2024 - 2025 High School Interns
Logan Berk is a sophomore at Coronado High School and enjoys playing basketball, baseball, beach volleyball, and indoor volleyball. In his first year at CHS, Logan was involved in Debate Club, Interact Club, Finance Club, and Emerald Keepers. Logan was an active member of Emerald Keepers in Coronado Middle School and looks forward to continuing with Emerald Keepers throughout high school.
“It is important to be an Emerald Keeper as everyone needs to act now to protect our beaches, trees, air, and water. I enjoy playing CHS beach volleyball, but everyday at the beach I see the problems with ocean sewage and trash. On my bike ride to school I see the problems with traffic that make our air polluted. At school, I see students using too much plastic and not knowing what to recycle. On my neighborhood dog walks I see more and more plastic grass replacing plants. We can’t wait thinking these problems will get fixed on their own. ”
Liza Delach is an honor-roll senior at Cathedral Catholic High School and a third-year intern with the Emerald Keepers. She is an ASB captain, varsity swimmer, and president of both the National Chinese Honor Society and the Human Rights Club. Additionally, Liza is a member of the National Honor Society, National Science Honor Society, and National English Honor Society. She loves surfing and baking, and plans to pursue a degree in global politics with a minor in environmental sustainability in college.
“It’s important to be an Emerald Keeper because it is imperative that we preserve and protect our environment for years to come”
Greyson Glorieux is senior at Coronado High School. He is a four-year varsity volleyball player and NHS member.
“it is important to be an Emerald Keeper because we as humans need to do a better job taking care of our planet. Spreading awareness on how to do that is a big step in towards making real change.”
Trey Gregory is a junior at Coronado High School. He is on the sailing team as well as a sailing coach for junior sailors. He is a member of the Junior Optimist Club, Coronado High School Academic League, and the secretary of the CHS Emerald Keepers Club. He also serves as the CMC of the NJROTC program at Coronado High School. Trey is also a Boy Scout and has earned the rank of Life Scout, and is a member of the Order of the Arrow. He loves being outdoors, especially in the water, whenever he can. He plans to pursue a degree in aerospace engineering or mechanical engineering.
“Being an Emerald Keeper is important because we need to protect our home. The Earth relies on us and our community to protect it, and every small action we take makes a difference.”
Dhara Jost is a junior 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 Emerald Keepers, Surfrider and the Crochet Club, where she is the co-president. She is also a member of the National Honor Society. She has completed a summer internship at PAWS as a social media intern and has interned in a veterinarian clinic as well. She loves to read and spend time with her pets in her spare time. Dhara hopes to turn her love for the environment into a career in environmental science or law.
“It is important to be an Emerald Keeper to educate and lead others into keeping our environment a safe and clean place.”
Charlotte Kuite is a senior at Coronado High School She is a varsity cheerleader, vice president of Emerald Keepers Club, and the president of Younglife. Charlotte is also a leader for Wyldlife, a middle school youth group. Charlotte wants to work with animals or the planet and is planning to study environmental science.
“It is important to be an Emerald Keeper because there are so many people on our planet that do not know that plastic is harmful or how to recycle properly, and Emerald Keepers gives that learning opportunity to everyone. People can learn, and everyone can start to make a difference. ”
Alexa Maldonado is a senior at Coronado High School. She is a varsity cheerleader and attended the CoSA School of Dance for two years. Alexa is a dedicated member of NHS and the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council (SSAC). She has earned the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish and is currently working to earn the Seal of Civic Engagement. Alexa plans on going to a four-year college after graduation to pursue a career in business.
“It is important to be an Emerald Keeper because we become an example to others how to live a more sustainable and environmentally conscious life.”
Luciano Mancilla is a senior at Coronado High School and has a passion for wildlife and visual arts. He is enrolled in multiple AP and honors courses and various extracurricular activities, such as CoSA Visual Arts, the National Honor Society, and Stop the Sewage club. Luciano plans to pursue a career involving both sciences and the arts, wanting to help visually spread knowledge and awareness about new scientific discoveries, countless species of wildlife, and how to maintain healthy ecosystems around the globe.
“It’s important as an Emerald Keeper to spread eco-friendly knowledge in the most widespread and easy to understand ways possible to keep our environment as healthy as can be.
