Ocean Academy Graduation 2012

We are very proud of our nine graduates for 2012. Since Ocean Academy opened in 2008, these students have grown with the school and helped to shape it. Now, five are headed to Muffles Junior College, one to a school in California, one has a job with Caye Caulker Belize Tourism Industry Association, and one has a job with the Caye Caulker Traffic Control Office. Congratulations Valedictorian Mercedes Requena, Saludatorian Lilly Aldana, Vote of Thanks Elizabeth Requena, Arturo Allen, Clifton Burgess, David Estrada, Estrella Jimenez, Ramon Pantin and Ramir Villanueva.

Global Giving's Bonus Day Results

June 13, 2012 was a bonus giving day and we would like to thank you all for your generous support. 

21 donors gave $2435 to Ocean Academy on June 13th.  An additional $220 was donated from GlobalGiving's matching funds. Thank you.  We learned two things from this fund-raising experience:

1) It is truly amazing what we can do in just one day by all working together!

2) Donating very early (actually - very late since the fundraiser starts just after midnight) is crucial in order to maximize the matching funds.  You can see the full results at the link below.

Links:

• Ocean Academy website
• Global Giving Matching Funds Day - Results

Donations will be Matched 40% on June 13th

Thank you very much for the donations you have already made to Ocean Academy through Global Giving.  We have an opportunity to significantly increase our funding through a Global Giving Bonus Day campaign on June 13th.  Donations made after 12:01 EDT will be matched 40%.  We hope that you will make your next Ocean Academy donation on this day, and encourage you to talk with your friends and colleagues about the June 13th opportunity.

Our school year is drawing to a close and we would like to share some successes that were made possible through your support:

Graduation: Nine students will graduate and receive their hard-earned diplomas next week. Our next report will share the full graduation story and photos.

Tutoring Program Expands: In addition to our free after-school tutoring by teachers and volunteers, Ocean Academy students also tutor and support each other in the Peer-Tutoring Program.  Rotary Interact Club members go to the primary school weekly to tutor and read to the younger children.

Textbook Rental Program: We noticed that many students were going the entire year without textbooks because the city bookstore would run out of copies, or because some families struggled with the added expense of traveling to the city and buying new textbooks.  Students can now rent most of their books on campus for a fraction of the price. Your donations will buy more class sets.

Aquatic Tourism P.E.: In Scuba Diving class, six students earned Advanced certificates and one earned Open Water. Five students and an administrator certified as Reef Technicians. Other aquatic choices include Fly Fishing, Kayaking, Sailing and Windsurfing.  With these skills, islander students can get top aquatics jobs right out of high school.

Global Giving Matching Day Details

• When: Wednesday June 13, 2012
• Time: Starts at 12:01 EDT (donate early to ensure your contribution is fully matched)
• Matching: 40% on donations up to $1000
• Bonus Prizes: The organization that raises the most funds will receive $1000 extra from Global Giving. The organization with the most unique donors also receives $1000

Links:

• Ocean Academy school website
• Student Thank-You Video
• The Vancouver Province: article about Founder Joni Valencia