Three PUSD Students Help Aquarium of the Pacific During Power Outage

(L-R) Harvey Green, Ethan Upchurch , and Declan Denison (Photo – Emma Green)

Three students from PUSD’s Thurgood Marshall Secondary School helped the Aquarium of the Pacific continue serving visitors during a five-hour power outage last Saturday, July 25.

By Felita Kealing

Declan Denison, Harvey Green, and Ethan Upchurch were volunteering at the aquarium this summer and happened to be scheduled to work when the outage began at approximately 8:15 a.m., just as the morning briefing was about to start.

Although the aquarium’s backup generators kept life support systems running for its most vulnerable animals, the building remained without air conditioning and lighting throughout the outage.

Despite the disruption, the Aquarium of the Pacific opened its outdoor exhibits to the public at 11:00 a.m. The three Marshall students assisted at several locations, including Shark Lagoon, the Sea Lions and Seals exhibit, and the Penguin exhibit. Their efforts helped support staff and welcome visitors throughout the unexpected outage.

The students have each demonstrated a strong commitment to volunteering at the aquarium. This summer marks Declan Denison’s third year as a volunteer, Harvey Green’s second year, and Ethan Upchurch’s first.

Their service during the outage reflected the dedication of Thurgood Marshall Secondary School students and their commitment to supporting the community, even under unexpected circumstances.

The three students at the Aquarium of the Pacific (Photo – Emma Green)