Jake Ballard was our guest speaker on Thursday, July 23rd at our Kingwood Rotary Club dinner meeting.  He was an amazing speaker...and we were all so impressed by his knowledge of native, wildlife, animal care, natural science and know that this young man is making a difference in the world right now, and will continue to do so!

Last summer, Jake Ballard was preparing to be a freshman at Kingwood High School...but more importantly, he was getting ready for an adventure of a lifetime! 

Jake was one of only 11 students nationwide selected to participate in the JASON’s National Argonaut Program, which is operated in association with National Geographic Society and managed by Sea Research Foundation.  Nationally, there were also 11 teachers selected, and one of the teachers was from Humble ISD.

 

Jake's grandmother, Peggy Davis, had been a guest speaker for our club, so it is exciting that we'll get to hear about her grandson's adventures.

After a national, competitive selection process, Jake traveled to the Cape Eleuthera Institute (CEI) on the island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas in July 2014.  Since 1990, JASON’s National Argonaut Program has provided hands-on, scientific field work to over 460 competitively selected students and educators worldwide, many of whom have gone on to pursue degrees and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Jake participated in an intensive hands-on research experience with resident and visiting scientists focused on a diversity of marine science projects.  In addition to being a leader in the area of marine science and education, CEI also prides itself on modeling sustainable practices.

While in the Bahamas, Jake worked side-by-side with the scientists and was immersed in a sustainable living experience, which is designed to help participants become advocates for sustainable development in their own communities.

Our Kingwood Rotarians were extremely impressed with this wonderful young leader!