31 SIS middle school students complete coral reef conservation course

Thirty-one enthusiastic middle school students from Saipan International School have successfully completed the PADI AWARE Coral Reef Conservation Course, demonstrating SIS’ commitment to marine conservation and environmental stewardship. The comprehensive program included a classroom session, an immersive field trip to Mañagaha Island, and a detailed knowledge review test.

The Coral Reef Conservation Course, a cornerstone of the PADI AWARE curriculum, educates participants about the vital role that coral reefs play in marine ecosystems and the significant threats they face. Through a blend of theoretical learning and hands-on experience, the students gained a deeper understanding of coral biology, reef ecosystems, and conservation strategies.

The journey began with classroom session, where students were introduced to the importance of coral reefs to our island’s way of life and the challenges they encounter. The session was led by Dr. Ron Snyder, SIS headmaster and PADI Open Water instructor who provided insights into coral formation, the biodiversity supported by reefs, and the impact of human activities on these delicate ecosystems.

Following the classroom instruction, the students embarked on a full-day field trip to the Mañagaha Island. There, they observed coral reefs firsthand, participated in teamwork building sessions and ensured the beach was cleaner than they found it. This practical experience allowed them to witness the beauty and fragility of coral reefs up close, reinforcing the need for proactive conservation efforts.

The program culminated with a sit-down knowledge review test, where students demonstrated their understanding of the course material. The test covered a range of topics, including coral reef ecology, conservation practices, and the significance of marine protected areas. Thirty students passed the knowledge review, earning their PADI AWARE Coral Reef Conservation certification and the rest will have another chance when they come back to school in August. Also participating in the course was April Liske-Clark, who teaches middle school and high school life sciences and runs the school’s plastic recycling project.

“We are incredibly proud of our students and their passion for conservation,” said Snyder. “This achievement not highlights their commitment to preserving the beauty of Saipan in a way that everyone will continue to be able to use its resources for generations to come.”

The PADI AWARE Coral Reef Conservation Course is part of a broader initiative by Saipan International School to integrate environmental education into the curriculum. By providing students with opportunities to engage in real-world conservation activities, the school aims to foster a generation of environmentally conscious individuals.

Certified students are the following:

Grade 6

Andrea An

Juny Kim

Cooper Koning Fong

Jenna Pascual

Philip Seman

Kanoa Owens

Quido Jambor

Grade 7

Michael Jan Frederic M. Guintu

Zoe Rovnan

Yiming Li

Eliza Culp

Yewon Huh

James Xiong

Skyler Bom Rhee

Keoni Ryu Ruszala

Matthew Szefler

Selina Santiago

Philip Peng

Olivia Zhang

Jiayi Li

Jebro Leon

Faith Arriola

Grade 8

Nancie Huang

Addalee Taflinger

Lya Kim

Theo Joab

Ashlynn Han

Yeji Jang

Jacob Kim

Tianhui Wan

William Guo

For more information about the PADI AWARE Coral Reef Conservation Course or to learn about other environmental programs at Saipan International School, contact Dr. Ron Snyder at (670) 288-9660.

About Saipan International School

Saipan International School is dedicated to providing a comprehensive education that emphasizes academic excellence, environmental stewardship, and community involvement. Through a variety of innovative programs, the school strives to inspire students to become responsible global citizens. (PR)