Kevin Vaughn
Occupation: Project Manager / Process Engineer & Habitat Diver Rainforest Cafe
My diving certification level: SDI/DAN/PADI Master Instructor / HSA - Handicapped Scuba Instructor
My favorite places to dive: Grand Turk, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Curacao... it's a toss up!
How I got involved in diving: As a kid I was terrified of the water because I lacked good swimming skills. Even as an adult snorkelor I was leary of deep water. I wasn't until I tried scuba and got certified did I develop solid water skills and a comfort in deep water.
Why I started this program: Throughout my years of teaching scuba, kids are my favorite clients because they don't struggle with the embedded fears of most adults. This unique sport demands development of key behaviors kids struggle to develop on their own, including; Good decision making, Attention to detail, Accountability for choices, Teamwork, and Trust. Through this unique "World Class program" we provide struggling kids with a new beginning, new opportunities, and the best adult mentors to enable them to reach for goals beyond their current grasp.
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Jacob Johnson
Occupation: Plant manager for plastic vacuum forming company
My diving certification level: SDI/PADI Open Water Instructor
My favorite place to dive: Anywhere it is warm!
Why I am a part of this program: I enjoy scuba diving. This program helps me to stay involved with the sport and at the same time encourages me to continue learning and experiencing new things. I enjoy working with the kids. I am amazed that once I get to know these kids and put aside all the difficulties and problems that they have in their lives, I can see that these are really really good kids that just need a little extra help to get them to focus on some goals for their future.
How I got involved in diving: My father-in-law got me into the sport shortly after I married his daughter in 2000. Since he owns a timeshare in Cancun and Curacao we have done many dives together on vacation. When I was doing my PADI Rescue Diver class I met Kevin Vaughn. It was the first Rescue Diver class that he had taught, and although the class was a little rough he made it fun and we all had a good time. Kevin also taught my Divemaster class that I thought would never end, but about a year later I was a Divemaster! I later got my Assistant Instructor certification from Kevin. He is the reason that I continued my dive education and he is the reason why I am at the level I am at today.
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Layne Holter
Occupation: Teacher
My diving certification level: SDI/PADI Divemaster. Currently training for Assistant Instructor
My favorite place to dive: Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, Huatulco Mexico and Hawaii.
How I got involved in diving: My diving interests began in 2001 while on a Caribbean cruise. I quickly earned my Open Water certification in 2002 and never looked back!
Why I am a part of this program: I hope to share my love for diving and the vast unexplored underwater world with my future students.
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My diving certification level: SDI/PADI Divemaster
My favorite place to dive: Lake Michigan
How I got involved in diving: I got into diving with my father, but then put it on the back burner for many years. My passion for diving was reignited when my son wanted to learn to dive. Since then we have enjoyed several classes and many weekends together.
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Diving certification level: SDI/PADI Divemaster Currently training for Assistant Instructor
Favorite place to dive: Grand Cayman
How I got involved in diving: My son was a graduate of the 2005 program and what he learned helped to make him the young adult he is today. His involvement and excitement drove me to take the plunge and learn what it was all about. Since then, I have enjoyed every moment beneath the waves.
Why I am part of the program: Volunteerism in this sort of program makes us all better people. This just happens to be one of my passions as well
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My diving certification level: PADI Master Scuba Diver w/Specialties
My favorite place to dive: Illinois inland lakes or anywhere the visibility ois fine!
How I got involved in diving: The program was offered to me when I was in 8th grade at Kimball Middle School in 2006. I was a very shy girl and not so socialable. Our police liaison officer at school asked me if I ever went scuba diving. I really didn't know what he meant as I was thinking skin diving. After being invited to a pool session the light came on. The last thing I remember was putting on my gear and being told by Ty "Don't hold your breath". When i surfaced my life was never the same because I see the world in a whole new way. It was the best experience I had ever enjoyed!
Why I am part of the program: I am a proud graduate of the 2006 program that changed my life. Since the moment of my first lake dive I have seen both the benefits of diving to myself and others. I feel that this program will help teenagers open their eyes that there's more things out there than just school. I believe that they can make a difference in the future of the ocean in their future.
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My diving certification level: PADI Rescue Diver w/Specialties
My favorite place to dive: Illinois inland lakes until I can get anywhere in the Caribbean which is where I truly want to dive!
