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‘Science in the Sanctuary’ students get in the giving spirit for Giving Tuesday

(Photo Courtesy/Mike Beiermeister) Alpena High Freshman Emily Back presents Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Director Katie Wolf with a donation for Giving Tuesday.

Alpena —  Today marks giving Tuesday, the annual celebration of giving back to organizations, programs, causes, and nonprofits that help further communities.

In Alpena, a classroom of high school students made a few of the first donations to a local nonprofit that helps there class operate.

Freshmen at Alpena High School in the first year class ‘Science at the Sanctuary’ donated over 150 dollars to the nonprofit friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

The idea came from freshmen Emily Black. She wanted to urge her classmates to give back to something that’s invested so much into education and stewardship for the students.

“NOAA does a lot of us, and them creating this class with Mr. Caplis, it just made a really good impression on all of the students here, and I think that all of the freshmen who are in these classes have had a really good time this year, and they’re excited to continue on, ” said Black.

Not only will the donations help with more classroom education, funding will be used to further Great Lakes and shipwreck engagement throughout the Sunrise Side. Many of these students are aware of the impact the this type interactive learning has on them and the environment they live in.

“The sanctuary has taught us so much about our lakes, our shipwrecks, our towns, and the history of Alpena, so it’s really important to give back to that and help encourage it to keep going on for the other generations,” said Freshman Hunter Ballor.

“It’s really nice to give back to the community because they’ve done a lot for us, and it’s nice to use your resources to give back what they’ve put into us,” said Freshman Ande Fischer.

If the Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary hits their goal for giving Tuesday. Superintendent Jeff Grey will jump into the Thunder Bay River in a turkey suit.