Stockbridge FFA students learn about Marine Biology in Key Largo

by Kaden Carpenter and Bob Richards

On November 9th in the wee hours of the morning, members of the Stockbridge FFA chapter boarded a plane bound for Fort Lauderdale, Florida. These kids weren’t going on vacation, they were going to an educational laboratory in Key Largo. This educational lab, MarineLab, is located on the coast of Key Largo, right next to the Florida Bay.

The MarineLab program has been educating students and teachers about the ocean since 1985.  Over 5,000 participants each year from over 150 schools representing multiple states attend our highly regarded immersive programs in Key Largo, Florida

Over the past twelve years several different Stockbridge Jr/Sr High School classes have attended MarineLab with mentor Robert Richards. MarineLabs mission is to promote ocean conservation through education and research.

While at MarineLab, the FFA members participated in a series of labs and snorkeling expeditions to learn more about the ocean and marine science. Senior FFA member Kaden Carpenter, who is on track to become a marine biologist, recounts her experiences, “It was an experience of a lifetime and a great insight into my future. I really enjoyed the Mote Marine Laboratory giving us the opportunity to help restore coral.”

Stockbridge wasn’t the only school at MarineLab, however. Other schools from Florida and Texas were also in attendance. Junior FFA member Logan Hollenbeck describes how these schools impacted him, “It was an amazing opportunity to bond with these other schools over our shared interest in marine science.” These connections the Stockbridge FFA members built with those other schools will impact them for the rest of their lives.

Thank you to everyone who supported the Stockbridge FFA chapter in their marine science endeavor. Your generosity and assistance helped make this experience possible. If you would like any more information on Stockbridge FFA or the MarineLab trip, please visit our Facebook page – Stockbridge FFA.

FFA members pose with restored coral fragments. From L-R: Brock Rochow (Jr), Jason Gruber (Sr), Alayna Adkins (Jr), Kaden Carpenter (Sr), Eliana Johnson (Jr), Logan Hollenbeck (Jr)

Junior Eliana Johnson poses with a sea star.

Stockbridge students examining specimens collected during their field experience.

Stockbridge students Jason Gruber and Brock Rochow looking for jellyfish eggs.

Stockbridge students visited the Turtle Hospital on their last day in Florida to lean about rescuing and rehabbing sea turtles. (LtoR) Brock Rochow, Jason Gruber, Eliana Johnson, Alayna Adkins, Kaden Carpenter and Logan Hollenbeck.