Did You Know? Killer whales are the top predator in the ocean; a healthy adult can prey on anything that lives in the sea and has no predators of its own. View More Students and Teachers Across U.S. Honored With Environmental Excellence Awards Students and Teachers Across U.S. Honored With Environmental Excellence Awards SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund Read more... View the Archives

By David Schindler SeaWorld Orlando “I feel 10 feet tall...the proudest I’ve ever been,” said Dane Clickenbeard, a high school student from Jackpot, Nevada, as he entered the awards ceremony pavilion at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. In late April, Clickenbeard joined fellow students and teachers from across the country at Busch Gardens to be recognized as winners of the 2005 “SeaWorld/Busch Gardens/Fujifilm Environmental Excellence Awards.” From San Diego to New York City, this year’s winners are a diverse group of students and teachers who share a common passion for the environment. They restored critical habitat, protected endangered species, conducted fi eld research, improved water quality, created nature trails and educated thousands of fellow students and community members. “We’re incredibly honored to be here,” said teacher Keith Hannaman from Blue Springs South High School in Blue Springs, Missouri. “Our Young Park Prairie Project is a testament to our students’ enthusiasm and energy. They’ve now achieved lasting conservation success through hands-on science, hard work and teamwork. We thank the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund and Fujifilm for the award but also for this unbelievable experience. These kids will never forget Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.” Jackpot Ecology Club members serve as mentors for elementary students during their annual science fi eld day at the Jackpot Outdoor Classroom. Since 1993, the awards have recognized the outstanding efforts of students and teachers across the country working at the grassroots level to protect and preserve the environment. In the past decade, $1.3 million has been awarded to more than 125 schools in 43 U.S. states and territories. Each year the top eight groups are selected, each receiving $10,000 to further their award-winning efforts. In addition, one “Outstanding Environmental Educator” receives $5,000 for his or her science teaching excellence and classroom leadership. The awards are supported through the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. “I can’t say enough about the resolve these individuals have,” said Ginny Busch, president of the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. “It’s truly humbling to see their passion for the environment and their commitment to their own communities. These are our future wildlife biologists, conservationists and educators.”

2005 winners: “Nauticus Junior Scientist Club” The National Maritime Center and Norfolk Public Schools Norfolk, VA “Urban Outreach Internship Program” Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Inc. Poughkeepsie, NY “School of the Future Roof Garden Project” School of the Future Roof Garden Club New York, NY “Young Park Prairie Project” Blue Springs South High School Blue Springs, MO “Jackpot Outdoor Classroom” Jackpot Combined School Ecology Club Jackpot, NV “Save Our Stream” Hawken School Gates Mills, OH “Wetland Avengers” Aquatic Adventures San Diego, CA “Oceans Alive in Landlocked Iowa” Central Campus – Marine Biology Des Moines, IA Mr. Marion Oneida “Outstanding Environmental Educator” Jackpot, NV In 2004, Fujifilm joined as a title sponsor of the program with the aim of bringing more awareness to these deserving students and teachers. “The Environmental Excellence Awards program fi ts perfectly with Fujifilm’s mission to support conservation in local communities,” said Judy Matson, corporate contributions director for Fujifilm. “The actions of these young people are inspiring and hopeful. We’re honored to join SeaWorld and Busch Gardens to promote and celebrate their efforts.” Wetland Avengers are encouraged to wear camouflage in order to promote the idea that they can blend in with the environment and enjoy natural surroundings without creating unnecessary disturbances. Recognized globally for its technological innovation and high quality, Fujifilm is also a strong advocate of environmental preservation, incorporating environmental and safety considerations in product design and customer service. Fujifilm also supports numerous environmental protection and conservation education programs. The “SeaWorld/Busch Gardens/Fujifilm Environmental Excellence Awards” program is held in partnership with nine national environmental and educational organizations. Earlier in the year, representatives from each of these organizations gathered in Washington, DC to select the top eight finalists for the program. Judges hailed from the National Wildlife Federation, The Nature Conservancy, World Wildlife Fund, Conservation International, National Geographic Society, National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, Izaak Walton League of America, Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute and the National Science Teachers Association. To learn more about this year's winners or the program itself, visit www.seaworld.org/conservation-matters/eea