Roatan Island: the 2010 Marine Biology Trip

The Marine Biology teacher, Mrs. Debra Walton, and the 16 students in this year’s class ventured to Roatan Island, Honduras, this April. While there, they enjoyed a week of learning, scuba diving, snorkeling, and sun bathing.

On Saturday April 10th, the students met at the Delta Check-In at the Columbus International Airport. Although the line was fairly long and no one was looking forward to the lengthy plane ride, the excitement on their faces was palpable.

For some students, this trip would be the first time they had ever traveled outside the country. However, for junior Andrew Siders, the trip was particularly special. While entering the plane, he mentioned to the flight attendant that it was his first time flying, and he asked for a pair of wings. However, the flight attendant decided to above and beyond the call of duty. She escorted him to the cockpit where he was introduced to both pilots and allowed to sit in the captain’s seat. For most first-time flyers, that would be enough in itself; but the captain then asked if Andrew would like to be upgraded to first class. Of course, Andrew said yes. “I was pretty nervous at first,” commented Siders; “Speaking to the pilot and the stewards comforted me very quickly.”

The first few days flew by quickly for many of the Marine Biology students. On Sunday, many experienced for the first time what it felt like to be scuba diving. Feelings were mixed as students began to jump into the water. “I was surprisingly not nervous,” commented Amy Gibson. However, junior Jack Price admitted that at first he “was a little nervous, because if something were to happen, you’re still 90 feet from the surface.”

Fortunately, soon after the students entered the water, a lot of their previous trepidation disappeared. With the help of the Dive Masters, Frank and Mrs. Walton, the class’s adventurous week of exploring the underwater world got underway. Throughout the week, the students enjoyed various dives, including one where they reached a depth of over 90 feet and appreciated the sights of many sea creatures and a sunken ship. “It felt like you were in a totally different world,” remembers Price. “It was absolutely incredible.”

Although scuba diving was an amazing experience for the students, they found that their most memorable times happened above the surface. “The most intense moment was the dance night,” said junior Nathan Deskins. “Everyone in our class was going crazy, and no other people at the resort were really dancing.” All the WC students joined in for a tropical island version of the Ohio classic “Hang on Sloopy” and, of course, the conga line. Michelle Laws and Josh Petrel were crowned The Anthony’s Key Resort Limbo King and Queen! Also, the class enjoyed performances from fire dancers, a tribal dance form.

Many students enjoyed being exposed to the exotic wildlife on the island. During one special excursion to Maya Key, the class was introduced to many animals, including many colorful parrots, anteaters, jaguars, and a very curious monkey named George.

When students returned to the main island, they were also able to interact with the dolphins at the resort or go on a horseback ride along the beach. “The dolphin training was really interesting,” commented Emily Englehart. “We were able not only to swim with them but also to learn about how they respond to different signals and rewards.” While Emily was training the dolphins, Blake Miller was having an entirely different experience: “My favorite part of the trip was riding my horse, Scorpion.” Miller later added that he also enjoyed “racing with Jacobs’s horse, Sapolche, on the beach.”

For an outsider looking in, this Marine Biology trip could look like it was all fun and games. However, in reality, the students learned a great deal about the marine environment and conservation during their stay. Every day, the class attended a seminar with a Marine Biologist, and through these seminars, the students’ view of the underwater world was definitely altered. “It was nice to be able to learn about the environment we would be diving in before we went out,” said Jack Price. “Plus, our teacher explained it in an easy-to-understand way.”

During their stay on the Island, the students and chaperones made an impact on the local children. Two times throughout the week they set apart some of their “sacred” free time to go and interact with the young children. Students had songs, crafts, and testimonies prepared. Even with a language barrier, they shared the love of Jesus Christ.

Throughout the week, not only did they learn more about the amazing world that God created, but they bonded as a class. “I think we all got closer as a group,” added Jake Berlin. The Marine Biology trip to Roatan Island, Honduras, was an amazing experience for teachers and students alike. It wasn’t something that any of them are likely to forget.