Meet the Interns 2025-26

Savannah Eisengart

Hi! My name is Savannah Eisengart, and I am a senior here at Riverview! I moved here around 3 years ago from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and have spent a majority of my time at the beach since. My passion for the ocean started when I was little, and my visit to hawaii only deepend that love. I volunteer at MOTE Aquarium, where I get the priviledge of sharing my love for marine life with others! I am so greatful for this oppurtunity to grow my knowledge and work with kids who share the same passion!

Jake Grandusky

Hi, I’m Jake Grandusky, and I’m a senior here at Riverview. From  Lobstering in the Florida Keys to going Tarpon fishing in Charlotte Harbor, Marine life has been something that I’ve always loved from an early age. In my spare time, I enjoy going to the gym, playing basketball and pickleball, watching movies and standup comedy, and hanging out with friends. Additionally, I am also an officer of RHS marine club, as well as a member of Sarasota Baywatch Youth Leadership. With this internship, I’m looking forward to learning the ins and outs of running the aquadome, as well as teaching younger students about Marine life and meeting influential figures in the Sarasota Marine Science community.  

Nate Grandusky

Hi, My name is Nate Grandusky, and I’m a senior at RHS! I’ve been part of the Marine Program since my sophomore year and Marine Science always has fascinated me. For my free time on the water, I like to fish, go on my boat, and take care of our Marine environment by being in the Sarasota Baywatch organization. I also like to play pickleball, basketball, watch movies, and watch football. I hope to teach people about my Marine knowledge and pass down my skills to the younger generation.

Nolan Gross

My name is Nolan Gross and I am a senior at Riverview High school. Organization, discipline, and perseverance are important to mee as I am an extremely hard working student. I am passionate about marine biology and love being out in the ocean. At Riverview, I am part of the Marine Science club and am an intern for the Stars to Starfish internship. I am also part of the Youth Leadership Program with Sarasota Bay Watch. I have taken these opportunities to learn as much as possible as I have always been fascinated by the ocean and marine life.

Megan Haggard

friends and family. I am captain of the Riverview cheer team and have been on the team for four years now. I am grateful to be part of this internship and see what opportunities it will bring.

Cade Lengel

Hi, my name is Cade and I am a senior here at Riverview High School. Iv’e lived in Sarasota my whole life and have always enjoyed the wildlife Florida has to offer. When I was younger, I used to take field trips to the Aquadome and thought about how cool it would be to be an intern here. I’m excited to begin learning more about Florida’s ecosystems and wildlife. I’m looking forward to making new memories and furthering my marine science education.

Luisa Lima

Hi! My name is Luisa, I’m so excited to be an intern for the 25-26 school year. I joined Marine science sophomore year because of my interest for the ocean, most specifically sharks. I absolutely love sharks, my favorite kind are whale sharks. Somethings about me are that I love the color pink and anything to do with bows. I love animals and hope to one day be able to make a difference and help the ones in need.

Ryelee Lococo

Hiii! I’m Ryelee Lococo, I’m a senior at Riverview High School and I’m so excited to be apart of the Stars to Starfish program! I am the Varsity cheer captain here at Riverview and love to cheer on our school while showing my school spirit! I’ve lived in Sarasota my whole life, except for living in Tennessee for two. In my free time I love to volunteer along with going to the beach to tan, vlogg, and hanging out with friends. I am so excited to be a 24’-25’ Stars to Starfish Intern and I am so grateful for the amazing opportunities and experiences to come!

Ella McConnell

Hi! My name is Ella McConnell and Im a senior at Riverview High School. I am beyond excited to be given this opportunity as an intern for the Stars to Starfish Program. I love going to the beach with friends. I have an interest in marine life and cannot wait to learn how to care for them. Im thrilled to be able to teach Elementary students about marine life, and cannot wait to see what this internship brings for me.

Arween Millard

Hi! My name is Arween Millard and I’m a senior here at RHS. I’ve lived in Sarasota my whole life and have always been drawn to the beach and the ocean. One of my favorite things about Florida is how many different species live here and how unique they all are. I’m excited to be part of this program this year and to teach the children about the marine life we have to offer.

Anthony Miller

Hi! My name is Anthony Miller, and I’m a multi-sport athlete here at Riverview High School, while also being an attentive student in all of my classes l. I love spending time outdoors with friends, whether we are at the beach, fishing, or tossing the football around. I have been on the Varsity Football Team here since I was a Freshman and I also compete on the Varsity Track and Field Team. I have a lot of passion for taking care of marine wildlife, so I am very excited and grateful for the opportunities that I have this school year to be in this internship!

