Mat-Su Career and Technical High School Wins Tsunami Bowl For Third Year In A Row

WASILLA — On Saturday, February 18, students from Mat-Su Career and Technical High School from Wasilla, AK won the Tsunami Bowl, a regional ocean science academic competition that is part of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB). The Tsunami Bowl, which was held at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, is part of a nationwide competition that tests students’ knowledge of ocean science disciplines through buzzer-style, multiple-choice questions and open-ended, team-challenge questions. The Mat-Su Career and Technical High School team (which has won the Tsunami Bowl three years in a row) will join winners from 24 other regional bowls April 20-23 at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon for the NOSB Finals. Students on the championship team include Luke Arthur, Jacob Cucinello, Cade Johnstone, Sarah Montalbano, and Leah Wyzykowski. They are coached by Deanna Arthur.

The NOSB is building our next generation of marine scientists, policy makers, teachers, explorers, researchers, technicians, environmental advocates, and informed citizens by educating them in timely and relevant ocean science topics that are already a part of our future. This year’s theme is Blue Energy: Powering the Planet With Our Ocean. The continuous movement of surface winds, tides, and currents, as well as differences in salinity and temperature, offer a naturally abundant source of energy from the sea that can generate power. Marine renewable energy can be one of the many solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, preserving our way of life and securing a healthy and productive ocean for the generations to come.

“We’re thrilled to have kicked off our 20th year of competitions,” said Kristen Yarincik, Director of the NOSB at the Consortium for Ocean Leadership. “It is the high quality and caliber of participating students, coaches, and volunteers who make this program possible – this year and for the last 19 – and I look forward to seeing all of our finalists in Oregon.”

For more information about NOSB, visit www.nosb.org.