Wiscasset Elementary School student Evelyn Herrick has won a bronze award for her entry in the 2019 Healthy Whale, Healthy Ocean Challenge sponsored by Boston-based Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs (Bow Seat) and Conservation Law Foundation (CLF). Herrick received a $50 cash scholarship.

 

The Healthy Whale, Healthy Ocean Challenge invited K-12 students from the New England and Gulf of Maine regions in the U.S. and Canada to use their creative voices to highlight the critically endangered North Atlantic right whales and the need for conservation of marine ecosystems and resources. More than 130 participants created visual art, poetry and short films that celebrated the iconic right whales and drove action for their protection. Their submissions emphasized the beauty of the animals and called attention to the many threats they face, including ship strikes, entanglements, and pollution.

 

“North Atlantic right whales are in danger of becoming extinct within our lifetime,” said Dr. Priscilla Brooks, Director of Ocean Conservation at CLF. “The contest has been so important in raising awareness of this critical issue and creating a new generation of young advocates who will fight for the protection of right whales and our oceans.”  

 

“We were so impressed by Evelyn’s creative and compelling work, as well as those of all the Challenge participants,” said Alyssa Irizarry, executive director of Bow Seat. “Even more inspiring is that, after taking part in the contest, many students vowed to be ocean-conscious citizens by continuing to educate themselves on the issue; spreading awareness; and making changes in their daily actions, such as limiting their plastic use. Their commitment and compassion give us hope for the future of our blue planet.”

 

In addition to Bow Seat and CLF staff, several esteemed guests participated in the judging process: Brian Skerry, National Geographic photojournalist and Explorer-In-Residence at the New England Aquarium; David Abel, Boston Globe reporter; Dr. Moira Brown, right whale scientist at the Canadian Whale Institute; and Tripp Clemens, co-founder of Windy Films.

 

"It was truly an honor to be involved,” said Abel. “I'm blown away by the creativity, the beauty, and the seriousness of these works. Well done to all." 

 

Added Brown: “(The contest) will go a long way to fostering more ocean stewards.”

 

The Challenge winners and participants will be recognized Sunday, May 5, at an awards ceremony during the Right Whale Festival at the New England Aquarium. This community event will feature a student art exhibit, film screenings, presentations by youth conservation leaders, and a panel discussion moderated by Brian Skerry. The participants’ pieces will be an important part of an ongoing campaign to inspire awareness, care and action for right whales and our ocean. The campaign will include events and art exhibitions.

 

To view, read, and watch all of the winners, go to bowseat.org/right-whales