This year, we proudly spotlight two extraordinary individuals—Julissa Brown and Astor Mann—the 2024 Protect Our Pride (POP) scholarship recipients. Their stories are inspiring testaments to the transformative power of diving and community support.
Julissa Brown: Empowered by the Ocean
From an early age, the sea called Julissa, igniting a passion that would shape her future. Her diving journey began with Sun Divers, a well-known dive center dedicated to empowering local girls to become dive masters. Excited to join the Roa-Girls-Dive initiative alongside her niece, Julissa embraced the opportunity to learn and grow. Over three years, she achieved her Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD), Emergency First Response (EFR), and Rescue Diver certifications, thanks to the unwavering support of Sundivers.
Her dedication led her to work at the Hotel Las Rocas Resort and Dive Center. One day, she was thrilled to hear from Becky of the Roatan Marine Park (RMP), who informed her about opportunities for aspiring Divemasters. With a heart full of ambition, Julissa applied to return to Sun Divers, where her diving adventure had begun. After a month of hard work, she proudly completed her Divemaster course, expressing immense gratitude for the guidance and encouragement she received along the way.
Astor Mann: A Dive Master's Journey
Astor Mann's love for the ocean runs deep. Born and raised on Roatan, he took his first dive in 2021, and his life transformed. The vibrant coral reefs and the marine life, his companions, became his canvas. Now a certified Dive Master, Astor is a shining example of what passion and perseverance can achieve.
As a participant in the POP program, Astor has fully embraced the challenges of his journey. Balancing work with his diving responsibilities has been demanding, but he cherishes every moment. He is grateful to the Roatan Marine Park for their unwavering support and to his instructor, Daniela Salamanca, for her guidance. Working with the Island Diving Center has further enriched his experience. "I encourage my fellow islanders to dive into this incredible world. It's not just about exploring underwater beauty; it opens doors to new opportunities while helping us protect our coral reefs," he shares passionately.
Dive Scholars
Recognizing Achievements and
Looking Ahead
We also want to celebrate Bruce Sánchez, who has successfully completed his PADI Instructor certification through the POP program! While Omar Mejía faced challenges during his physical exam, his commitment to advancing his career remains strong, and he plans to retake the exam soon.
The positive impact of the POP program on aspiring divers like Julissa and Astor reinforces our dedication to supporting their growth. They are not just achieving personal milestones but inspiring others in their communities.
If you feel inspired by their journeys and wish to support local youth in advancing their diving careers and environmental stewardship, consider making a donation. Together, we can empower the next generation of ocean guardians to protect the waters we all cherish.
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