During the annual summit there were two candidates for Diver of the Year and the Social Media Team voted and thought the other candidate Jennisea Whitaker deserved to be the spotlight recipient. Here is the write up submitted by one of our NABS members.
Jennisea became an open water diver at the age of 17 and has continuously advanced her skills, achieving advanced open water certification and now pursuing her rescue diver certification. Her dedication to promoting diving extends beyond the water, as she actively serves on the Social Media Committee for NABS. In this role, she engages the next generation on NABS’ social media platforms, inspiring them to become members and take an interest in scuba diving. Additionally, Jennisea is an integral part of the Summit Committee, where she serves as the Activities Coordinator, ensuring the summit is fun and engaging for participants of all ages. Her leadership and passion for diving continue to create lasting impacts within the community. Jennisea has been a trailblazer in the diving community, becoming the first to initiate the Next Generation of Divers program. Her passion for diving and commitment to expanding its reach led her to attend multiple summits, where she actively participated in discussions and strategies to grow the sport. She took her dedication further by volunteering for community outreach initiatives, traveling to local schools in other countries to introduce students to the world of diving. She regularly provides training and educational activities, offering workshops on diving safety, conservation, and basic diving skills for both individuals and NABS club members. Jennisea’s influence extends to her home city, where she founded the Atlanta chapter of Southern SeaQuestions at just 18 years old. Through this organization, she has created a platform to inspire and encourage the next generation of divers, fostering a love for the ocean and diving at both local and national levels. Her efforts in community outreach, hands-on workshops, and educational programs have made a lasting impact on young aspiring divers and seasoned club members alike. Jennisea’s journey in scuba diving has been deeply intertwined with her personal growth, ultimately shaping her path to obtaining her PharmD from Mercer University. Scuba diving taught her invaluable lessons in discipline, focus, and perseverance—qualities that were essential during her rigorous academic journey. The calm and clarity she experienced underwater helped her manage stress, stay grounded, and develop a resilience that carried over into her studies. As she advanced in diving, the challenges she overcame in the depths mirrored the academic challenges she faced, reinforcing her belief that with determination, no goal is too deep to reach. Scuba diving not only fueled her passion for exploration but also became a cornerstone in her success, providing the mental fortitude and perspective needed to thrive in her pharmacy career. Jennisea serves on the Summit Committee as the Activities Coordinator, where she plays a crucial role in planning and organizing events that ensure the summit is engaging and enjoyable for participants of all ages. Her creativity and dedication have helped shape diverse activities catering to different skill levels and interests, fostering community and inclusivity within the diving group. Through her leadership, Jennisea has been instrumental in making each summit a memorable experience, promoting both fun and learning in an atmosphere that celebrates the passion for scuba diving. Jennisea has been a dedicated lifetime member of NABS since the age of 17, actively contributing to the organization in various capacities. Over the years, she has attended numerous summits, gaining valuable insights and sharing her passion for diving with fellow members. Jennisea has also spoken at NABS presidents’ meetings, where she played a key role in helping bridge the generational gap within the community, fostering better communication and collaboration between different age groups. Her contributions to the Social Media Committee have been significant, as she has worked tirelessly to energize NABS’ social media presence, increasing engagement and attracting new members to the organization. I know there are applicants with more dives logged, but Jennisea’s passion cannot be overlooked. From the moment she became a diver at the age of 17, she has dedicated herself to advancing her skills and inspiring and mentoring the next generation of divers. Her leadership in community outreach, commitment to growing NABS’ social media presence, and ability to bridge the generational divide show that her impact goes far beyond her dive count. It is time we recognize and celebrate our next generation of divers, and Jennisea stands at the forefront of this movement with her unwavering passion, leadership, and vision for the future of our community.
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