Caption:ASCC student Valilio Aetonu Jr. departs this week for an internship at the Newfound Harbor Marine Institute in the Florida Keys. (Courtesy Photo)

This pre-professional training internship that Aetonu will attend consists of six to eight weeks of focused training. He will learn boat handling skills and US Coast Guard boating rules to captain oceanic research vessels up to 26 ft. in size. Aetonu will also obtain American Red Cross certifications in Life Guarding, CPR, and Advanced First Aid. He will attend seminars and hands-on training workshops in mangrove ecology, reef fish ecology, coastal ecology, shark biology, coral reef ecology and field techniques, and will participate in teaching techniques seminars, program observations, and team teaching sessions.

Aetonu, a triple major at the ASCC, also takes courses in Agriculture and Natural Resources and Liberal Arts, in addition to Marine Science.  The skills that Aetonu will learn at the Newfound Harbor Marine Institute will not only assist him with his future goals, but also make him a highly skilled and a more effective employee. Aetonu commented, “I feel very honored by getting accepted into this program.  I hope that this opportunity will allow me to return and make a difference here in American Samoa.”

            The NHMI program began in 1970 for the purpose of complementing the Seacamp Association's mission to provide experiential marine science and environmental education opportunities. The NHMI program extends these opportunities into the school year, from early September through late May, for students from 4th grade through college level, as well as teachers. The summer camp program runs from June through August, and includes SCUBA, sailing, board sailing, and arts & crafts to students from 12-17 years of age.

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