Monroe County School District was recognized on Aug. 8 as the first NOAA Ocean Guardian school district on the East Coast during a community celebration hosted by United Way of Collier and the Keys, NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the district at the Eco-Discovery Center in Key West.
The day of recognition started with a free family-friendly community event at the NOAA Eco-Discovery Center in Key West, where local kids participated in hands-on activities designed to foster ocean appreciation. An evening event included the proclamation of the district as an Ocean Guardian.
The designation recognizes the district’s commitment to environmental stewardship through hands-on student projects that promote watershed protection, marine conservation and community engagement throughout the Keys.
Through the NOAA Ocean Guardian School initiative, students across Monroe County have participated in projects that connect classroom learning with real-world environmental action, helping protect the ecosystems that define the Keys and foster a culture of conservation among future generations.
“NOAA Ocean Guardian Schools empower the next generation to respect and care for our ocean through programs that protect and improve the health of the local watershed, our ocean, and special areas like national marine sanctuaries,” said John Armor, director of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. “This collaboration demonstrates the power of public and private partnership and has engaged the Florida Keys community in projects that build a culture of marine conservation of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.”
The designation reflects the efforts of students, educators, community organizations and local leaders.
“This recognition celebrates the incredible work happening in our schools and throughout our community,” said Tiffani Mensch, president and CEO of United Way of Collier and the Keys. “Students across the Florida Keys are learning that they have the power to make a difference. Through hands-on stewardship projects, they are developing a deeper connection to our local environment while helping protect the waters and ecosystems that are so important to our way of life.”
More information about the NOAA Ocean Guardian School initiative in Monroe County is at uwcollierkeys.org/ogs. More about the NOAA Ocean Guardian Schools program is at sanctuaries.noaa.gov/education/ocean_guardian/.