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Eleanor McLellan is a junior at Coronado High School. She is the treasurer of the Emerald Keepers Club and is the director of outreach for the CHS UNICEF club. She is also involved in the CHS Interact Club, JOI Club, NHS, and is a CoSA dancer. Eleanor plans to pursue a degree in earth science or political science after graduation.
“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 senior at Coronado High School where she is a member of the CoSA Conservatory of Classical and Contemporary Dance. A fourth year Emerald Keeper’s intern and president of the high school club, Abbie has led intiatives such as the Emerald Green, Ocean Blue Classroom program, Zero Waste project, and single-use plastic reduction ordinance campaign. Abbie is a hard-working student who challenges herself inside and outside of school. She has received awards including the Seal of Biliteracy, Seal of Civic Engagement, and the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Abbie also participates in Girl Scouts, Varsity Cheer, Junior Optimists International, UNICEF, NHS, and Interact. In the future, Abbie plans to pursue dance and kinesiology at a four-year college, while continuing to find ways to advocate for the environment.
“To be an Emerald Keeper is to stand up for our planet and our future. It is critical that we take responsibility in promoting sustainability and preserving our environment.”
Quinn Riebe is a junior at Coronado High School. She is an honor roll student and varsity athlete for the CHS sailing team. Quinn is also involved in National Honor Society, Junior Optimist Club, Coronado Interact, Best Buddies, Hiking Club, and more. Outside of school, Quinn enjoys swimming in the ocean, spending time at the beach, hiking/exploring various national parks, and reading. After graduating, she plans to attend college somewhere on the coast.
“It is important to be an Emerald Keeper because people need to take the initiative to help preserve and protect our planet at risk.”
Kalista Searles, a junior at Coronado High School, participates in a variety of extracurricular activities and sports. She is a varsity soccer player and a member of the swim and surf teams. She was selected to the CUSD Superintendent’s Task Force as a student member and is a member of the National Honor Society. She hopes to attend UCSB to study marine biology or environmental science. Kalista loves traveling around the world and exploring its natural places.
“It’s important to be an Emerald Keeper because it gives me the chance to engage in local projects that protect our environment, spread awareness about sustainable living, and rally the community to take action in preserving the natural beauty of Coronado for years to come.
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Anna Thoms is a freshman at Coronado High School. She plays indoor and beach volleyball at CHS. Anna was a member of the CMS Emerald Keepers club and a part of Junior Optimist Club International. She is also a member of CHS ASB and is excited to take part in even more clubs in high school. Anna loves to read and volunteers at the library in her free time.
“It is important to be an Emerald Keeper because we all have a responsibility to protect and care for our environment. ”
Colin Thoms is an honor roll senior at Coronado High School. He plays beach volleyball, golf, and hockey. He is a member and representative of CHS Emerald Keepers Club and Interact Club. He plans to pursue a degree in environmental science or business after high school.
“It is important to be an Emerald Keeper because our environment’s health directly impacts the well-being of our community and preserving it ensures a sustainable future for everyone.”
Danny Vinegrad is a junior at Coronado High School. As one of the top students in his class, Danny has received many academic excellence awards and the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award. He is a member of NHS, Junior Optimist Club, and Hike Club. He founded and is the president of the Stop the Sewage club where he has been engaged in environmental activism and political outreach. In his free time, Danny enjoys surfing, lifting weights, reading, and playing video games. Danny plans to major in environmental engineering with a minor in business.
“It’s important to be an Emerald Keeper because protecting our environment is not only a lofty goal, but it is an obligation. When we work as individuals we can accomplish much. However, when we all come together as Emerald Keepers, we can have a much greater impact..”
Past Interns - 2023 - 2024
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.”
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, Dylan Berk, Abigail Brownlee, Liza Delach, Daniela Finch, Jack Frances, Cate Gregory, Jesse Hill, Dana Jennings, Emily Kuite, Bailey Mae Manion, Abigail Pearson, Sienna Pearson, Zoe Quast, Jackie Reyes, Zoe Searles, Stella Taherian, Jack Wing
PAST INTERNS - Spring 2022
Emerald Keepers inaugural group of interns for spring semester 2022:
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.
