Meet Volunteers Mark Kato and Merrica Cheng

We are grateful for the many volunteers who come month in and out to participate in our beach cleanups. Among those who have been steadfast in lending their hands and time are the members of the Cerritos High School Surfrider Foundation club led by faculty member Mark Kato and club president Merrica Cheng. They recently shared with us about their interest in Surfrider and volunteering.

Can you each please introduce yourselves?

My name is Mark Kato, and I am the AP Environmental Science teacher at Cerritos High School. I have been teaching at Cerritos High for 21 years. I graduated from Cerritos High so I have a deep connection with the school and the community. I have been the Surfrider Foundation club advisor for 7 years.

My name is Merrica Cheng, and I am the president of the Cerritos High School Surfrider Foundation club. I have been an officer for this club since my sophomore year. I have really enjoyed volunteering with my peers throughout my high school career to contribute to environmentalism and the enhancement of our community.

What prompted you to volunteer for Surfrider LB Chapter and how did you get started?

Mark: I am the Surfrider Foundation Club advisor. As a club, we participate in the beach cleanup events throughout the school year.

Merrica: As someone who has always lived a short drive away from the ocean, I have always been inspired to contribute to ocean sustainability and marine life conservation efforts. In the summer of 2021, I started volunteering at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. I noticed that making a difference does not only mean one day of volunteering, but it means endless contributions to ensuring that the community is as green as possible.

Can you tell us about your experience volunteering and how is it a good fit for you?

Mark: I love encouraging high school students to get out of their comfort zone and experience the environment first-hand. As the AP Environmental Science teacher, I teach them environmental principles and practices in the classroom. But it is a different level when they get out on the beach and feel the sand on their feet. It is an unforgettable lesson when they find trash on the sand. They figure out that the environment is worth fighting for.

Merrica: I have always loved inspiring others to volunteer and to give back to their community. As the Surfrider president, I am even more motivated to lead my club to accomplish the exact mission of Surfrider: to protect and enjoy the world's ocean, waves, and beaches for people through a collective network of local chapters. Seeing trash on the beaches and learning about how damaging that is to our neighborhoods is something that has shown me that environmental sustainability is worth fighting for.

What do you personally get out of your volunteer service?

Mark: I like seeing my students get out of the classroom and interacting with their friends. They not only are doing work for a good cause, but they are also having a great time with their peers. I hope that beach cleanups become core memories of their high school years.

Merrica: Watching my peers have fun at the cleanups is the exact reason why I joined the Surfrider Foundation Club. It has always been my dream to inspire others to have the same passion that I have towards the environment and the improvement of our community. I hope that the campus and beach cleanups make a lasting impact on all of the Surfrider members' high school experience!

Is there anything you’d like to add?

Mark: Thanks to Surfrider Foundation for putting on these beach cleanup events for years. Please continue to give the younger generation a chance to experience the beauty of nature, and know why it's important to protect it.

Merrica: It has been so much fun volunteering at the local beach cleanups that the Surfrider Foundation hosts. I am beyond excited to continue working with the Surfrider Foundation for the rest of my senior year and to leave a legacy for the future leaders.