2 Teens Were Naturals for Costa Rica Trip

While many teens did their bit for the environment last summer by tossing their empty soda cans into the family recycling bin, a pair of local students spent five days tromping through a Central American rain forest, dodging howler monkeys and marveling at green sea turtles, to bring home firsthand knowledge about preservation of the environment.

Michael Winsberg, 17, of Woodland Hills, and Caroline Moore-Kochlacs, 15, of Reseda, were among six community service activists nationwide selected as grand prize winners in the 1997 Teens for Environmental Awareness and Management-Sebastian Challenge.

Woodland Hills-based Sebastian International, known for its hair-care products, sponsored the trip to Costa Rica’s Tortuguero rain forest to reward the teens’ community service and turn them into ambassadors for the environment.

Their close encounter with the region’s natural wonders got the desired results.

“There were things there you can’t even imagine,” Caroline said. “I had always said we needed to protect the rain forest, but after experiencing its beauty, I saw why we need to protect it.”

Michael agreed. “I saw the beauty and now want to spread the word about preserving it.”

Michael, a Taft High School senior, has spent the last two years spreading the word about the joys of reading to groups of children at the West Valley Boys & Girls Club. The honor student had answered a call for volunteers to play with young students in the after-school program in Reseda.

After weeks of dribbling basketballs, Michael and fellow volunteer Hali Augusztiny created a reading program that takes them to the library once a week, where Michael says he has “maxed out my library card.” Back at the club, the teens act out scenes from the books and read aloud to the 40 or so kids, who have discovered a love of literature.

“Michael epitomizes what’s good in our teenage community,” said Robert Gross, executive director of the West Valley Boys & Girls Club. “He represents many other teens out there who are dedicated to helping others.”

“I just want kids to acquire a lifelong passion for reading and learning,” Michael said. “They’ll carry it with them throughout their life.”

Caroline’s passion for saving the environment has been nurtured by her mother, Emma, a pastor at a Reseda church, and her father, Peter, who runs the nonprofit Environmental Ministries.

In observance of Earth Day, the Granada Hills High School sophomore assembled a photo and slide show, titled “California Blues,” highlighting the environmental challenges facing Southern California. She presented it to 200 worshipers at Northridge United Methodist Church, who responded by participating in the day’s cleanup efforts.

“It’s wonderful to know I’m helping the world in my own small way,” Caroline said. “My generation is going to have to deal with the Earth’s problems. It makes sense that I get involved with it now.”

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