Commissioner Gist Approves Education at Sea Program

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Thursday, December 23, 2010

GoLocalProv Lifestyle Team

The SSV Oliver Hazard Perry, on target to be Rhode Island's official tall ship, has received a stamp of approval from Deborah Gist, R.I. Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, to function as the state’s Education at Sea school ship upon its completion. The floating classroom, overseen by the non-profit organization Oliver Hazard Perry Rhode Island (OHPRI), is headquartered in Newport. “It is a unique and innovative program,” said Gist. “With its new, specially designed, and technology-rich tall ship as its centerpiece, OHPRI is poised to offer a one-of-a-kind educational opportunity for Rhode Island students, particularly students in our urban communities.”

Reading, Writing and Winching

Named for Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry (1785-1819), a South Kingston native and lauded naval war hero, the ship is currently being outfitted at Promet Marine Services in Providence. Upon its anticipated completion in 2013, the 207-foot long, three-masted square rigger will join the select fleet of Class-A size Tall Ships around the world that serve as global ambassadors. “Incorporating at-sea, on-shore, and classroom experiences that transcend regional and cultural boundaries, OHPRI will bring students together to learn about the oceans and the marine environment and it will expose our young people to exciting

maritime and oceanographic careers,” said Gist. “Rhode Island students will benefit from OHPRI through their hands-on learning experiences exploring the Rhode Island estuarine environment.”

Who's On Board

According to OHPRI, both the University of Rhode Island and the Naval Academy Prep School are mulling curriculum that will simultaneously employ the ship for existing scholastic programs and utilize the portable labs that have been designed on board. There are even plans to accommodate public, charter and independent school programs in a shorter session format.

Gist joins many state educators in a shared anticipation for the hands-on approach the ship will offer. “Education at Sea presents an exciting academic opportunity for our students to learn in unique and collaborative ways,” said Gist. “Educational programs such as OHPRI’s will make a significant difference in the learning experiences of our youth.” When completed in 2013, the SSV Oliver Hazard Perry will be the largest, privately owned, active tall ship in America.

Rendering credit: Artist Paul Fuchs/OHPRI
 

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