Adam Steckley
4th Annual World Ocean Celebration
4th Annual World Ocean Celebration
Adam Steckley
Ocean Art Workshops
Ocean Art Workshops
Adam Steckley
Biscayne Immersion
Biscayne Immersion
Adam Steckley
That's A Wrap
That's A Wrap
Adam Steckley
Give Miami Day Appreciation
Give Miami Day Appreciation

4th Annual World Ocean Celebration

Engaging youth in ocean conservation is crucial for building a sustainable future. It is the mission of Blue Scholars Initiative to foster ocean stewardship through immersive education programs and dynamic community events, like our recent World Ocean Day Celebration, co-hosted with ARTSail, on Saturday, June 8. The day was a resounding success, bringing together a diverse community in a vibrant tribute to our shared ocean.

During the morning program on Miami Beach, attendees enjoyed an array of artwork showcasing the beauty and importance of marine life and the South Florida environment, fostering a deep connection and appreciation among visitors. The event thrived on community engagement, with interactive and educational activities that enlightened participants on ocean conservation. Volunteer efforts shone brightly, with an impactful beach cleanup and dune restoration that underscored the collective commitment to protecting our ocean. Fun was had by all, as the day blended education, art, and community spirit in a harmonious celebration of our blue planet.

Thank you, Louis Aguirre, for capturing the energy of the beach activation as well as the story of Blue Scholars. Click image/link above to watch the Local 10 News video. Event photography courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line, Michael Samway, Meredith Bass, and Alex Markow. Click on the images below to enlarge.

Ocean Art

Tidal Tapestry: Exploring Sea-Life Patterns by Maria Useche; Quilts & Cubes by Deborah Mitchell

30-minute Ocean Mile Challenge Exhibition Swim

Ceremonial Paddle-Out

Youth Ocean Swim Instruction

Beach Cleanup

Dune Restoration

The evening program at the Rosenstiel School on Virginia Key saw an impressive turnout, as guests delighted in a vibrant celebration that catered to diverse tastes and interests. The night began with a lively cocktail hour, setting a festive tone that carried through the entire event. Engaging performance art captivated the audience, blending seamlessly with animated conversations that sparked new connections and laughter. The highlights of the evening were the Sheroes of the Ocean panel and films curated from the San Francisco-based International Ocean Film Festival, providing a perfect balance of entertainment and inspiration.

SALT Waterfront Cocktail Reception

Weaving With Water performance

Sheroes of the Ocean & International Ocean Film Festival

 

It was truly a memorable day and while we are thrilled with the overall success, we're already planning the 2025 edition with expanded programming. We aim to collaborate with many new partners, extend our reach to other parts of Miami and the beaches, and engage with a larger and more diverse audience.

Save the dates for the 5th Annual Celebration!

May 31 - June 8, 2025

Thank You Sponsors & Partners

- Sponsors -

 

- Partners -

Ocean Art Workshops

For the third year in a row, Blue Scholars and ARTSail are partnering with a Miami-based environmental artist to provide access to, and awareness of, water-related ecological issues, along with craft knowledge to youth in under-resourced communities, as well as to the public at large.

In collaboration with Breakthrough Miami, Overtown Youth Center, and The Motivational Edge, artist Deborah Mitchell is leading a series of workshops titled Weaving with Water that delve into the pressing issues facing our ocean while exploring the creative realms of stencils and fabrics. The resulting student works will be showcased at the World Ocean Celebration, both on the beach and at the Rosenstiel School, and later at an exhibit at the Miami Beach Public Library.

The World Ocean Celebration Art Project is funded in part by a grant from Miami-Dade County, with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.

Biscayne Immersion

Last Wednesday, a group of students from The Motivational Edge participated in the new Blue Scholars Biscayne Immersion program. Some of the students had never been on a boat before and many had never experienced Biscayne Bay, let alone been swimming in a body of water other than a pool. It was magical!

During the six hour program in Biscayne National Park, our scholars engaged in seagrass and mangrove ecology, multiple snorkeling adventures, a trail walk and marine debris cleanup (55lbs removed) on Adams Key, a discussion on fish physiology and water quality, and an observation-based scavenger hunt.

Together with our partners, The International SeaKeepers Society and the Biscayne National Park Institute, we are making valuable connections and creating lasting memories that, in turn, will benefit our shared future.

