A team from Waimea High School is one of 12 teams from eight schools statewide competing in this weekend’s National Ocean Sciences Bowl’s Aloha Bowl at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. The Waimea team is split between experienced and
A team from Waimea High School is one of 12 teams from eight schools statewide competing in this weekend’s National Ocean Sciences Bowl’s Aloha Bowl at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa.
The Waimea team is split between experienced and inexperienced with Kainalu Barino and Ty Shitanaka making their second appearance alongside rookie teammates Tatum Gonzalves and Mark Guirao.
“It’s a great experience for the kids,” said science teacher Carlene Barber, who prepared them for the competition for the last month.
“We studied marine biology books, biology and chemistry books and looked at the online questions on Nation Ocean Sciences Bowl site.”
The NOSB is a program of the Consortium for Oceanic Research and Education based in Washington, D.C.
This is the fifth year for the bowl in Hawai‘i.
The winning team moves on to face 24 other regional champions in the 10th Annual National Ocean Sciences Bowl April 28-30 at Stony Brook University in New York.
Maui High School teams have won every year in Hawai‘i.
“The students competing in the National Ocean Sciences Bowl are exceptionally brilliant and are what make this such a special and prestigious program,” CORE president Richard D. West said in a release. “These students are the future stewards of our oceans and CORE hopes that this experience stays with them throughout their lives.”
Approximately 2,000 students from more than 400 high schools will participate this year. Through this educational forum, the NOSB strives to encourage and support the next generation of marine scientists, policy makers, teachers, explorers, researchers, technicians, environmental advocates and informed citizens.
“Watching these students participate at such a high level in marine and ocean sciences gives me comfort in knowing that these are tomorrow’s leaders,” said Dr. Pat Cooper, regional coordinator of the Aloha Bowl.
Kealakehe High School, University Laboratory School, Farrington and Kaimuki are each sending two teams while Kalani, Maui, Big Island and ‘Iolani high schools are each sending one.
• Lanaly Cabalo, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 237) or lcabalo@kauaipubco.com.
