As I finish this post sent to me by Ocean Academy (OA) with my initial thoughts, I cannot help but wonder how amazing it would be to have gone to a high school like this one. OA has built a wonderful curriculum and customized initiatives for its students based on the school’s unique circumstances and location. They definitely earn “Brownie points” for schools in Belize and worldwide who have gained the distinction of being “innovative” in many areas as you will see below and in the previous write up – Ocean Academy Has a Secret.
Congratulations, students of Caye Caulker’s Ocean Academy (OA) for an amazing year of awards!
OA, founded in 2008, offers innovative programming designed to develop the unique attributes and goals of each student through Personal Education Plans. OA has evolved into OA’s SEaTIDe: Center for Social Enterprise, Technology, Innovation, and Development, and focuses on developing innovators and change-makers. For more information: Ocean Academy School Caye Caulker Belize 226.0321.
First Place, PwC Innovation Challenge, for Hire Belize Mobile App Solution to Youth Unemployment. Heidi Curry, Valbona Bushi, Buddy Magana, Adaly Cartagena, Kevin Tzac, Ismael Florian, Sam Liu, Ashtasia Ovado, Shola Babb. May 2015.
Sagicor Visionaries Most Creative and Innovative Project Award for Mangrove Action Plan with Mobile App. Patrick Lorenzo, Adrienne Rogers, Daya Ramos, Kenisha Veliz, Buddy Magana, Sarah Requena. Nov. 2014.
International School Enterprise Challenge’s Award for Best Business Plan in North America
and the Caribbean for Fish with Purpose. 1250 schools from 83 countries participated. April 2015.
DYS’s National Youth Award for Environmentalism for OA’s Aquatic Tourism Program. Accepted by Anisa Martinez, Kevin Tzac, Spenser Betz, Kyra Jones, Whitley Aguilar, Annabella Requena, Buddy Magana. Nov. 2014.
Sport in Education Award. OA was selected from 350 applicants representing 70 countries for its innovative programs teaching job skills in fly fishing, scuba diving, and mangrove kayaking. Oct. 2014.
Belize PUC and BrightPath Foundation Young Innovators Team Mobile App Competition. OA
Alumnus Jamal Boiton was part of the winning team that developed the BEL Lingo Mobile app. August 2014.
Education Show Case 2015 Theme: OA’s winning submission was “Our Youth: Innovators Today;
Changemakers Tomorrow.” May 2015.
Adobe Foundation Creativity Scholarship. OA Alumnus Yvon Noralez, one of 25 students from 13 countries selected for this scholarship, will enter St. John’s Jr. College in Commercial Graphic Design.
Ocean Guardian School Program Grant. Awarded to OA in partnership with Stevenson School, California, to distribute reusable shopping bags to reduce single-use plastic bags.
Want to help this amazing Caye Caulker school keep doing great work with Belize Kids? Reach out and donate to their 2015 scholarship fund.
Pictures courtesy of Ms. Joni Miller M.Ed. Founder, Projects Director.