This expansion was designed to provide the support students need in the higher grade levels, when peer pressure is the greatest. The cost of this program is supported entirely by community donations and through fund raising efforts coordinated by Avalon Station. Deputy Burt Lyon, the S.T.A.R. instructor for Avalon Schools, is assigned to Avalon Station and not from the Department's S. T.A.R. Unit. His familiarity with the local youth allows him to identify and adjust the program to better meet the needs of our youth. This dive will benefit the Avalon S.T.A.R. program and the Catalina Island Hyperbaric Chamber.
Scuba divers search for submerged gold stars which are exchanged for prizes.
The dive is held during the summer each year at the Casino Point Underwater Dive Park. There is food and raffle prizes, all are welcome and everyone has a great time. Catalina Island is noted for having one of the most beautiful and challenging courses for 10K runs and marathons in the country. Deputy Henry was an Avalon Deputy who succumbed to a lung disorder, which was a result from his exposure to toxic fumes that were given off by a Navy F-18 fighter which crashed on the Island June 17, 1984. Deputy Henry's name is now a part of the Sheriff's Memorial in Whittier.