We wish to express our sincere gratitude to Ocean Bank, the Coghill Family Foundation, Ansin Foundation, Hillsdale Fund, and Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's Outdoor Fund for their generous support of the Blue Scholars Biscayne Immersion program.

That's A Wrap

Thank you to the many participants, volunteers and collaborators who helped make the 4th annual Biscayne Bay Celebration on December 9th a big success. The cleanup efforts, led jointly by Debris Free Oceans and the Coconut Grove Sailing Club, helped to remove more than 550 pounds of trash from Peacock Park and the neighboring spoil island. A laughing gull (Leucophaeus atricilla), rehabilitated by the Pelican Harbor Seabird Station, was released back into the bay habitat to the delight of Celebration guests, and PHSSs celebrity opossum, Maggie, provided joy throughout the morning to children and adults alike. 

The evening moonlight concert at The Barnacle was equally joyous. Blue Scholars Advisory Board Member, Thad Foote, took the stage with his daughter, Piper, to open the night of music. Traveling from their home in North Carolina, they entertained with original tunes, select covers, and the special storytelling of a true Miami aficionado. Click to listen to “One Stroke At A Time”.

 

Thank you Sponsors…

Nutroslim - Coconut Grove BID - TUUCI - Riley Smith Group - Litus Music

Rickenbacker Marina - Miami-Dade County - Grove Bank & Trust - The City of Miami

The Salty - KOPU Water - La Tropical

…and Partners

PADL - Pilates for the People - Pelican Harbor Seabird Station
Sophia Lacroix - GEN2050 - Green Family Foundation NeighborhoodHELP
Frost Science MUVE - Debris Free Oceans - Coconut Grove Sailing Club
 The Barnacle Society - Florida State Parks
Beatriz Chachmovits - The Biscayne Poet - Thad & Piper Foote
Young Musicians Unite/Not Yet Published - Bryant Del Toro

Give Miami Day Appreciation

Thanksgiving leftovers are gone but our Blue Scholars plate continues to overflow with gratitude for the recent outpouring of support during The Miami Foundation’s Give Miami Day on November 16. The contributions of more than 60 individuals and organizations enabled us to surpass our goal of $30,000, which includes match funds provided by a Blue Scholars Board Member. We could not have done this without our family of donors… THANK YOU!

As we approach the end of the year, we continue to not only serve our scholars but also present The 12 Days of Biscayne Bay campaign and prepare for the 4th annual Biscayne Bay Celebration. It is your support that makes this all possible so please join us on December 9 to celebrate Blue Scholars, YOU and our beloved bay.

 

DONORS

  • Paulo Hala - On behalf of Sanar Naturals

  • Riley Smith - On behalf of the Riley Smith Group

  • Sophie Ringel - On behalf of Clean Miami Beach

  • Daniel Flores & Rebecca John

  • Linda Steckley & Peter Weitzel

  • Jackie Mansfield

  • Nicole Sayfie Porcelli - In honor of Adam Steckley and Eugene J. Sayfie

  • Ocaquatics Swim School - 1% for the Planet

  • Doug & Becky McCarron

  • Ann & Terry Goodwin

  • Janet & Allan Bass - Dedicated to Baby Blue Scholar Elias

  • Marianne Grunwaldt - In memory of Nylse Fajury Grunwaldt

  • Lynne & Michael Brand

  • Alex Brito

  • Abbey Chase

  • Amy Clement & Kenny Broad

  • Thad & Carrie Foote - Dedicated to the manatees, mangroves and turtle grass

  • Donald & Jennifer Lutton

  • Catherine & Chris Block - On behalf of the Jay W. Weiss Fund

  • Matt & Cristina Sullivan

  • Otto Travieso

  • Barbara & Dick Warden

  • Adam Bass - Dedicated to my awesome sister who loves teaching kids about the ocean!

  • Alan & Elaine Brown

  • Curtis Crider & Fernanda Galindo

  • Fernando de la Hoz & Rafaella Mollo

  • Jane Watkins & Darrin Dingman

  • Melanie Ervin

  • Morgan & Christian Falk

  • Elise Gerrard - In memory of Bill Steckley… for raising great kids and showing how it’s done!