How I got involved in diving: There are many children/teens out there that just need someone to care for them and guide them towards the right path. Scuba diving is something that virtually no child could ever imagine they would have the opportunity to do. However, though S.T.A.R.S. International we open the door to opportunities beyond their reach and provide them with coaching on multiple levels. Our direct help allows them to acheive something beyond their wildest dreams.
Why I am part of the program: I have always loved to swim and snorkel, so I wondered how much fun it would be if I could only take the next step and learn how to dive. S.T.A.R.S. International provides training in exchange for my volunteer hours. so nothing stopped me from taking the plunge.
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Mike Johnson
My diving certification level: PADI Rescue Diver
My favorite place to dive: Still searching... so many reefs, so little time
How I got involved in diving: While on a trip to Cozumel Mexico in 2008 I took a "try scuba" course and WOW.... I was hooked!
Why I am part of the program: When my kids (five of them) were growing up, I enjoyed being involved coaching and helping run the sports programs they were involved in. Now that they are "all grown up", I miss being involved with helping youth develop life skills through organized activities. Add this to my love of diving and you can "count me in!"
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My diving certification level: PADI Advanced Open Water w/Specialties
My favorite place to dive: St. John U.S.V.I.
How I got involved in diving: I have known Kevin Vaughn (Director) for many years and he graciously allowed my son "Nick" to have the opportunity to go through the 2007 program at age 13 when he was struggling with school. I got to see first-hand how this program can change lives, and I wanted to be a part of that and make a difference in the lives of our future leaders.
Why I am part of the program: Once my son "Nick" got certified and I saw how fun it was, I knew I had to certified too so that we could have something we could do together for years to come.
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Mark W. Niewoehner
Occupation: Current Graduate
School Student and Scuba Instructor
My diving certification
level: SDI Open Water,Specialty and CPROX1st/AED
Instructor, SSI Advanced Open Water Instructor, PADI Open Water, Specialty and EFR 1st Aid/CPR/AED Instructor
My favorite place to
dive: Almost all of them are favorites but top honors are
tied between, the outside wall and inner crater of Molokini Island off Maui AND
Aspen Extreme in the Bahamas. The white sand spills over the edge into
the D-E-E-P Trench giving it the appearance of snow on a ski slope.
Oh yeah, . . . and then there were the Shark feed dives at
Bull Run in the Bahamas, . . .
Why I am a
part of this program: Earlier in life as a Flight
Instructor, I enjoyed watching someone learn a new skill that I taught them.
Now as a Scuba Instructor I derive that same sense of personal
satisfaction from watching students become divers, and the process is much
shorter than becoming a pilot. Somewhere during the process it is
apparent to me they've become independent divers. Kids and students who
have struggled to get there are so much more satisfying because they've worked
to overcome challenges and obstacles that others who had it come naturally to
them haven't had to conquer. I do it for the looks on their faces when
they've finished. This program allows me to experience the satisfaction I
get from teaching my passion for diving and offer it to kids who can benefit
the most. Hopefully my work will pass along that passion for the
underwater world and use it as a focus to guide them for the rest of their
lives.
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Phil Seils
Occupation: Sr.Implementation Manager and Technical Support Specialist
My diving certification
level: PADI Master Scuba Diver w/Specialties
My favorite place to
dive:
Why I am a
part of this program: I love to dive and I love helping with dive training. I have met some of the students from this program and I believe that it does a great deal of good. So, it just seemed to make sense to combine activities that I love with a program that will help others.
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My diving certification level: PADI Rescue Diver w/Specialties
My favorite place to dive: Haigh Quarry
How I got involved in diving: I am a graduate of the S.T.A.R.S. 2007 program and during the program S.T.A.R.S. helped me make it through high school despite the pressures of being a teenager, while giving me an incredible new hobby. I want to give that same experience to as many other struggling students as I can.
Why I am part of the program: I was nominated into the S.T.A.R.S. program by the Larkin Center.
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My diving certification level: PADI Rescue Diver w/Specialties
My favorite place to dive: Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands with Provo Turtle Divers
How I got involved in diving: I am a graduate of the S.T.A.R.S. 2007 program and when I was in the 8th grade Officer Mendez wanted me to do something a little different, more challenging,and adventuresome so I accepted his nomination to the program. The program S.T.A.R.S. helped me come out of my shell (if being in my shell is possible). Four years later here I am and I cannot stay away.
