We received over 200 entries for the Duckey Eco-Essay Contest and are excited to announce the winner. Congratulations to Phillip Pinarksi, a sixth grader at St. Ann School in Bartlett, Tennessee. His character, a blind catfish named Calvin, will be featured as one of the new Ocean Protectors in the next book. The judges were blown away by Phillip’s creativity and sensitivity of the character he created. Calvin’s willpower and strength despite his disability fits right in with the team’s motto: Believe it. Achieve it!

Also, a big congratulation goes out to the honorable mentions and finalists:

Finalists –
Shayla Gaffney: Caylie Crab; St. Ann School, Bartlett, TN
Robert Lawson: Shortfin Mako; St. Ann School, Bartlett, TN
Katrina Ung and Melissa Ball: Kamele Kame & Conan; Jaffrey Rindge Middle School, Jaffrey, NH
Nick Owens: Oarfish; St. Ann School, Bartlett, TN
Robert Harris: Terrance the Sea Turtle; St. Ann School, Bartlett, TN

Honorable Mentions -
Andres Salas:  Driag Koah (sea dragon); St. Ann School, Bartlett, TN

Special Youth Award –
Stephanie Yoshida, age 6: Crab; Hokolani Elementary School, Honolulu, HI

Click here to read the winning entries.

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