2023 - 2024 Interns
Dylan Berk is a life-long Islander and current senior at Coronado High School. In addition to playing CHS baseball and beach volleyball, Dylan is a member of the National Honor Society, president of Interact Club, and president of the CHS Emerald Keepers Club. Outside of school Dylan enjoys exploring nature and has hiked Half Dome, Mount Whitney, Zion, and the Grand Canyon. Dylan plans to pursue a degree in environmental economics or environmental studies after graduating CHS.
“I think it is important to be an Emerald Keeper to encourage everyone to protect our local and global environment for the future for our planet.”
Olivia Chavez is a senior at Coronado High School. She is the founder and president of the Surfrider Foundation Club at CHS, and is the Coronado School of the Arts Student Council President. Olivia is a part of the CoSA Instrumental Music Conservatory, where she plays piano and flute. She loves to spend time at the Coronado Public Library, where she works and volunteers. Olivia plans to study environmental science and sustainable economics.
“I think it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because we have the resources and responsibility to create a more sustainable future”
Hannah Cohen is an extremely involved senior at Coronado High School. She is the senior class vice president as well as an officer in a variety of clubs such as NHS, Activism Book Club, Civic Engagement Club, Model U.N, and more. She has won the Gold President’s Volunteer Service Award and, upon graduation, will receive the California State Seal of Civic Engagement. Hannah hopes to major in political science in college.
“I think it is important to be an Emerald Keeper as I have loved my experience growing up in the beautiful Coronado, but if we don’t take care of our island, future generations won’t be able to experience it”
Liza Delach is a multi-sport athlete and honor roll junior at Cathedral Catholic High School. She is president of two clubs and one honor society (the National Chinese Honor Society, Beach Protection Program, and Human Rights Club) and is also a member of the California Scholarship Federation, ASB and the National Honor Society. In her free time, Liza loves to surf and bake. She hopes to major in international business with a minor in environmental sustainability.
“I think it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because through a group of dedicated and driven individuals, reducing, reusing, recycling, and rethinking are all made possible to better the future of our environment.”
Colin Duncan is an honor roll senior at Francis Parker School. He is a member of the varsity volleyball team and plays trumpet for the school. He is also a member of the Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra. He serves on the leadership council of Teen Volunteers in Action, and is also a member of the National Honors Society.
“My grandmother, Dr. Margaret McCahill, has been talking to me about the environment since I was a toddler. Her focus within Laudato Si has been to educate San Diego area high school and college students about things that they can do right now to start reversing the devastating harm our environment has suffered. I long have admired her efforts, especially the idea that every individual has an obligation to do their part, and that they can make a meaningful difference immediately. This is exactly what it means to be an Emerald Keeper, and it is essential to the success of any environmental action.”
Tara Duncan is an honor roll senior at Francis Parker High School who loves the ocean. She is president of the FPS Mutt Scouts Club (which is dedicated to help rescue dogs), captain of the varsity softball team, and a member of the varsity volleyball team. Outside of school, Tara enjoys swimming in the ocean, snorkeling, playing beach volleyball, and volunteering around San Diego through an organization called Female Athlete Volunteers.
““I think that it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because Coronado is a place that showcases nature’s beauty, and in order to preserve it, as many people as possible should dedicate themselves to creating a cleaner, less polluted environment”
Jack Elardo is a member of the Coronado High School National Honor Society and an avid water polo player for the CHS Varsity Boy’s Water Polo Team and the La Jolla United Water Polo Club. Over the past two summers, Jack has worked as a City of Coronado Beach Lifeguard Assistant. Jack enjoys running businesses to raise money for the Coronado Schools Foundation and volunteering with the Old Goats Kids Who Care organization to help others in need.
“I love Coronado. I enjoy nature, especially the Pacific Ocean and Glorietta Bay. I want these things to be here for many generations to come. We need to educate and encourage others to engage in sustainable practices to preserve our waterways and our beautiful city”
Cate Gregory is a senior at Coronado High School. She is a member of the Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA) dance conservatory, and is a science writing intern at the UCSD Supercomputer Center. Cate is also treasurer of the CHS Emerald Keepers Club and holds officer position in many other clubs on campus including Interact, Junior Optimists, and UNICEF. She has thoroughly enjoyed composting, gardening, and working to establish a zero-waste program at Coronado High School with Emerald Keepers. Cate plans to major in environmental science in college, and hopes to work in the field of environmental policy.
“Being an Emerald Keeper is important, because we only have one Earth, so we need to do all we can to protect it.”
