The high school students of Home School Beach Academy (HSBA) in Nosara raised $900 to help electrocuted monkeys as part of a school project.
After learning more about the problem, they decided to organize a Stop the Shocks race on Saturday morning, August 17 on Guiones Beach to raise funds for Nosara Wildlife Refuge and to raise awareness of the problem that monkeys face due to uninsulated power lines.
In the last two months, 57 electrocutions were reported. “We feel successful for raising awareness in the community,” commented 8th grader Shanti Kahlan.
The weather favored the runners with no rain and no oppressive humidity. The sun even peaked out toward the end. About 50 people participated in the race, which included a children’s beach sprint and a 5km and 10km run. First place in the boy’s sprint went to Romeo Stone. Carlos Hernandez won the 5km run, and in the 10km run, Robert Vickers and Hector Zuñiga tied for first place. For the girls, Jessie Carnes won the 5km run and Angie Paterson took first in the 10km.
“I felt a part of the community by helping those in need,” commented 10th grader Kevin Lopez.
Local businesses provided prizes for the winners and for the raffle, and community members supported the effort with baked goods and water stations.
“I am extremely proud of the students for their time and devotion in the organization and running of the event,” affirmed HSBA’s director, Paige Wilson. “So many people came together to support this amazing cause. Even Brenda Bombard (from Nosara Wildlife Refuge) was able to come down to thank the students. We look forward to making this an annual event. Next year’s will be planned for January 2014.”
The kids are also selling T-shirts that they designed with the “Stop the Shocks” slogan for $15 each. For more information, look for Monkeys of Nosara on Facebook or visit nosarawildlife.com
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