By Natasha Randeniya
Mira Costa’s Scuba club received a $3000 check on Jan. 24. The club was happy to receive a check from West Basin, a municipal water district committed to ensuring water reliability for communities.
The scuba club received this check after sending 15 volunteers from their club to a fundraiser that was put on by West Basin, on Oct. 21. The Volunteers that attended this event helped pass out rain barrels. West Basin told the Scuba Club if they sent Volunteers to help pass out the rain barrels that they would be granted a $3000 check from their company.
“I personally enjoyed helping out by giving rain barrels at the event,” said senior outreach coordinator Grace Chen. “I helped pass out the rain barrel lids and helped load some rain barrels into the vehicles. The parking lot was packed with cars even before the event started.”
Since 1947, the West Basin Municipal Water District has played a crucial role in making sure La County has enough water and can handle droughts. They focus on finding new water sources and keeping our groundwater safe. Recently, they showed their dedication to sustainability at an event that also helped out local groups like the Costa Scuba Club.
“I support what West Basin is doing for this community,” said Chen. “West Basin serves the community and therefore, as an ocean advocate, I strongly support this matter.”
Junior Scuba Club President Kevin Conner shared that with the money Scuba Club received as a generous donation from the district, they now have the money to certify two new divers and grant a student an advanced certification. Members of the Scuba Club need a scuba certification to dive because it ensures they have learned necessary safety procedures and skills to dive responsibly. This financial boost not only benefits the club itself but also reflects West Basin’s dedication to supporting community initiatives and fostering skill development among our students.
“The impact of the check was we were able to pay for 2 basic scuba certifications which we raffled off and one additional advanced certification,” said sophomore treasurer Carter Clay. “This allows us to have greater numbers of people diving with us and allows for people to gain access to scuba diving without paying a large fee”
On February 9th, the Scuba Club had a raffle drawing to decide who would get funds for the Scuba certifications. Everyone in the club was put into the raffle and those who volunteered had more chances to win. This raffle showcased how inclusive and rewarding the club is. Marine Science teachers Olie Smith and History teacher Ian Uhalt have been leading the club for three years, making it a popular part of our school where anyone can join to explore the ocean.
“My favorite part of Scuba Club is all of the fun dives we get to go on, ” said the Vice President senior Makaila Purser. “We always learn cool facts about the places we visit to dive and the sea life we might see. It’s really fun and entertaining.”
West Basin’s fundraiser not only benefited the Scuba Club but also showcased their commitment to community engagement. By partnering with local clubs like the Scuba Club and Environmental Club, they demonstrated a holistic approach to improving water usage in Southern California.
“The club impacted me by gathering other certified divers and those that are interested in diving,” said senior event coordinator Kylie Huang. “It feels more like a place where I can share my interests and also learn more about it. I feel grateful for the check because scuba is an expensive hobby. This allows the club to promote scuba diving and its community.”
As a result of this collaboration students such as Freshman Samuel Cantelli, Senior Maddie Johnson, and Sophomore Patrick Bindler were awarded certifications. Cantelli and Johnson received an open water certification worth $750. Patrick Bindler was awarded with the advanced scuba certification that is worth $400. These students can use these certifications to enrich their educational experiences and skill sets.
“I am really excited for my club mates to get certified, because it will mean more of us can meet up to go on dives,” said Senior Ali Custer. “One of the raffle winners is a friend of mine too, and I’m really excited to dive with her once she gets certified.”
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