  • Felice Gorordo - Dedicated to my mom Martha “Mumu” Serra Mohr

  • Tyler Greenan

  • Sal & Cristina Hazday

  • Mickey Lopez

  • Jill Reiter

  • Andy Schine - In memory of George D. Cohn, lover of long distance ocean swims and pelicans

  • Eddie Gross

  • John Carr

  • Austin & Kassia Matheson

  • Kathryn Mikesell

  • Jeanne Rothchild

  • Gary Bremen

  • Arlene B. Ferris - In honor of Jeanne, John and all the volunteers

  • David Gola

  • Anne & Keene Haywood

  • John Palenchar & Suzanne Koptur

  • Tracy Ross

  • Ashley Sullivan

  • Virgi & Peter Vandervlugt

  • Michael & Jennifer Samway

  • Marialana & Mark Weitzel

  • Aaron Freedman

  • Mary & Bruce Seabrook

  • Ombretta Agro & Ron Andruff

  • Dave Doebler & Dara Schoenwald - On behalf of the Dave & Dara Changemaker Fund

  • Nikki Glasgow

  • Kathy Keil Dunberg

  • Kelly Messett

  • Chris Pearson

  • Manny Rionda - On behalf of FillABag

  • Paulina Wood

  • Mike Gibaldi

  • Anonymous (4)

Support Ocean Heroes

At the core of the Blue Scholars mission is the vital role that young people play in creating a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future. It always gives us great pleasure to recognize and support the talents, ideas, and potential of the younger generation.

Through the Ocean Hero Challenge, our fourth and final lesson, we encourage and empower students to become positive agents of change. This recognition has the ability to inspire and motivate young people to pursue their goals, make a difference, and be active participants in shaping their community and the world.

Blue Scholars is more than just a classroom program or an outing on the bay; it's a promise to students who may not have had the same opportunities as others. Individual support has been the backbone of our organization and has made a significant difference in the lives of thousands of South Florida youth as well as the future of Biscayne Bay.

Our biggest fundraiser of the year is almost here! Support for Blue Scholars Initiative this Give Miami Day on November 16 will have a lasting impact, and thanks to a $10,000 match generously provided by a Blue Scholars Board Member, contributions will be doubled.

Early giving opens November 13! Make twice the impact and help us reach our goal of $30,000.

Volunteers Rally for a Cleaner Tomorrow

In the spirit of community and environmental stewardship, Blue Scholars Initiative, in partnership with the Miami Yacht Club, Jungle Island, Coastal Waste & Recycling, Big Blue & You, Sereia Films and VolunteerCleanup.org, recently coordinated the Watson Island Cleanup, one of 58 sites across Miami-Dade County participating in the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC). This annual endeavor not only demonstrates the commitment of numerous organizations to their communities but also underscores the collective power of individuals coming together to make a positive impact.

Last Saturday, more than 100 enthusiastic volunteers from diverse backgrounds gathered at the Miami Yacht Club, armed with gloves, buckets, trash bags, and a shared determination to restore the natural beauty of Biscayne Bay. With a dedicated focus on environmental preservation, volunteers scoured the waterfront and adjacent properties, removing litter, debris, and marine plastic that totaled a whopping 2,452 pounds!


TOP THREE ITEMS RECORDED

Plastic bottle caps - 450

Plastic food containers - 433

Plastic bags - 406

Upon completion, the once littered area stood as a testament to the positive impact that can be achieved when a community unites for a common cause. ICC serves as a reminder that every individual action counts and that by working together, we can create a cleaner, more vibrant future for our cherished bay.

The International Coastal Cleanup exemplifies the spirit of community service and environmental responsibility. Through the dedication of thousands of volunteers county-wide, this event continues to make a profound impact on both Biscayne Bay and the hearts of those who participate each year. It is a shining example of how collective action can transform our surroundings and inspire others to join the cause.

Thank you to the many volunteers, organizations and sponsors who contributed to our overall success.
We are sincerely grateful.

 

Roles We Play

With much discussion these days centered on how humans have contributed to damaging the fragile coral reef ecosystem, environmental artist, and Blue Scholars partner, Beatriz Chachamovits has created an installation, Into the Great Dying: Roles We Play, that instead encourages audiences to participate in rebuilding a reef. "The tactile experience of holding replicas of at-risk local coral species aims to create a grounding experience for visitors, encouraging them to take a mindful approach to the rapidly shifting climate."

