Marine Institute Deserves Support

A writer from Dana Point (June 21) compares the free programs offered to schoolchildren by the Monterey Bay Aquarium to the fees for programs charged by the Orange County Marine Institute (“Keeping Marine Institute’s Mission Afloat,” op-ed, July 21). In fairness to the Marine Institute, I feel their contributions to our local schools should be also recognized.

To all students with special needs at Richard Henry Dana Exceptional Needs Facility, the institute provides a free visiting classroom program. This past spring, the institute also donated a marine-themed T-shirt to every first- through sixth-grade student and teacher in this school (all 550 of them). As one of the pilot schools for their new “Science Television” program, third- through fifth-grade students were involved in a sophisticated, interactive science and technology program that, even a year later, they are still talking about. Marine Institute staff also collaborated in the development of our school’s home page on the World Wide Web and provided online expertise to our students as they researched and posted information on whale migration, red tides and local sea life.

The Marine Institute’s educational programs are in-depth, quality offerings as good as any I have ever seen. When fees are charged, they are reasonable and full value is returned to the students.

MICHAEL E. HOY

Principal

Richard Henry Dana Elementary School

Dana Point

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As a professor of marine science and oceanography at Saddleback College, I have followed the progressive growth of the Orange County Marine Institute and in many cases worked directly with them on specific projects.

The Orange County Marine Institute is associated with some of the most accomplished marine biologists in the world. As one example, Woods Hole oceanographer Robert Ballered, discoverer of the HMS Titanic, sits on the board of directors and was recently recorded as saying, “The institute combines sound science with creative instruction. . . . That’s why places like the Marine Institute are so vitally important.”

It should also be noted that the Marine Institute’s primary mission is educational in nature. As such, their qualifications are very impressive. At least five professional educators with advanced degrees sit on the board.

The Orange County Marine Institute is a fine organization performing a valuable service to the community at no direct expense to the taxpayer. They deserve our support and our children [deserve] the unique marine educational programs they offer.

JOSEPH J. VALENCIC

Mission Viejo