Clearwater Marine Aquarium Comes to Shorecrest

On Saturday, February 28 Shorecrest Preparatory School welcomed more than 150 fans of Clearwater Marine Aquarium for “Learn More with Winter & Hope,” a family-friendly event exploring marine science. The event was in celebration of the new educational partnership between Shorecrest and Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

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 Clearwater Marine Aquarium.”

At Saturday’s event, children were treated to three interactive sessions from Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s education staff. They explored CMA’s mobile touch tanks, getting up close with hermit crabs, sea urchins, sea stars and much more. Guests moved on to a mock stranding and learned what to do if they encountered a stranded dolphin. Participants were surprised to learn that they should not try to get the dolphin back in the water! Finally, the families learned to identify sea turtles and measure their carapaces, or shells. Children enjoyed photo-ops with Hope the Dolphin mascot, as well as Sparky, the Shorecrest Preparatory School mascot.

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 launch event was the first of many co-sponsored events by Shorecrest and Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This summer, Shorecrest will offer CMA at Shorecrest summer camp the week of June 29 – July 3 for rising second to rising fourth graders. Visit www.shorecrest.org/summer to learn more.

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.