marathon-length trek across the high desert of New Mexico— especially while carrying a 40-pound pack!
Often referred to as one of the toughest races in America, Bataan Memorial Death March challenges participants with a punishing combination of pavement, dirt trails and deep sand— all under intense desert heat. While thousands participate each year, only a small percentage choose the Heavy Division— making Juliette’ s accomplishment even more remarkable.
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