By Karen Provazza, Senior Director of Communications and Marketing
Ron and Hannah Plourde share a core value that spans generations in their family: to give back to their community through volunteerism. Ron, a retired captain of the Lawrence, MA police department, spent his career serving his community. His ethics have not wavered in his post-work years — uplifting the community remains a driving force in his life. And, he has ensured that his granddaughter, Hannah, understands the benefits of volunteering, not only for a cause, but personally as well.
Ron began volunteering with Seacoast Science Center’s Marine Mammal Rescue team in 2018. Piquing the interest of Hannah, who has been a life-long shark aficionado, she accompanied her grandfather on response cases and community education outreach events. This deepend her interest in the marine world and helped solidify her plans to pursue studies and a career in marine science field research.
Hannah’s engagement at SSC began before joining Ron on seal response cases. Now a senior at Winnacunnet High School in Hampton, she attended SSC camp as a child. She continued on to become a Counselor in Training and enrolled in our Marine Science Fellowship for High School Students program. Hannah shares that her time at SSC has amplified her passion for sharks and marine studies.
When I asked Hannah how Seacoast Science Center has impacted her on a personal level she shared, “It is such a safe and welcoming place, a place where I instantly felt like I belonged, was valued, and inspired by. For me, barriers were broken… the staff at SSC are amazing mentors and helped me realize the important place that women and girls have S.T.E.M. I hope to be a role model as well some day.”
Hannah, you are a role model! Having overcome major challenges in life, and remaining steadfast on your path to learn and participate in science is an inspiration to us all! Hannah and Ron, you have exemplified the merits of giving back as a family, learning from one another and growing together. We are grateful that you are part of our Seacoast Science Center family.
