Palmer Trinity School

ECO-CLUB By Leann Winn, Science Department Stewart L. Udall, a politician and environmental advocate, stated that: "We stand today poised on a pinnacle of wealth and power, yet we live in a land of vanishing beauty, of increasing ugliness, of shrinking open space and of an overall environment that is diminished daily by pollution and noise and blight. This, in brief, is the quiet conservation crisis." Imagine getting an up close and personal experience with such species as Atlantic Sharpnose, Blacktip, Bull, Hammerhead, Lemon, and Tiger sharks without having to get into the water.  Through collaborative work with the South Florida Student Shark Program (SFFSP), students learn practical, hands-on marine science skills while connecting knowledge acquired in more traditional classroom setting.  In the last few years the Outdoor Education Program, coordinated by Mr. Robert McGlynn, has given students at every level an opportunity, such as Outward Bound and SeaCamp, to gain an appreciation for surrounding ecosystems. His passion is driven in hopes that through their experiences each student will develop a desire to see these places preserved and cared for.  Also, the Center for Ecological Learning and Sustainability, coordinated by Mr. Mario Yanez, has given all students an opportunity to understand and respect the elements of our community here on campus.  With the leadership and guidance of Eco Leaders, he hopes that students will take what they practice on campus, such as recycling and composting, and spread what they have learned beyond the gates of Palmer Trinity School.  William Trae Kerdyk, 11th grade, gives me hope when he writes, "The program exposed me to a new perspective as to what a marine biologist actually does for work.  The trip we took was so exciting and seemed to spark many different interests in me. I cannot wait for the next trip, and I am hoping to continue pursuing my interests by participating in similar programs."  I hope that the students begin to understand the complexity of their coastal marine ecosystem, the effects of their activities on that ecosystem and become ocean advocates.  I share similar passions and desires of both; therefore, I have reformed the Eco Club. In doing so I am dedicated to expanding knowledge of, respect for and involvement with the natural world through outings and community service to areas within our bioregion, while teaching others the importance of caring for our planet.  This school year, in the past few months alone, I have been able to take the students on a number of immersions. 14 Students participate in all immersions freely and without any reward but the opportunity. Christian Pfeiffer, 9th grade, said he would go again. "Not only was this a lot of fun, but I learned that this also helps our understanding of patterns and changes in our ecosystem, and the fact that helping out and having fun can occur at the same time has really made me glad that I decided to take a day and go out on the water and help out." Catriona Luxford, an exchange student from Australia commented, "The shark trip was very exciting, and I am really glad for the

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