Many of the former students I spoke with could still recall the exact critter they were assigned in 4th grade. That memory and their love for nature stayed with them.” — Paul Ronevich.
Paul Ronevich has been working for Splash for a year now as a paid intern, to help him with his Masters program at UC Davis! With 16 years of experience as an environmental science teacher in Pennsylvania, Paul has a wealth of knowledge and also a deep passion for inspiring young minds. Now a UC Davis graduate student in Environmental Policy and Planning, Paul has embarked on an exciting journey with Splash: reconnecting with former students to uncover how their experiences have shaped their lives, careers, and connections to the environment.
“I’ve always believed that hands-on learning can transform how students see the world,” Paul shared. “This project allowed me to see just how deeply Splash’s programs have impacted its students over the years.”
Stories That Stick
As part of Paul’s project, he contacted alumni; he was struck by how vividly they remembered their time at Splash. “One alum still remembered their critter from over a decade ago! It’s proof that experiential learning creates memories that last, and those memories shape how these young people engage with the world.”
Many former students shared how Splash opened their eyes to the beauty of local ecosystems, challenging the idea that nature is only found in far-off places. “They learned that nature isn’t just in the mountains or national parks. It’s right here in our backyards. And that shift in perspective inspired them to protect and appreciate their local environment,” Paul explained.
From Students to Environmental Champions
The stories Paul uncovered are nothing short of inspiring. Former Splash student Meg Hatcher is now majoring in Fire Science and Botany, driven to help combat California’s wildfire crisis. Joaquin Cranmore-Sanchez credits his time as a Splash docent for developing the leadership and communication skills he uses daily at the US Naval Academy. And Liam Mather, deeply passionate about environmental protection, is pursuing a career in environmental law to advocate for conservation efforts.
One particularly heartwarming story is that of Ricardo Ramirez, who once experienced Splash as a student, and now brings his students to Splash field trips, fostering a new generation’s curiosity and love for nature.
“Hearing these stories reminded me why environmental education matters so much,” Paul reflected. “These students are now leaders, advocates, and changemakers because of the seeds planted during their time at Splash.”
Looking Ahead: Paul’s Vision for Environmental Education
Paul’s work with Splash has reinforced his belief in the importance of local environmental education. “We often focus on protecting distant places, but the real change happens when we care for the ecosystems in our communities. Splash is doing that every day, and it’s inspiring to see,” he said.
So, how can the community help continue this mission? According to Paul, it starts with protecting local ecosystems and ensuring every student can access hands-on learning experiences like those offered at Splash. “We need to allow young people to explore, question, and fall in love with the natural world. When they do, they’ll fight to protect it.” Paul’s journey with Sacramento Splash has helped Splash uncover how the past field trips are still shaping the future of environmental stewardship.
Inspired by Paul’s work? Know an alum with a story to share?
Please help us continue to celebrate the lasting impact of Splash by reaching out with alumni stories or supporting our mission. Paul is looking for far more stories to help with this project and Splash’s goal of sharing our impact!