AmeriCorps members: Simon Dilts, Jennifer Breehl, Jessica Self, Ashley Raybould, Renee Pascale, and Melissa Quinn Daniel
A lot of exciting things have been happening at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC) this year. After a flurry of activity by our veterinary, education and research departments to prepare ourselves, we welcomed eight full-time members the second week of September as our first AmeriCorps class.
The first week was spent orienting members in topics such as the goals of the GSTC, completing paperwork, gaining insight of activities in GSTC’s various departments, first aid and CPR training, a CNCS Ethic of Service curriculum, and completing more paperwork.. Also during orientation, members had the opportunity to shadow the departments of the GSTC that they wouldn’t be directly serving in to get a better understanding of how everything worked. Throughout the week, Members participated in all of the center’s educational programs. During one program, husbandry member Jessica Thompson was transformed into a sea turtle! She struck a pose and AmeriCorps Next Top Model GSTC was born.
Jessica Thompson, an AmeriCorps Husbandry member, strikes a pose during the Amazing Adaptation program!
Shortly after members arrived, so did a new green sea turtle patient! As a surprise treat, the AmeriCorps team got to name the newest patient! They decided to name him “Ed.” They chose this name because he will be used to educate the public and was exhibiting neurologic symptoms similar to Ed from the movie “The Lion King.”
Ed, the Green Sea Turtle
One of the highlights of orientation week was members participation in the release of three of the center’s patients during a public event on Jekyll Island beach. The members’ character and enthusiasm sparkled as they jumped right in carrying signs and talking to the public about sea turtles and their amazing stories.
Education member Melissa Quinn Daniel carries a sign during the release!
The members’ first week spent at the GSTC gave everyone a preview of the spirit and excitement ahead during this service year!
~ Jeannie Miller, AmeriCorps Programs Coordinator
