On behalf of the Hiring Committee, ChairmanTom Blackford  is pleased to announce the following Boothbay Sea and Science Center (BSSC) 2016 instructors who share an abiding passion and commitment to introducing young people to the amazing ocean.

BERETTA FICEK will be entering her senior year at Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) this fall where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology. Among her many accomplishments, during this 2015 – 2016 academic year, Beretta was the Scheel Scholar. After graduating MMA, Beretta intends to pursue a degree in Veterinary Technology with the hope of one day working in marine animal rescue and rehabilitation programs. She sees herself and her past experiences as a great fit with BSSC as she very much enjoys working with young children – having worked for childcare programs as well as a summer food program for many years. Beretta is from Concord, New Hampshire. During her free time, she enjoys fishing, hunting, and spending time with her family and pets.

HANNAH PAGE is currently completing her education at Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) where she will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology along with a minor in International Business and Logistics in December of this year. At MMA, Hannah assists with the instruction aspect of the SCUBA courses as well as giving tours of the wet lab facility to prospective and interested students.

“I genuinely enjoy teaching students about all of our organisms in the wetlab as well as showing them how to explore an underwater world with SCUBA.” She will complete her senior research project - working with rock crabs (Cancer irroratus), blue mussels (Mytilus edulis), and hard shell clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) - during the 2016 fall semester. Hannah’s research focuses on determining the prey preference of rock crabs and if this species follows the models of the optimal foraging theory. Hannah believes that her previous teaching experience and passion will help her excel as a Sea and Science Instructor at BSSC this summer.

LAUREN MCKENNA is currently a senior at Maine Maritime Academy, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology, along with an Associate degree in Small Vessel Operations and a minor in Business Management. Lauren spent her summers in Cape Cod, MA where she developed her passion for the ocean. This has led her to pursue her degree at Maine Maritime - diversifying her skills. "My passion as a young girl was made a reality when I was accepted to Maine Maritime. Boothbay Sea and Science Center will allow me to continue work within my field of study, while also gaining valuable experience." Working at Boston Harbor Cruises in Boston, MA has provided Lauren experience in the industry. She has also worked as a substitute teacher during school vacations. Lauren also plays NCAA Division III soccer at Maine Maritime where she is a two-year captain. Her leadership and experience gives Boothbay Sea and Science Center an exciting asset. 

WILLIAM (Will) CRAIG  is currently at the University of Vermont studying botany and secondary education. In Vermont, he spends his free time sailing on Lake Champlain with the UVM Sailing Team, but when the lake freezes over, has just as much fun exploring the green mountain backcountry for fresh power. Will attended high school in West Newbury Massachusetts. While there, he enjoyed playing drums and soccer during the school year, but when summer came around, Will would travel to the South Shore to sail.

At first, he was a participant, sailing in various regattas. He says his summers were so good that when he got old enough he began to teach sailing. Will’s proud to share that he’s been doing it every summer since. Will also enjoys surfing and windsurfing. Having spent so much time on the water, he’s grown very appreciative of it. “I want to inspire children to see the splendor of the ocean, not by telling them, but by showing them.” 

JOSIAH HENDERSON grew up in Brunswick, Maine. He is a 2014 graduate from Brunswick High School. Josiah is finishing up his sophomore year at St. Lawrence University majoring in environmental science and economics. Josiah is a frequent visitor to Boothbay Harbor where his grandfather resides. He credits his grandfather for his knowledge of the ways of the sea and his exceptional boating skills. “I’m excited to bring some of my knowledge about the environment to BSSC and I look forward to integrating sailing and seamanship with scientific experiences.”

ANNA SIROIS returns for a third summer at the Boothbay Sea and Science Center (BSSC). During summer 2015, Anna played a key role at the Center as a Junior Instructor. Anna, born in Damariscotta, Maine, resides with her parents and brother in Edgecomb. This fall, Anna will be a senior at Lincoln Academy. Anna is passionate about the Spanish culture. She enjoys drawing, swimming and good music. Her interest in sailing came about a few years ago when she began sailing with her father.

Today, Anna is not only excited about continuing to expand her abilities as an artist but also is looking forward to sailing with the BSSC students and racing with the BSSC staff during her free time. Anna is the author and illustrator of the soon to be released Boothbay Sea and Science Center Coloring Book. She expects that the coloring book will be a big hit with local and visiting children and hopes that it will be one of the many ways that BSSC helps connect Maine and summering youth with the sea and marine science. “I’m looking forward to working with all the BSSC participants and sharing my passion for art and the sea.”

NATHANIEL (NATHAN) GRAVES: Junior Instructor.  Nathan credits his passion and commitment for sailing to the Boothbay Sea and Science Center, crewing aboard Belle Aventure (an 84 ft. ketch built in 1929), participating in the US Naval Sea Scout program, racing on the Boothbay Region High School Sailing Team and apprenticing at Cross Point Yachts. As one of the 19 participants at the Center during its inaugural summer in 2013, he felt a change in his attitude toward the ocean and toward kids who enjoy sailing. “I started realizing that sailing on the ocean was a huge responsibility that I liked and that the kids that I sailed with were more positive about things in life.”

This will be Nathan’s first summer as a BSSC Junior Instructor – a role he has been aspiring to since summer 2013. Nathan will be a junior at the Boothbay Region High School in the fall. Because of his commitment and focused sense of responsibility for his learning, he sees a great fit between himself and BSSC “It’s easy to see weaknesses but I want to play a part in developing and applying solutions that add to the quality of the Program experience.” Under the direction of the BSSC education and waterfront directors, Nathan’s looking forward to providing safe and fun hands on learning experiences and sharing his intense spirit of good sportsmanship.

BSSC’s eight weeks of STEM-based experiential programs begins on Monday, June 27 and ends on Friday, Aug. 19. On Thursday, June 23 and Friday, June 24, BSSC will host “free days” – an opportunity for youth to attend the Center “free of charge”. The schedule for those days is as follows: ages 5 – 9 (8:30 a.m. – Noon); ages 10 – 17 (1- 4:30 p.m.).

To pre-register a child (required) for one of the “free days”, please email Pauline Dion at info@boothbayseandsciencecenter.org or call 207-350-5357. To register a child online for one of the summer programs, please go to www.boothbayseaandsciencecenter.org