Kingsway Academy Scuba Club members Monice Nazon and Selerstine Fortune can now check rescue diver certification and advanced open water certification off their respective to do lists respectively.

Monice, 17, who has been diving since October 2014, quickly set her sights on becoming a rescue diver, and moved quickly through the ranks completing three PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certifications with Bahamas Divers in less than six months.

"It was all about moving beyond the challenges to both appreciation and respect for the possible dangers of scuba diving. There is definitely the need for total concentration and a healthy dose of humility for strong team spirit," said Monice.

"I am still discovering a whole new world in which nature is largely untouched. Every time I dive, the scenery changes and new marine animals come to greet me. I am more than just aware of my surroundings, I am totally enjoying my underwater visits to reefs and dive sites."

Monice is hoping to next be able to get her Master Diver Card, the highest rank in recreational scuba.

Selerstine Fortune completed advanced open water certification. Selerstine, who began swimming at age eight and swims competitively, took her first dive as a tenth grade student in October 2014 after realizing she could possibly get into diving, during the school's Club Rush, a time when teachers and club leaders promote their club activities.

Selerstine, who has always had a love for the ocean, as well as marine biology and software development, hopes in the future to design technical equipment to allow for easier and more accurate underwater exploration and research. She completed her externship, a program during which eleventh grade students explore field experiences in their career passions, at Dolphin Cay where she teamed up with other students of a similar mindset to monitor the pool filters for the dolphins, and check and adjust the dolphin's environment.

 

Kingsway Academy Scuba Club member Monice Nazon is now a certified rescue diver.

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