Meets Town Council and students to hear inspiring miniboat story

Two students of Queen Elizabeth High School, Conception Bay South have captured the attention of His Excellency, Ambassador Eamonn McKee, who today visited the town to hear their inspiring story of launching a miniboat off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador that eventually made its way to Ireland.

In 2018, the Raven KASTER miniboat was launched off the Grand Banks by Conception Bay South students Kaitlyn Grandy and Stephanie Evans. The Raven KASTER spent 102 days in the North Atlantic Ocean, finally landing in Achill Island, on the west coast of Ireland, and found by a local fisherman. What started out as a hands-on class project to teach students about climate change, currents, and the ocean environment, has now turned into an incredible ocean science adventure with the duo planning a trip to Ireland to relaunch their miniboat on a new journey.

Members of Council, students, and invited guests greeted His Excellency for a special luncheon at the Manuels River Hibernia Interpretation Centre to learn more about the miniboat’s future relaunch plans set for 2023. Deputy Mayor Andrea Gosse introduced Ambassador Eamonn McKee to the community and shared stories of Conception Bay South’s plans, projects and heritage.

“It’s truly an honour to host Ambassador Eamonn McKee in Conception Bay South to provide him the opportunity to see and learn about our beautiful town. The miniboat project has captured a global audience and has put Conception Bay South and its talented residents front and centre. Kaitlyn and Stephanie’s miniboat story has inspired many young people to learn more about science and technology, marine careers, and the opportunities provided by our province’s School of Ocean Technology at the Fisheries and Marine Institute. We are very proud of their accomplishments and will certainly be tracking the Raven KASTER on its next exciting adventure,” said Deputy Mayor Andrea Gosse.

“Our main goal is to make connections in Ireland to develop an ocean sciences curriculum that links the two countries together. I am a strong proponent of authentic, hands-on, experiential learning. Students launch miniboats that journey across the North Atlantic to gather data from sensors to learn more about the ocean’s impact on our ecosystem. Experiential learning opportunities are a great way to encourage youth to be invested in their education,” said Tom Sheppard, teacher and volunteer for Educational Passages who is working with the students on this project.

To learn more about you can support and follow the Raven KASTER on its journey, please visit educationalpassages.org/boats/raven-kaster/

With a population of more than 27,000, Conception Bay South is the second largest municipality in Newfoundland and Labrador. As a growing community on the edge of nature, the town offers a unique blend of urban and rural living, and is a community of choice for families wanting to establish long-term roots. Conception Bay South is open for business and offers more opportunity, and ocean view, per square foot.