Candlewood MS Students Author Book On Sea Turtle Rescue And Rehabilitation

MELVILLE, NY — Seventeen Candlewood Middle School students wrote and illustrated a book about their experiences working with the New York Marine Rescue Center (NYMRC) to rescue and rehabilitate injured sea turtles, Canon U.S.A., Inc. announced in a news release.

The Half Hollow Hills School District students' book, titled "Marvelous Mydas: A Turtle Tale," was the culmination of an environmental science project sponsored by Canon and NYMRC. Canon sponsored a book launch celebration for the students.

The book tells the story of Mydas, an Atlantic green sea turtle, which was released back into the ocean in July 2024. To support this educational program, Canon bound and printed the books so they could be sold by NYMRC. All proceeds from sales of the book will go directly to NYMRC.

"I believe that this program does more than just teach young people about the environment," said Isao "Sammy" Kobayashi, president and CEO of Canon U.S.A., Inc., in a news release. "It empowers them. It encourages them to ask questions, and to take action. It teaches them that each of us has the potential to make a difference. These students are not just passive observers — they are active participants in the conservation movement, and through their book, they are sharing their message with others. And Canon is glad to be a sponsor of this very important student program."

The event featured speeches from NYMRC leadership about the importance of environmental conservation, school administrators to recognize the students’ incredible academic accomplishment, and Kobayashi about innovative technology and why Canon is focused on investing in local environmental empowerment programs.

Students then held a ceremonial book signing for their parents and teachers and were shown photos of Mydas’ movements since July in a special photo slideshow. In addition, the students got the chance to tour the new Production Customer Experience Center to see the imagePRESS V1350 digital printer in action as it printed copies of the book they created.

"These students’ dedication to this incredible project was nothing short of inspiring, and clearly exhibited their ongoing passion for protecting the environment and making the world a better place for all," said Melissa Watkins, science teacher at Candlewood Middle School. "The opportunity to engage in real-world environmental conservation while honing their writing skills has been a transformative experience. On top of being rewarding, seeing their hard work published in a professionally printed book instills in them a sense of accomplishment and purpose. We are grateful to Canon U.S.A., Inc. and the New York Marine Rescue Center for making this initiative possible and for empowering our students to become advocates for ocean life."

The NYMRC is a rescue and rehabilitation organization that promotes marine conservation. Its mission is to preserve and protect the marine environment through conservation efforts including rescue, rehabilitation, education, and research. The organization features responders who help sick or injured seals, sea turtles, dolphins, porpoises, and small toothed whales. It maintains the only marine mammal and sea turtle rehabilitation center in New York state.

Canon has been a longstanding supporter of NYMRC and its efforts as part of its commitment to environmental conservation and protecting wildlife.

Releasing the sea turtle capped off an eight-month rehabilitation journey led by the NYMRC in Riverhead. After being rescued, the turtle was brought to the center’s facilities to receive further restorative treatment.

Canon representatives, scientists from the NYMRC, community volunteers, and students from the Half Hollow Hills School District were all in attendance to cheer for the turtle as Marvelous Mydas was released back into the ocean at Robert Moses State Park last summer.

"This exciting annual initiative goes beyond conservation — it’s about education, awareness, and inspiring the next generation," said Maxine Montello, executive director of the New York Marine Rescue Center. "With Canon’s generous support, we can rescue and rehabilitate injured sea turtles as well as track their progress as they return to the ocean. Seeing students take such an active role in sharing these stories gives us hope for the future of marine conservation. Their book is a testament to the power of education in protecting our planet’s most vulnerable species."

The book will be available for sale at NYMRC’s gift shop and online through their website. More information is available on Canon and NYMRC initiatives.