From Discover Scuba Diving to Divemaster - Connor’s Journey

In the spring of 2023 after a long winter and a great deal of preparation work, Scuba Educational Alliance of Connecticut was set to take our first step in fostering a new generation of ocean stewards. Our journey began with two Discover Scuba Diving sessions at both Platt and Maloney High Schools in Meriden, CT. In early May at Maloney High School, Connor’s journey also began.

In May 2023, Connor Martin was just finishing up his freshman year. An athletic young man and member of the high school diving team with a passion for gymnastics, his enthusiasm for scuba diving was on display from the beginning. Connor’s drive and desire coupled with his comfort in the water resulted in his being awarded one of our first open water training scholarships. He was off and running.

It was apparent from the start that Connor would excel in scuba diving. He demonstrated the discipline and dedication needed to be a confident and competent scuba diver. Additionally, Connor’s commitment to his fellow students created an optimal learning environment. Buddy skills and teamwork are foundational elements of scuba diving and Connor’s commitment to both were on full display throughout the course. In July, Connor became a certified PADI Open Water Scuba Diver.

Connor wasn’t going to stop there. A few weeks later the dive shop was going to Stonington, CT for a night dive and he wasn’t going to miss it. The night dive ignited his desire to continue on with his diving education. It was time to enroll in an advanced course. By the end of the summer, Connor Martin was certified as a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver having braved the deep dive at Brownstone Exploration Park.

Over the course of his sophomore year, Connor continued to participate in various dives with the dive shop. Whether it be with the Dive Against Debris at Fort Wetherill in Rhode Island or other night dives at Stonington, his passion for diving continued to grow. Eager to learn more about all aspects of scuba diving, he started to spend Saturdays at the dive shop getting involved in equipment service and support.  

And that brings us to May 2025 where Connor is finishing his PADI Rescue Diver course and beginning work on the PADI Junior Divemaster program. The plan is for him to complete this course this year as he enters his senior year of high school. In 2026, Connor will not only graduate from Maloney High School, he will also become a PADI Divemaster when he turns eighteen. His plans after high school are to pursue a degree in Marine Biology.

We at the Scuba Educational Alliance of Connecticut are proud of Connor’s accomplishments. This is exactly what we set out to accomplish, foster a new generation of ocean stewards through scuba diving education.