MAY PEN, Clarendon — Head of the Science Department at Porus High School Luke McKenzie has been awarded an Earthwatch Fellowship by the Teach Earth USA Programme, according to a news release from bauxite/alumina company Jamalco.

Funded by the Alcoa Foundation, the fellowship will allow McKenzie to participate in a one-week scientific expedition called Climate Change at Arctic Edge from July 10-20.

The exercise will involve scientific field research and education.

McKenzie, who also teaches mathematics, is elated at being the first participant from Jamaica. He expressed gratitude to Jamalco for providing the opportunity for teachers from areas in which it operates to apply for the fellowship, adding that it promoses to be a beneficial experience.

“I know that the first-hand information which will be gained from the trip will help me to be an agent for attitude change regarding the effects of global warming. It will also help me to educate my colleagues, students and community about how their actions impact the environment,” he stated in the essay accompanying his application.

Principal of Porus High Michael Stewart also thanked Jamalco. He said the possibility of being selected for such fellowships has helped to boost staff morale.

This is the first year that Alcoa Foundation and Earthwatch have partnered on the Kevin Anton Community Educators Grant to provide educators from Alcoa communities the opportunity to participate in an Earthwatch Expedition through the Teach Earth USA Programme.