Dhara Jost is a sophomore at Coronado High School. She plays varsity golf and lacrosse and is part of the surf team. She is a straight-A student who works very hard. Dhara is a member of numerous clubs on campus, including Junior Optimists and Emerald Keepers and is the co-president of the Crochet Club. She also completed a summer internship at Paws as a social media intern. She loves to read in her spare time, has a book review blog and volunteers at the Coronado Library during the summer. In the future, she hopes to combine her love and sensitivity for the environment with a career in environmental science/engineering or law.
“I think it is important to be an Emerald Keeper to educate and lead others to keep our environment a safe and clean place.”
Charlotte Kuite is a track athlete and the president of the Young Life club at our school. Charlotte is also a leader for Wyldlife, and she is the historian for the CHS Emerald Keepers Club. Charlotte wants to further her education through environmental science and become a park ranger when she is older to try and learn more about the planet and what happens with animals and plants.
“I think it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because we are surrounded by a very large body of water and we live where lots of people visit for vacation. I feel the two do not mix because with people constantly visiting they leave lots of trash and plastic behind. I think it would be important to spread awareness about the Emerald Keepers program to help clean up the environment so that we are able to do our part and keep our beaches clean.”
Maria Laguna is a senior at Coronado High School. Outside of her advanced classes, Laguna holds leadership positions in many clubs (including a secretary position in the CHS Emerald Keepers Club) that demonstrate her passion for literature and civic engagement. Additionally, Laguna is an author at The Coronado Times newspaper and plans to study journalism in college.
“I believe it’s important to be an Emerald Keeper because it inspires you to practice sustainability and environmental activism in your day-to-day life”
Alexa Maldonado is a varsity cheerleader and dancer at Coronado High School. Currently, as a junior, she is an active member of CHS Emerald Keepers and Civic Engagement Club. Alexa plans to attend a four-year collage majoring in business marketing, when she graduates.
“I think it is valuable to be an Emerald Keeper because we are a part of Mother Nature, so we must help keep our home beautiful.”
Bailey Mae Manion is a senior at Coronado High School and is a third year intern. She is a member of various organizations and clubs at CHS such as Coronado School of the Arts, Varsity Cheer, JOI, CHS Dance Team, UNICEF, NHS, and Emerald Keepers. She is an active participant and vice president of the Emerald Keepers Club, and looks forward to improving the sustainability of Coronado. Bailey plans on entering the field of biomedical or environmental engineering.
“I believe it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because it inspires others to become more environmentally sustainable and take care of our planet.”
Luciano Mancilla is a Coronado High School junior. He is a currently enrolled in Coronado School of the Arts/CoSA Visual Arts department and is an Islander awards student, who has participated in Emerald Keepers art events for 3-4 years. He plans to pursue a career involving visual arts and/or zoological branches of science to help the environment and wildlife.
“I believe it is important to be an Emerald Keeper to help keep our environment, wildlife, and our planet clean and healthy, because there’s always something you or anyone else can do to help out.”
Troy Martin is senior at Coronado High School. He is an aspiring filmmaker and fourth year student in the Coronado School of the Arts film program, with work that has been nominated for the Coronado Film Festival. He is vice president of the Jewish Culture Club. Outside of school, he enjoys skateboarding, making movies, and hanging out with friends. Troy plans to pursue a degree in Film and Television Production
“We are all citizens of the world, and it’s important to do our civic duty of caring for the earth.”
Eleanor McLellan is a Coronado High School sophomore. She is involved in the Emerald Keepers CHS Club and is the director of outreach for the UNICEF club. She is also a member of the Coronado School of the Arts Conservatory for Classical and Contemporary Dance. Eleanor plans to pursue a degree in earth science or evolutionary biology after graduation.
“I believe that it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because we all must put in an effort to ensure the long-term health of the planet”
Abigail Pearson is a junior in CoSA dance at Coronado High School. She is a hard-working student who challenges herself inside and outside of school. Abbie also participates in Girl Scouts, Varsity Cheer, Junior Optimists International, UNICEF, NHS, and Interact. This year, Abbie will be a co-president of the Emerald Keeper club at CHS and hopes to finish certifying CUSD schools as Emerald, Green Ocean Blue.
“Being an Emerald Keeper is crucial because there is no longer time to wait for someone else to take initiative in helping the environment.”
Colin Thoms is an honor-roll junior at Coronado High School. He plays beach volleyball, basketball, and lacrosse. He loves to surf, scuba, and fish in his free time. He went on a 10-day Maui Turtle Rescue Initiative to help protect and rehabilitate Maui’s local green sea turtle population. He is part of the CHS Emerald Keepers Club and is taking classes such as AP environmental science and marine biology. In college, he wants to get a degree in marine sciences.
