Over 100 students, parents, and teachers attended a first ever 'Youth Science Workshop' held this past Saturday at the Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center in Utulei.

The event was spearheaded by the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa's youth representative on the Sanctuary Advisory Council and the 2014 NMSAS Volunteer of the Year, Charity Porotesano.

According to the NMSAS, the event was a forum to provide tips, advice, mentoring, guidance and success stories to inspire local elementary and high school students to look towards science as a field of study and career path.

Three students pursuing their degrees in natural, environmental, and marine science  shared their stories to encourage upcoming youth to pursue careers in the science field, where there are many opportunities as far as jobs and professional careers in American Samoa.

Samuel Meleisea, a park ranger with the National Park of American Samoa, Casuallen Fale, a water research manager at the AS Environmental Protection Agency, and Charles Miller, an Education Assistant/Scholarship recipient of the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa did a fantastic job inspiring youth at the event, as they shared stories about their educational journeys and advice on how to follow a science path in college.

In addition to the NMSAS, other organizations and agencies that contributed to the event include the Dept. of Youth and Women’s Affairs (DYWA), and the National Park of American Samoa.