East Central High School Senior Cierra Martin of Hurley and Mississippi School for Math and Science Senior Bobby Glenn of Moss Point have been selected to receive $1,500 scholarships to attend the Ocean Science and Leadership Expedition in Cordova, Alaska.
The two students will share their experiences with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill with peers from Alaska and across the county during a 10-day summer intensive learning experience Aug. 5-14.
Martin and Glenn will work with local marine scientists and educators in Alaska while learning about oceanographic principles and issues, such as oil spills, marine debris and climate change. Experts at the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council will teach them about the Exxon Valdez oil spill and see what is being done to prevent future spills. They will engage in a simulated oil-spill scenario to learn the decision-making process of responding to environmental emergencies.
Martin and Glenn will observe ocean science principles firsthand, camp on remote beaches and paddle among icebergs during a four-day sea kayaking expedition in Prince William Sound. Upon their return, both students will share their experiences with their schools and their communities.
The Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium is sponsoring the scholarships, which include tuition and some travel expenses.
The Prince William Sound Science Center, which conducts the Ocean Science and Leadership Expedition, also granted two scholarships to Gulf of Mexico students Danielle Wall of Sarasota, Fla., and Grant Curry of Lubbock, Texas. Ten students are allowed into the program.
Martin is the daughter of Cherie and Shawn Chesser of Hurley and Christopher Martin of Kansas City, Mo.
Glenn is the son of Tonya and Quinton Glenn of Moss Point.
For more information about the Ocean Science & Leadership Expedition, visit http://www.thesca.org/node/29350.
The Pascagoula River Audubon Center in Moss Point will host an “Off to Alaska” reception for both students at 3 p.m., Friday, July 30, where family and friends will gather to wish the students a safe and enjoyable journey. Anyone is invited to attend. For more information, please call the Audubon Center at 228-475-0825.