“I think it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because everyone needs to focus and help preserve and save the planet for future generation”
PAST INTERNS
2022-2023
Caitlin Andrade is a junior at Canyon Hills High School. She plays varsity soccer and golf. She is a honors student taking multiple AP and honor classes. She volunteers by being a member of the Key Club at her school and volunteers at the Coronado Library in the summer.
“I think it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because our planet needs our help and without it our planet will die. By doing small actions that are good for our environment you are helping to save our planet and giving the next generations a chance.”
Dylan Berk is a life-long Islander and current junior at Coronado High School. In addition to playing CHS baseball and beach volleyball, Dylan is a member of National Honor Society and secretary of Interact Club. Outside of school Dylan enjoys exploring nature around the planet including hiking Half Dome, Mount Whitney, and the Grand Canyon. Dylan plans to pursue a degree in environmental studies or economics.
"I think it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because we need everyone protecting our environment both locally and globally to ensure a healthy future for our planet.”
Abigail Brownlee is a senior at Coronado High School. She is passionate about art, yoga, nature, and the future of our environment. Her paintings often depict nature, the most recent three are displayed in Emerald C Art Gallery. Abigail plans to study earth and environmental sciences in college, and hopefully go on to teach high school.
“I think it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because it is up to us and our generation to improve the state our planet.”
Liza Delach is a Coronado resident who is a sophomore at Cathedral Catholic High School. She is a multi-sport athlete (varsity swimmer, JV water polo, JV tennis) and holds deep respect for the environment and loves to hangout with friends, bake, surf and be at the beach. Liza hopes to major in Marine Biology in college.
“I think it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because it is essential to give back and help our environment. It is vital for it’s future.”
Daniela Finch is a senior at Coronado High School and a member of the Coronado School of the Arts dance conservatory as well as various clubs and teams such as the CHS dance team, Emerald Keepers, National Honors Society, UNICEF, and JOI. She is a competitor dancer outside of school and hopes to pursue dance in the future as well as major in engineering. She enjoys learning about the environment as well as how to be sustainable.
“Being an Emerald Keeper is important because it allows for growth within the community through sustainability.”
Jack Frances is an honor roll student and senior at Coronado High School where he takes a vested interest in his education and the bettering of his community. Frances is an active member of the Coronado Chapter of the National Honor Society and Executive Commissioner of Finance for the CHS ASB. Jack is a sociable young man who plans to use his passion for the environment and knack for finance to pursue higher education in Environmental Private Investment.
"I believe that it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because our planet has been taking care of us for so long, it’s our turn to take care of it!"
Cate Gregory is a high achieving junior at Coronado High School. She is currently a member of the Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA) dance conservatory, as well as the Coronado High School dance team. Cate also participates in Interact Club as Vice President, Junior Optimists Club as External Director of Outreach, UNICEF as Event Coordinator, and Student 2 Student in addition to being a member of CHS Emerald Keepers Club. Cate has thoroughly enjoyed helping compost in the garden. Outside of school, she plays piano and participates in Girl Scouts. Cate hopes to major in Environmental Science in college.
“I believe that it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because it is is critical to take action within the certain state of our environment.”
Jesse Hill is a senior at Coronado High School. She is Senior class president and president of the Coronado High School Emerald Keeper’s club. She is passionate about the environment and plans to pursue a career that practices sustainability on a daily basis.
“I think it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because I am fortunate and lucky enough to live in such a naturally beautiful place; it is important to preserve this place's beauty by doing your part.”
Dana Jennings is a senior at Coronado High School. She is a varsity athlete on the cross country and track teams and an honors student. She is an active member of the CHS Emerald Keepers Club. Dana is passionate about keeping our earth clean and green!
“I think it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because our earth needs lots of special care and attention, and we as Emerald Keepers are helping to give it the attention it needs.”
Emily Kuite is vice president of the CHS run Emerald Keepers club. She has been on varsity soccer for 4 years at the high school as well as participating in club soccer. She spends every other Saturday at the CHS Emerald Keepers garden, composting and gardening.
“I think that it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because it makes you feel accomplished in doing your part to help the environment”
Bailey Mae Manion is a Junior at Coronado High School. She is a member of various organizations and clubs at CHS such as Coronado School of the Arts, Varsity Cheer, JOI, CHS Dance Team, UNICEF, NHS, and Emerald Keepers. She is an active participant in the Emerald Keepers Club and is looking forward to bettering the environment. Bailey plans on entering the field of Computer Science Engineering and Environmental and Sustainability sciences.
