Presented by Upper School, Grades 9-12
In the frigid winter of 1925, the deadly sickness diphtheria struck Nome, Alaska, putting the lives of children and adults in jeopardy. With no way to reach outside help by air or sea due to brutal weather, the town’s only hope was a daring sled dog relay to transport life-saving medicine from Anchorage.
The hero of this dangerous mission would be a small, but fiercely determined dog named Togo. Togo’s journey wasn’t one of sudden heroism; it was built over years of training and practice.
Born in 1913, Togo was a small, gangly pup with a reputation for being stubborn and difficult. But Leonhard Seppala, a seasoned sled dog driver, saw potential in him.
Over time, Togo proved himself to be an extraordinary lead dog, with unmatched stamina, intelligence, and an unbreakable will. Seppala and Togo developed a strong bond, and the pair became one of the most successful teams in the region.
In early February 1925, the diphtheria outbreak threatened the children of Nome. Medicine had to be delivered quickly, but the route was treacherous. A winter storm had blocked off any other means of transport, leaving a group of sled dog teams to race against time.
Seppala and Togo took on the longest and most dangerous stretch of the journey, covering a grueling 260 miles over six days and nights. The conditions were harsh: gale-force winds, sub-zero temperatures, and deep snow all conspired against them.
Yet Togo pushed forward. Despite the extreme cold and exhaustion, the determined little dog did not falter. He refused to stop, even when other teams turned back.
Together with Seppala, he navigated ice-covered rivers, steep mountain passes, and whiteout conditions. Togo kept the team moving, and his bond with Seppala helped them both to keep going, even when it seemed impossible.
By the time they reached Nome, Togo and Seppala had traveled farther than any other team in the relay. The serum arrived just in time, saving the whole town. Togo’s bravery and stamina were key to the success of the mission, and his story became one of the most inspiring acts of heroism in Alaskan history.
Though Togo was often overshadowed by the more famous sled dog, Balto, Togo’s perseverance helped save an entire town.
In each of our life’s journey, sometimes inspiration to persevere comes from unlikely sources. May God fill each of us with the desire to bless others, and the will to “run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”
This entire story is true. Portions of the story were re-told via AI and fact-checked by Mr. Carman.
Following the historical thought, Upper School students delivered the poem "The Road Less-Traveled," by Robert Frost:
This historical thought was delivered by our Upper School students at devotional on 01/30/25. Each week one class leads the student body in prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, scripture recitation, a meditation, and an historical thought. Family and friends are welcome, Thursdays 8:30-9:05 am.
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