Over several years, Chachamovits has blended her practice in ceramics and drawing with teaching, bridging a gap between visual art and science. Paired with video content (below) featuring Miami-based marine scientists and ecological teaching-activists, like Blue Scholars Initiative, this interactive installation encourages new ways of confronting the climate crisis. After decades of ominous warnings and heightened fear about the state of the planet, this body of work offers a different perspective: what can we build together?

 

Into the Great Dying: Roles We Play is on exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami, now through November 21.

Rozalia Project Expedition

What do you get when a handful of Miami natives crew on a legendary sailboat in the Gulf of Maine? A solid effort and a truly impactful experience.

Earlier this month, Blue Scholars partner Rozalia Project for a Clean Ocean continued their remote island cleanups in the Gulf of Maine with a group of motivated crew members, including a small contingent from Miami. Under the leadership of Executive Director and former member of the 3-0-5 Ashley Sullivan, Rozalia Project welcomed aboard Adam Steckley of Blue Scholars, Manny Rionda of Fill A Bag, Quinn Noyes, and Piper & Thad Foote, who are also former Miami residents.

The week-long cleanup effort was part of a larger project in which Rozalia Project is targeting 14 remote islands, with a focus on lost, discarded and abandoned fishing gear. On this particular expedition, the crew sailed to Long Island, Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership, and Greens Island where their comprehensive removal efforts were conducted along the islands’ rocky shorelines. With help from Maine Coast Heritage Trust, boatloads of lobster traps, line, buoys, plastic bottles and bags of miscellaneous debris were tallied, documented and removed.

The result:

3rd Annual World Ocean Celebration

On Saturday, June 3, Blue Scholars and ARTSail held their 3rd Annual World Ocean Celebration in Miami Beach, partnering with 30 local and national artists, scientists and organizations to host a momentous day of inspiring ocean connections and enlightening ocean perspectives. Together with the collective impact of our partners and volunteers, 431 pounds of trash were removed from the beach and more than 200 sea oats (Uniola paniculata) were planted in the dune.

The celebration kicked off with a series of engaging activities and exhibitions aimed at raising awareness about the importance of ocean conservation. Interactive displays highlighted the urgent need to address issues such as plastic pollution, water quality and climate change. Participants were inspired to take action and make sustainable choices to protect our one world ocean for future generations.

The World Ocean Celebration, presented this year by W South Beach, successfully showcases the critical role that education, awareness, and collaboration play in safeguarding our ocean. By engaging people of all ages and backgrounds, this annual event fosters a sense of urgency and inspires a community movement dedicated to preserving our planet's most valuable resource: the ocean. Together, we can ensure a sustainable future for our ocean and the countless species that call it home.

 

INSPRING OCEAN CONNECTIONS

- Community Beach Activation -

 

Photos by World Red Eye, Norwegian Cruise Line, Tanya Manfrediz, Julian Salles and Michael Samway (click images to enlarge)

 

Become Ocean ARt Flags & Ocean Art Murals

Flags by Marina Zurkow and Murals by Linda Cheung & Jamie Nolan

 

Ocean Mile Exhibition Swim

 

Pilates on the Beach

 

Ceremonial Paddle-Out

 

Youth Ocean Swim Instruction

 

Beach Cleanup

 

Dune Restoration

 

Ocean Education

Marine Debris Art & Education with Frost Science MUVE

Microplastic Investigation with Oceana and GEN2050

Youth Storytelling with Wavy Adventures

Water Quality Testing with Blue Water Task Force and EarthEcho International

Plastic Free Cities with Ocean Conservancy, Debris Free Oceans and Big Blue & You

 

ENLIGHTENING OCEAN PERSPECTIVES

- COMMUNITY Evening Engagement -

 

Sheroes of the Ocean Panel & International Ocean Film Festival

 

WORLD OCEAN CELEBRATION

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

- THANK YOU! -

 

Sheroes of the Ocean Panelists

Jamora Arroyo-Jefferson

Linda Cheung

Carlee Monique Jackson Bohannon

Jennifer Jacquet

Rumya Sundaram