Oak Harbor High School Teacher Recounts Inspiring Journey to Antarctica

Posted Date: 1/17/25 (4:21 PM)

teacher in antartica with penguin colony

Oak Harbor High School science teacher Zac Sawhill recently returned from a trip to the edge of the earth, Antarctica, as part of the Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship through Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic.

“Antarctica is the most perspective-challenging place I have ever been,” said Sawhill. “Everywhere you look, nature defies expectations. Each day, I encountered something either too big or too small to imagine, and it was far more incredible than I could have ever known without seeing it in person.”

The expedition provided a wealth of experiences that will now enrich his teaching. With firsthand knowledge of marine organisms, the ocean, and Antarctica’s unique environmental conditions, Sawhill shared he is eager to bring these lessons to the classroom. “I return with stories to share, new lessons to develop, and incredible pictures to inspire my students,” he said.

He also shared his perspective on the vast landscapes and organisms big and small that he encountered on his journey. "Much of Antarctica is lifeless ice fields that ends with jagged mountains. However, right around the corner, there can be multi-thousand strong colonies of penguins with their accompanying cacophony and smell. These penguins, along with many species of whales, seals, and seabirds, thrive with almost no visible food. Yet, just beneath the surface are krill and phytoplankton in such abundance that the entire food web is supported."

Community members interested in hearing more about his Antarctic expedition are invited to a special presentation at the Sno-Isle Library on February 27 at 4:00 p.m. The event is open to all and promises to be an inspiring glimpse into one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.

Zac on a boat in antartica with an iceberg behind him