Starting out in his early teen life, Mr. Carruthers was in a rock band called “Anaheim Flash.” Yes, a rock band. He and his band would play at night clubs, weddings, prom and any social event. His high school years were spent at Palm Beach Lakes High School (then called Twin Lakes High School).

After college this would also be the school where the long lasting friendship of Krupa and Carruthers began. Mr. Krupa was an administrator and teacher at Palm Beach Lakes High School. Although they’ve both forgotten the details of their first meeting, they knew a genuine friendship had started.

”I enjoy being with Mr.Carruthers because everyone thinks I’m his younger brother,” said Mr.Krupa.

After graduating from high school, Mr. Carruthers went on to Palm Beach Atlantic (now Palm Beach Atlantic University) and majored in biology. After completion, he went on to work as a medical technologist for three years, performing test and helping conduct medical experiments. In the 1960’s, the Jacques Cousteau Show sparked Mr. Carruthers’ interest in marine life. This popular show highlighted the diverse and vast life of the underwater world. In 1989, Mr.Carruthers went underwater with two high school seniors for 48 hours. This purpose was for the NOAA project. The NOAA project was to find out if breathing air underwater will cause nitrogen bubbles. And after 48 hours, it was concluded that a very small percentage of the participants in the project received nitrogen bubbles.

”It became a little bit boring due to the cramped space, however it was such a cool experience,” said Mr. Carruthers.

Along with the 48 hours underwater, one of the best things Mr.Carruthers encountered was late night diving. As he dove in in the cool late night waters, bioluminescence was everywhere. Along with this career Mr. Carruthers was also teaching. Then he became a full time teacher.

It’s not difficult for Mr. Carruthers to remember when he first came to teach at Santaluces. It was August 2001, a month before the tragic events of 9/11. Today, Mr. Carruthers teaches marine science honors I and AP biology, he is one of the most admired teachers on campus. Students who’ve never had him as a teacher may tend to think he is strict and stiff. Those who know him, however, enjoy his sarcasm, humor, and teaching style.

”Honestly, every time I enter class I feel comfortable and happy,” said senior Syeda Murshid. ”Mr. Carruthers is also one of the funniest teachers, especially when he smacks the ruler on the desk and scares the life out of everyone.”