Jaxon Nessmith

I’m a senior at Riverview High School and play on the baseball team. I’ve been playing since I was 5 and it’s been a huge part of my life ever since. I was born in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, but moved to Florida when I was 5 and have been here ever since. Baseball is my main focus, but I also really enjoy playing pickleball and going saltwater fishing whenever I get the chance. I spend a lot of my time outside of school training, practicing, and just trying to get better every day. My biggest dream is to play college baseball, and I’m willing to put in the work to make that happen. Sports have taught me a lot about discipline and staying motivated, and I’m excited to see where they take me after high school.

Lauren Olvey

Hi! My name is Lauren Olvey, and I’m a senior at Riverview High School! I’m excited to be a part of Stars to Starfish! I lived in Texas for 13 years and moved to Sarasota about 4 years ago! I joined marine science because I have been interested in the ocean since I was young, and I took on the opportunity to learn more about it! I was a competitive gymnast for 9 years, and I enjoy spending time with family! I’m excited to be a part of the ’25-’26 marine program and grateful for the amazing opportunities/experiences to come!

Gavin Powers

Hello my name is Gavin Powers I am a senior in IB at Riverview Highschool. I have played four years of high school lacrosse which occupies lots of my time. I like to play guitar everyday once I get home, I have always been very musically inclined. My favorite thing to do is hang out with my friends. My favorite place to go is Siesta Key Beach because I grew up going there a lot.

Kylin Rice

Hi, I’m Kylin! I love spending time with kids and making people feel welcome. The beach is my happy place, whether I’m walking along the shore, collecting shells, or spotting marine life. I’m happiest near the water and enjoy sharing that love of the ocean with others. I have lived in FL my whole life, and I love to travel!! I plan to attend FAU and get a degree in social work and child sciences. Im beyond grateful to be given the opportunity to join this internship and cannot wait to see what it will bring to the table.

Katie Rogers

Hi, my name is Katie Rogers! I am an IBCP senior at Riverview High School. I have lived in Sarasota my whole life and have always loved the ocean. In my free time I like to go to the beach and hang out with friends. I visited the aqua dome in elementary school and have been fascinated with it and marine life ever since. I am so excited to be a part of the Stars to Starfish program and eager to educate younger generations through this program as I was in elementary school.

Autumn Ruscoe

Hi, my name is Autumn Ruscoe! I’m a senior at Riverview High School and I’m so excited to be apart of the Stars to Starfish program! I’ve lived in Sarasota, Florida my whole life and have always loved marine life. I love spending my time at the beach, paddle boarding, snorkeling, boating, and watching sunsets. I first came to the Aqua dome in 4th grade on a field trip and immediately knew that I wanted to be apart of the Stars to Starfish program when I was older and now I’m so grateful I get to experience this amazing opportunity!!

Sofie Sepulveda

Hi! My name is Sofie Sepulveda, and I’m a senior at Riverview High School excited to be a Stars to Starfish intern this year. I’ve always been drawn to the ocean, not just for its beauty, but for the incredible diversity of life it holds. I love learning about coral reefs, sea turtles, and how different species interact in their ecosystems. My curiosity about marine animals started when I used to own a turtle, and that experience made me want to learn more about how to care for and protect aquatic life. When I’m not in the AquaDome, you can usually find me playing soccer, paddle boarding, or spending time near the water. I’m looking forward to sharing my passion for the ocean with others and helping to inspire a deeper appreciation for our marine environments.

Michelle Sills-Pender

Hi! I’m Michelle a senior at Riverview high school, and i can’t wait to be a part of this program! Ever since I was little iv always found a interest into any living animal, wither it be something like a cat, to a snake or even a shark! Not only that my dream job is to become a veterinary! So I cant wait to learn more about marine life we have in this program and how to take care of them! 

Andrew Toth

My name is Andrew Toth, and I am a senior at Riverview High School. I have called Sarasota home almost my entire life, and one of the things I love most about living here is the amazing beaches. In my free time, I enjoy playing golf, staying active outdoors, and just embracing everything Florida has to offer. I’m really excited about this internship because I look forward to the opportunity of helping others learn more about the world around us.

Mackenzie Valenza

Hi, my name is Mackenzie Valenza, I have been volunteering in the Aquadome for years before I came to RHS. My passion for marine has always been a key factor in my life, I love the beach and sea creatures. I am president of Marine Club here at Riverview and I am excited for this year to not only teach younger students but to hopefully encourage them to pursue marine studies as well.

Tessa Wilber

Hi!! My name is Tessa! I grew up loving all things related to the ocean, which is what led me to joining Stars to Starfish. I love learning and exploring new things especially when it comes to science. Outside of learning, I love to spend time with my family and friends, going shopping, reading, wandering, playing with my dogs, and exercising. You can always find me at the beach, with my friends, or driving around to random places. I am so excited to be involved in Stars to Starfish! I can’t wait to see where it will take me.