“I believe it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because it empowers people to be responsible for the future of our planet.”
Abigail Pearson is a sophomore in CoSA dance at Coronado High School. She is a hard working student who challenges herself inside and outside of school. She trains in numerous styles of dance and is a part of the competitive ensemble team for Aspire Dance Company. This year, Abbie will be a traveling Protege for the dance competition, KAR. Abbie has been a Girl Scout since kindergarten and is currently working towards her Gold Award. She hopes to partner with Emerald Keepers to make all of Village Elementary certified as Emerald Green Ocean Blue. Currently, Abbie is a part of CHS Emerald Keepers, Junior Optimists International, UNICEF, and the Interact Club.
“Being an Emerald Keeper promotes personal and societal development that is crucial for the coming generations of our world to sustain the planet and environment.”
Sienna Pearson is a senior at Coronado High School. She has received eleven Islander Awards during the last three years. Sienna is a part of CoSA Dance and Aspire Dance Company. She is also an active member of CHS Emerald Keepers Club, UNICEF Club, Young Democrats Club, JOI Club, Interact Club, NHS, and Girl Scouts. She loves to travel and hike so she can take in all the wonders our Earth has to offer.
“I think it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because working to protect the environment is investing in our future.”
Zoe Quast is a senior at Coronado High School. She is an honors student and Editor-in-Chief at CHS's Islander Times. She has been a scuba diver for 7 years and has logged over 80 dives, including diving in locations such as Honduras and Fiji. This is her second year as an EK intern.
“I think it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because our community has the resources and responsibility to be a force for good when it comes to protecting the environment, and we should all be a part of making that vision happen.”
Jackie Reyes is a senior at Coronado High school. She is an honors student and hard working athlete. She is an active participant in many clubs at CHS including CHS Emerald Keepers, and strives to help keep the Earth green! Jackie plans to go pre-med in her future years and eventually travel the world.
“I believe it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because we need to do all that we can to protect the Earth. By making small contributions, we can work together to create a cleaner community as well as a better Earth.”
Zoe Searles participates in a variety of clubs and teams. In the academic world, she is the president of Students for Environment which promotes awareness of endangered species and the climate crisis. This is the second year that the club has been working toward making our community better. She is one of two student representative on the School Site Council where she works closely with administration to decide on important issues related to academic success. She participates in Academic League weekly to compete in educational trivia games with other schools. She is in the National Honors Society as well as the Emerald Keepers club. On the sports side, she recently won 5th at state champions for the CHS surf team and took first place in San Diego county for the 2021-2022 season. Zoe plans to major in mathematics with a minor in environmental sciences upon graduation.
“It is important to be an Emerald Keeper because as humans, we all have a responsibility to do what we can do help manage pollution in our town and care for the earth as it cares for us.”
Stella Taherian is competitive sailing athlete and honor roll senior at Coronado High School. She is a member of the CHS Emerald Keepers Club and is Vice president of Students 4 Environmental Club. Stella plans to pursue a degree in Environmental Engineering or Marine biology upon graduation. Stella's hobbies include taking care of her 50+ plants, sailing, surfing and rock climbing.
“I think it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because our oceans and surrounding conditions are very important. As a Emerald Keeper, I look out for coastal community of Coronado by cleaning up waste, and focusing on the materials and energy I use. I also think it's incredibly important to be conscious of the ways we affect our local environment and have a positive mindset for the future of our special little town!”
Jack Wing is a senior at Coronado High School. He is the president of the CHS robotics club. Jack plans to major in mechanical engineering or computer science after graduating.
“I think that being an Emerald Keeper is important because everyone has done something that has been bad for the environment whether or not it was intentional, so we should try to undo what has been done and show others that they are able to help out.”
PAST INTERNS - Spring 2022
Emerald Keepers is delight to introduce our inaugural group of interns for spring semester 2022. Please welcome Abigail Pearson, Bailey Manion, Cate Gregory, Dana Jennings, Daniela Finch, Emily Kuite, Jackie Reyes, Jesse Hill, Mia Gabriel, Sienna Pearson, Sydney Flanagan, and Zoe Quast.
Abigail Pearson is a freshman in CoSA dance at Coronado High School. She is a straight A student who works very hard both inside and outside of school. She trains in numerous styles of dance and is a part of the competitive ensemble team for The Movement Dance Center. She has been a Girl Scout since kindergarten and is currently working towards her Gold Award. At school, Abbie is a part of CHS Emerald Keepers, Junior Optimists International, and the Interact Club.
