We were born to manifest the glory that is within us. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.‘ — Marianne Williamson, as quoted by Nelson Mandela Emma Ballard and Josh Baker are inspiring people to make an impact on the world simply by letting their own light shine in their community. Ballard and Baker are 16-year-old juniors at Point Loma’s High Tech High International who have founded the OB Cleanup Crew through their internship at the San Diego Oceans Foundation (SDOF). As part of the internship process, students are asked to complete a project throughout their semester in the work world. Many students opt for small projects that can be completed quickly, but Ballard and Baker decided taking on a larger task that would continue after they graduated would leave a better impression for generations to come. The impression they chose to leave was a selfless act of community service for the environment. During a two-week immersion where Ballard and Baker attended the job site at SDOF for 8 hours a day, the two began to brainstorm ideas on how they could leave a legacy. “We both agreed that bringing awareness to the organization was crucial, as well as the need for more volunteers, and decided to enter the local community,” said Ballard. Ballard contacted the Ocean Beach Town Council to set up a meeting to discuss the OB Cleanup Crew because she felt it was important to have the support of influential community members who could assist with their plans for a mass community project. The two students attended a Town Council meeting where they presented a speech in front of the board members and various other community leaders. They said the response was huge. “Josh and I met a lot of people with wonderful connections and we began planning the first meet-up date,” said Ballard. Ballard and Baker say they chose to start off simple and planned a storm-drain stenciling day. Family, friends, people they met at the Town Council meeting and others they met while canvassing the community came out to help stencil more than seven drains. “Josh and I are nearing the end of our internship through school but we both feel strongly about keeping the club going and remaining involved in the organization,” said Ballard. Future plans for the OB Cleanup Crew include street cleanups, recycling plans for schools, possible snorkeling outings and the continuation of present programs that SDOF offers. Canyon watch hikes are in the works as a way to monitor the upkeep of sewer pipes to avoid a possible pollution disaster in Ocean Beach. Ballard and Baker said their main goal is to get the community involved in the conservation of marine habitat so there is an impact being made in the community. “I have been very impressed with the way these two students have taken this and run with it,” said John Valencia, executive director of SDOF. “This is the exact type of engagement and experience that High Tech High and SDOF hope for with interns,” he said. Since 1984, the SDOF has built a legacy of pioneering grassroots volunteer programs that increase understanding of marine animals, protect ecosystems and provide solutions to environmental challenges. Through their programs, community members of all ages and backgrounds engage in hands-on volunteer work to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of San Diego’s ocean, bays and waterways. “I feel very passionate about the conservation of our natural resources,” said Ballard. “Josh and I love the ocean and consider ourselves to be environmentalists, so we are proud of what we have accomplished,” said Ballard. Each semester, High Tech High sends out over 150 interns to various sites throughout San Diego. While interning at various sites, students work closely with mentors to develop a project that benefits the organization while seizing an opportunity to utilize their academic and creative skills in an authentic setting. Projects like the one that Ballard and Baker have worked on is one example of the many student contributions through this program. High Tech High International is always looking for new mentors/organizations to provide opportunities to students. For information, e-mail Erin Wyatt at [email protected].