Hayden Schechter

Hayden Schechter is a junior at the Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MAST) where his academic focus has been on environmental science and conservation. He was selected to be a Student Environmental Advocate and Leader (SEAL) by Clean Ocean Action to find solutions and help empower and educate the Jersey Shore community about environmental threats. As a part of this program, he conducted research on nitrogen and phosphorus levels in the Shrewsbury River, wrote an article in The Journal informing people how to reduce nutrient pollution, and educated middle school students about climate change. In addition, Hayden has volunteered for the After School Tutorial Educational Program (ASTEP) and Monmouth Stars Summer Camp where he has tutored disadvantaged elementary school students in STEM coursework, English, and time management skills. At MAST, Hayden is president of the debate club. Within this forum, he encourages an open dialogue about global issues and creates a safe space that encourages inclusion, tolerance, and respectful disagreements. Hayden hopes to extrapolate on his marine science and conservation work by pursuing environmental science and public policy in college to preserve and protect New Jersey’s beautiful coastlines for generations to come.