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Porotesano named NMSAS volunteer of the year

The National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa’s 2014 Volunteer of the Year award goes to Charity Anna Porotesano, a third grade teacher at Matafao Elementary School who also served as one of the four panelists for the recent 2014 Hokule’a high school competition.

 

Porotesano is the Youth Representative on the NMSAS Advisory Council and has continuously volunteered during various Sanctuary-sponsored outreach programs, including co-hosting last year’s Youth Ocean Summit, meeting and greeting cruise ship passengers, promoting the Festival of Sites, and volunteering for the career booth during the 2013 Job Jamboree.

 

In addition to being recognized as the NMSAS Volunteer of the Year, Porotesano has gained favorable mention off island, being selected as an Ambassador for the 2013 Pacific Young Leaders on Disarmament Program by the Federation of American Scientists and the Pacific islands Society. 

 

According to the NMSAS, Porotesano continues to help the Sanctuary connect with people and build relationships with the territory’s residents and visiting tourists, and they are very thankful for her service and dedication.

 

“Charity has been a great advocate for marine conservation in American Samoa, and volunteered at most of our outreach events with a strong message, ensuring our youth are engaged and can help implement programs in the future," said the NMSAS Visitor/Volunteer Coordinator, Tanimalie Letuli.

 

Porotesano graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science from Grinnell College in Iowa. In 2012, the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation recognized her exceptional leadership potential when she was made a Truman Scholar.

 

Porotesano will be honored and recognized during the Capitol Hill Ocean Week set be held in Washington D.C. from June 10-12.