“It is important to be an Emerald Keeper because it is essential to take initiative in caring for the environment.” – Abigail Pearson
Bailey Mae Manion is a Sophomore at Coronado High School and member of Coronado School of the Arts. She is an active participant in the CHS Emerald Keepers Club and is looking forward to bettering the environment with this club throughout the rest of high school. Bailey plans on entering the field of Computer Science Engineering and Environmental and Sustainability sciences.
“I believe it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because our futures heavily rely on how we all take care of the environment.” – Bailey Manion
Cate Gregory is a high achieving sophomore at Coronado High School. She is currently taking all AP and honors classes and is a member of the Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA) dance conservatory. Cate also participates in Interact Club as a sophomore eepresentative, Junior Optimists Club, and Student 2 Student in addition to being a member of CHS Emerald Keepers Club. She has thoroughly enjoyed helping compost in the garden. Outside of school, Cate plays piano. She is a Girl Scout Senior, having participated in Girl Scouts since she was in kindergarten. During the summer months, Cate enjoys volunteering for the Coronado Public Library’s summer reading program.
“I believe that it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because within the current state of our environment it is critical to take action in order to save our planet.” – Cate Gregory
Dana Jennings is a junior at Coronado High School. She is a varsity athlete on the cross country and track teams and an honors student. She is an active member of the CHS Emerald Keepers Club. Dana is passionate about keeping our earth clean and green!
“I think it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because our earth needs lots of special care and attention, and we as Emerald Keepers are helping to give it the attention it needs.” – Dana Jennings
Daniela Finch is a junior and member of the CoSA dance conservatory at Coronado High School. She dances outside of school on a competitive dance team. She is a member of the CHS Emerald Keepers Club, Interact Club, Junior Optimist Club, and UNICEF Club. She hopes to double major in dance and STEM or engineering.
“It is important to be an Emerald Keeper because it allows for collective growth in the community to forward and promote sustainability.”- Daniela Finch
Emily Kuite is a junior at Coronado High School and vice president of CHS Emerald Keepers Club. She plays varsity soccer, and on the off-season, plays on an elite club soccer team. She loves connecting with people through gardening and composting.
“I think that it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because we need to divert waste from landfills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” – Emily Kuite
Jackie Reyes is a junior at Coronado High School. She is an honors student and hardworking athlete. She is an active participant in many clubs at CHS including CHS Emerald Keepers and strives to help keep the Earth green! Jackie plans to go pre-med in her future years and eventually travel the world.
“I believe it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because we need to do all that we can to protect the Earth. By making small contributions, we can work together to create a cleaner community as well as a better Earth.” - Jackie Reyes
Jesse Hill is a junior at Coronado High School. She is a varsity athlete and a co-captain of the golf team. She is junior class president and president of the Coronado High School Emerald Keeper’s Club. She is passionate about the environment and plans to pursue a career that prioritizes sustainability and the environment.
“I think it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because I am lucky enough to live in such a beautiful place; it is important to preserve its beauty.” - Jesse Hill
Mia Gabriel is a junior at Coronado High School. She has a part-time job and is involved in multiple on-campus clubs. She has been involved in many Junior Optimist events, including multiple bay cleanups and the Souper Bowl of Caring. She is the secretary of the feminist club as well. She is an AP and honors student, and is passionate about nature, the environment, and people. Gabriel plans to pursue a degree in Anthropology and Psychology. One of her personal goals is to grow most of her own food and maintain a small homestead in the country. The ocean has been a big part of her life and is something she cares very much about.
“I think it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because there is only one Earth, and we are reaching the point where there will be no second chances. Now is the time to act. Our home deserves better. The future generations deserve better. It is up to us.” – Mia Gabriel
Sienna Pearson is a junior at Coronado High School. She has received eight Islander Awards during the last two years. Sienna is a part of CoSA Dance and The Movement Dance Center’s competitive ensemble team. She is also an active member of CHS Emerald Keepers Club, UNICEF Club, JOI Club, NHS Club, and Girl Scouts.
“I think it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because how we treat the environment has a direct impact on the next generations’ lives.” – Sienna Pearson
Sydney Flanagan is a freshman at Coronado High School and a two-sport athlete playing volleyball and soccer as goalie. She has 4.0 GPA. Sydney loves animals and enjoys cooking in her spare time.
“The community needs to start caring about our environment because we are going to need to rely on it more in the future.” – Sydney Flanagan
Zoe Quast is a junior at Coronado High School. She is an honors student, member of the CHS Emerald Keepers Club, and writer for CHS’s Islander Times. She loves the ocean and is an avid scuba diver.
“I think it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because nature provides us with countless opportunities and resources, and in return it deserves our protection.” - Zoe Quast
