Shorecrest Preparatory School and Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Announce Educational Partnership
Partnership to Launch with Community-Wide Event
Shorecrest Preparatory School and Clearwater Marine Aquarium announce an educational partnership that aligns Shorecrest’s community- minded, experiential approach to education with CMA’s leadership in the rescue, rehab and release of marine animals.
According to Shorecrest Headmaster Mike Murphy, “Our partnership with CMA allows students of all ages to engage with experts who can provide real-life experiences and opportunities to participate in meaningful projects. Together we’re able to expand the reach of our campus and curriculum as well as to expand the footprint of the mission and noble work of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.”
As educational partners, Shorecrest brings to CMA its distinguished science faculty, a student body passionate about environmental awareness, and an opportunity for satellite programs in St. Petersburg. Clearwater Marine Aquarium shares with Shorecrest its expertise in marine science education as well as opportunities to co-sponsor community- building events for the greater Tampa Bay Area.
David Yates, CEO of Clearwater Marine Aquarium stated, “A large component to the mission of Clearwater Marine Aquarium is education and we are thrilled to have this opportunity with Shorecrest to invite the community and students of all ages to learn more about the importance of marine life and conservation.”
The official partnership launch will take place Saturday, February 28. Dolphin Tale fans are invited to join CMA at Shorecrest from 2:00-4:00 pm. The family-friendly celebration opens with a screening of the inspiring “If Winter Can I Can” documentary in the Janet Root Theatre at Shorecrest. Following the 20-minute film, families and children take to the Shorecrest science labs for a mock stranding interactive lesson and touch tank exploration with CMA animals and experts. There will be snacks, drinks, goodie bags and photo opportunities with a CMA mascot.
The first 50 children to register receive a Winter plush. Registration is available online at www.shorecrest.org/winter. The event is free and open to the public. Registration required. PLEASE NOTE…due to the overwhelming response, registration is now closed.
Though the partnership does not officially launch until February, CMA has already made valuable contributions to the Shorecrest student experience. Middle Schoolers learned from CMA guest experts who juried the recent Science Fair. Ninth-twelfth grade students had the opportunity to learn about the marine science profession during Shorecrest Career Day on January 30.
About Clearwater Marine Aquarium:
Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working marine rescue center dedicated to inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation and release. CMA is home to rescue dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays, nurse sharks and more. Winter, the dolphin’s story of survival after injury that caused her to lose her tail, has impacted millions of people around the world. A major motion picture, Dolphin Tale, highlighted her life story in 2011. The sequel, Dolphin Tale 2, was released in September 2014 and features the incredible story of Hope, a young resident dolphin of CMA. The mission and potential to change people’s lives differentiates Clearwater Marine Aquarium from any other aquarium in the world.
About Shorecrest:
Founded in 1923, Shorecrest Preparatory School is a PK(3) through 12th grade independent school located in Tampa Bay. By offering its families choice, support, and balance, Shorecrest graduates empathetic, independent thinkers who succeed at the university level, pursue their passions, and lead purposeful lives. Learn more at www.shorecrest.org.