After training from September through April, a new class of UNH Marine Docents officially graduated last month during a long-awaited, in-person gathering on April 28, 2022. The UNH Marine Docent Program is a volunteer-based marine science education effort managed jointly by NH Sea Grant and UNH Extension. Congratulations to the 8 members of the newest class of UNH Marine Docents!
2021-2022 UNH Marine Docent Class
(pictured above)
Chris Baker
David Belak
Rich Clyborne
Donna Harlan
Beverly Loomis
Stephen Mattin
JB Parrett
Brenda Songer
Thank you to all Marine Docents for your hard work educating the public about marine science topics while keeping it fun for all involved!
If becoming a UNH Marine Docent interests you, please fill out our online Docent Application Form and we’ll notify you with details about joining our upcoming Information Session in August. There is no obligation to enroll in the Marine Docent program if you fill out the form or attend the Information Session.
Marine Docent volunteers earn special recognition for every five years of service with the UNH Marine Docent Program. The following individuals received recognition this year:
5 years
Erin Asselin
Lila Asselin
Dave Canedy
Cheri Dennett
Ron Fortier
Gary Grashow
Lisa Grashow
Nancy Houlihan
Teri Hurley
Len Rochette
Katherine Rollins
Susan Sanderson
Susan Stewart
Ute Tellini
Steve Yevich
10 years
Alan Beede
Laura Byergo
Heather Froumy
Megan Glenn
Laura Hardesty
Ruth Kane
Susan Kaufmann
Richard Kelly
Claire Manes
Kathy Rockwood
15 years
Angela Hiley
20 years
Wendy Beagen
Renae Broderick
Pat de Beer
Charlotte Fardelmann
Bill Kath
Julie Kath
Bob Moynihan
Linda Schier
Arnie Silverstone
25 years
John Adams
Barbara Corbett
Brian Jervis
Carla Marvin
Paula Merritt
The Marine Docent Program also recognizes volunteers for special, annual awards:
New Kid on the Block
The recipient of this award is nominated by their peers and awarded to a Docent who has been with the program for less than 5 years and has contributed significantly to the program in behind-the-scenes planning, in-person involvement, or willingness to step into any role that’s needed.
This year’s award goes to Alice Moriarty, Class of 2020. Alice jumped right in and helped plan our first virtual 2020 Holiday Celebration and Silent Auction. She is currently an instrumental leader in our Summer Library Reading Program, working with libraries to schedule and confirm our Marine Docent visits to libraries throughout the state.
Silver Oyster
The Silver Oyster award is considered a “career” award that is bestowed once in a Docent career. It celebrates a career of “above and beyond the call of duty,” extraordinary commitment and performance as a Docent. Accordingly, a Docent needs to be in the program a minimum of 5 years to be considered for the award. The recipient of this award is nominated by their peers and should clearly stand out in their activity level, contributions, and impact.
This year’s award goes to Barbara Dion, Class of 2015. Barb is the leader of the Marine Mammal SeaTrek Team, Hospitality Committee, and the new Summer Library Reading Program. She was instrumental in creating digital resources for the Marine Mammal Team during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to be a foundational member of our Marine Docent volunteer program.
Barnacles
Barnacle pins are awarded to Marine Docents who have stuck with the program for over 20 years with continued contributions.
This year’s recipients are Donna Melillo, Class of 1999, Edmund Chun-Taite, Class of 2001, Jack McDonough, Class of 2001, and Ann Beattie, Class of 2001.
Director’s Award
The Director’s award is selected by the Marine Docent Program Staff. The recipient of this award has demonstrated stand-out leadership and involvement throughout the past year.
The recipient of this award is Angela Hiley, Class of 2007. Angela has been the chairperson for the Finance Committee, managing Docent Program finances. She encourages our program teams to upgrade their equipment to provide the best experience for our participants as well as manages the request and approval process. In addition to participating as a member of the Marine Mammal SeaTrek team, Angela also contributes to the Digital Docent Doings quarterly newsletter by writing in-depth, personal interviews about Marine Docents and Marine Docent Program history.
Thank you to the Great Bay Discovery Center for graciously opening your doors to the Marine Docent Program for our annual "Swim-up" celebration.