Why I am part of the program: I got involved with S.T.A.R.S. after being nominated by the police liaison officer at Kimball Middle School during 8th grade. This program helped me a lot and I just want to give back the learning experience and help others get what I got from it.
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My diving certification level: PADI Advanced Open Water w/Specialties
My favorite place to dive: St. Kitts or any where "Tropical"
How I got involved in diving: I have always loved being in and around the water. By joining this program I not only get to spend time with others that share the same joy, but I get to help introduce new and exciting world to others through mentoring.
Why I am part of the program: I was a lifeguard and swim instructor for many summers while in high school and college. While on a summer vacation I took an "Intro to Scuba" class through a resort and I was INSTANTLY hooked! I signed up for scuba lessons a few months later and I am getting deeper into the sport each year.
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My diving certification level: PADI Master Scuba Diver w/Specialties
My favorite place to dive: Puerto Rico.. my first place to go diving outside the domestic US.
How I got involved in diving: I am a graduate of the S.T.A.R.S. 2007 program, and afterwards I figured I would take a hold of the opportunity of possibly becoming a part of this unique group and get involved, and maybe someday becoming an instructor.
Why I am part of the program: I got into scuba diving while going through the year-long program, but I always loved the water. Scuba diving would just make swimming more intense and enjoyable.
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My diving certification level: SDI Open Water Diver student
My favorite place to dive: Right now.... the bath tub at home, but that will change
How I got involved in diving: I was part of the S.T.A.R.S. staff from nearly the inception in 2006. I enjoyed the activities and designing the program, but I never really got the diving association and benefits until I completed my confined water skills last fall with Kevin. Granted, I didn't finish my certification yet, but I will get it done in 2010 for sure.
Why I am part of the program: I enjoy working with the kids and making the connection with them. I think this program is great for ALL participants. Everyone involved is able to learn some important elements that they are able to apply to their life outside of diving.
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My diving certification level: PADI Rescue Diver w/Specialties
My favorite place to dive: Pearl Lake
How I got involved in diving: I am a graduate of the S.T.A.R.S. 2006 program and during the program S.T.A.R.S. helped me gain confidence in the water and find something I can enjoy as a family with my mom. I want to continue to dive and learn from the program while mentoring others that get this amazing opportunity!
Why I am part of the program: I got involved with S.T.A.R.S. after being nominated by the Director of the Program who knew my mom.
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My diving certification level: PADI Open Water Diver
My favorite place to dive: Pearl Lake for the moment, looking forward to diving in Hawaii in January.
How I got involved in diving: Through S.T.A.R.S. International. I love to travel and just returned from Cabo and Greece. I enjoy the self development activities and how the various skills we teach (along with Scuba diving) which help youth mature and make better decisions. I never really understood the value in the diving component until last summer after I completed my certification. I get it now, and more kids need to.
Why I am part of the program: I am a graduate of Elgin Community College and University of Notre Dame. Prior to becoming involved with S.T.A.R.S. I volunteered with the Boys N Girls Club of Elgin. Three years ago my brother Gil got me involved and I like seeing how diving has made a difference in their lives. As registered nurse it is just another way for me to help my community and keep kids from potentially getting hurt on the streets.
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My diving certification level: SDI/PADI/DAN/TDI Technical Instructor
My favorite place to dive: Caribbean or South Pacific
How I got involved in diving: I began diving in 2001 and quickly fell in love with the sport. In 2004, I became a PADI instructor. Quickly afterwards, I came to believe there was a better approach to diving than what was currently being taught and I began to design my own courses to augment the standard ones being offered. I was fortunate to have been trained in skill mastery and team diving concepts by some of the greatest instructors in the world. I found this was the way I wanted to dive and teach my classes. .
Why I am part of the program: As a farther of two daughters I have a passion for kids already. Becoming involved with S.T.A.R.S. allowed me to combine my two passions and bring this spectacular sport to who I hope will be tomorrow's guardians of the sea.
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My diving certification level: TDI Nitrox Diver w/Specialties
Why I am part of the program: To pass along my experiences to the next generation, and help them see, enjoy, and respect the underwater world.
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My diving certification level: NACD Full Cave
Why I am part of the program: Just helping out where I can!
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My diving certification level: Not in my lifetime
Why I am part of the program: Just helping out where I can when asked to be a part of this!
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My diving certification level: Viewer
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