Recognizing Our Amazing Volunteers and Interns

Intern Emily Smith describing her cool buoyancy project to ASLC staff

Photo: Nate Chambers

Yesterday was one of those fun fun fun summer days at the Alaska SeaLife Center.  Beginning with the Intern Fair, we had the opportunity to see each of the our 2010 Interns demonstrate their projects and give feedback.  It is simply breathtaking to see the creative work these talented young scientists and educators are doing this summer - from cool new science projects to innovative ways to interpret our work to visitors.  The SeaLife Center is benefiting greatly from their enthusiasm, skill and fresh perspectives. All projects enrich our knowledge base and stimulate our staff - as they move into implemenation, I have no doubt that they will also enrich our visitors experience.

Volunteer and Intern Dinner MC, Daniel Barth

Photo: Nate Chambers

Last night, we had the opportunity to recognize the work being done by our interns and volunteers and to celebrate their many achievements.  Led in inimitable style by Daniel Barth, our relatively new HR Specialist and volunteer and intern program coordinator, awards were given to the following Interns for their projects:
• Most Useful Intern Project Award – Caitlin DeGrave (Eider intern)
• Best Intern Display Award – Adrienne Fisher (Laboratory intern)
• Most Creative Intern Project Award – Anne Winters (Interp/NPS intern)
• Best Overall Intern Project Award – Andrew Hayes (Aquarium intern)
• Honorable Mention – Jessica Vitale (Chiswell Research intern)
• Honorable Mention – Jessica Sellers (Interp/Dive intern)

2010 ASLC AmeriCorps Volunteers (l to r)

Noel Sutton, Rebecca Taylor, Christine Metzger and Matt Myers)

Photo: Nate Chambers

During the dinner, we also had the opportunity to recognize the extraordinary contributions of our 100 strong Alaskan-based volunteers (Anchorage, Seward, Homer and other centers)  and 2010 AmeriCorps volunteers and their supervisors.  Over the past year, our AmeriCorps volunteers alone have collectively provided some 5,500 hours of service to the Center and to the community of Seward!
Awards were presented to:
• Volunteers of the Year Award – Terril Efrind and Brian Hutchison (Dive volunteers)
• Intern of the Year – Caitlin DeGrave (Eider intern)
o Honorable Mention for Intern of the Year – Brenna O’Gorman (Interp/Mammals intern)
• Supervisor of the Year – Amber Stephens (Mammals department)
• AmeriCorps Member of the Year – Christine Metzger (Avian)
o AmeriCorps Honorable Mention – Noel Sutton (Mammals)
o AmeriCorps Admirable Mention – Rebecca Taylor (Education)
o AmeriCorps Worthy Mention – Matthew Myers (Education)

A light hearted moment with Richard Champion, our longest serving volunteer

Photo: Nate Chambers

It was a terrific evening and demonstrated again the very close bonds between staff, volunteers and interns - each plays a key role in the success of the Center and we appreciate both the diversity of their skills and the infectious enthusiasm they bring to our work.

Winston Churchill once remarked that "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give". 
Thank you again to everyone who gives so very generously of their time and skill to the work of the Alaska SeaLife Center - we are a better organization for all that you do.