Elementary School’s partnership with organization continues virtually
Panola Way Elementary School third grade students had an opportunity to have some face-time with SeaWorld representatives.
On Dec. 3, SeaWorld Curator of Rescue Jon “JP” Peterson and Events, and Festivals Art Director Felipe Rivera spoke with students via Skype about their work with SeaWorld and to support the students’ science unit on pollution. Panola Way partnered with SeaWorld in the 2018-19 school year to discover ways to prevent pollution.
Third grade teacher Sharon Thomas said she visited Peterson and SeaWorld’s rescue team last summer. SeaWorld and its partners have rescued and assisted more than 36,000 animals affected by pollution. Peterson has helped rescue thousands of animals in his 20-year career, according to SeaWorld, and Rivera find ways to protect the planet through art.
Last year, Rivera created the park’s first Christmas tree using 10,000 plastic bottles collected by park employees. The two men discussed their work with Panola Way students and students had an opportunity to ask questions.
Principal Corey Stegall, Ed.D. thanked Peterson and Rivera for making the school’s curriculum come to life.
“It’s great to have you guys partner with Panola Way and we’re grateful for this second year of partnership,” Stegall said. “We’re grateful for all of the wonderful things [SeaWorld is] doing and we’re going to continue to make sure that we are doing our part on our end, so that we can make a mark that cannot be erased, one student at a time.”
Contributed by Carla Parker