UNH Marine Docent Program Welcomes 9 New Members

After training from September 2024 through April 2025, a new class of UNH Marine Docents officially graduated this past spring during a long-awaited, in-person gathering on April 17, 2025. 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 nine members of the newest class of UNH Marine Docents! 

2024-2025 UNH Marine Docent Class

(pictured above from left to right)

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 send you details about our upcoming Information Session on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 10 a.m. in Durham, NH. 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 

10 years 

15 years 

20 years 

25 years 

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 New Kid on the Block award was presented to Elizabeth Stockwood (Class of 2023).

Plunger Award 

The UNH Marine Docent “plunger” is an award given to a Docent who has done something outstanding to “unstick” the program. The definition of “unsticking” the program varies year to year but usually involves some contribution that is not necessarily programmatic, but logistical or planning related, that really helps the program move forward. Nominees should have provided such a service that represents a significant contribution with obvious impacts. This year's Plunger award was presented to Peter Howd (Class of 2020).

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 for 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 Silver Oyster award was presented to Ann Ablowich (Class of 2009).

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 2025 Director's award was presented to Francoise Morison (Class of 2002).

Thank you to the Great Bay Discovery Center for graciously opening your doors to the Marine Docent Program for our annual "Swim-up" celebration.