Seven Remarkable Guests to Be Honored for Stories of Strength and Perseverance
Clearwater, Florida. (September 23, 2025) — Winter the Dolphin inspired millions around the world with her courage and resilience. Though she passed on November 11, 2021, her spirit lives on in those who face adversity with hope and determination.
That spirit will be powerfully present on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., as Clearwater Marine Aquarium hosts the Third Annual Inspire Awards – a heartfelt celebration honoring seven extraordinary young individuals who have triumphed over personal challenges and now inspire others through their journeys.
Presented by CMA’s Board of Directors, the Inspire Awards recognize the unique guests of CMA’s Inspire Program, which celebrates diversity, inclusivity and the indomitable human spirit.
“The Inspire Awards celebrate the incredible individuals who remind us what it truly means to persevere,” said Joe Handy, CEO of Clearwater Marine Aquarium. “These young people have overcome tremendous obstacles with unwavering strength and optimism. Their connection to our animals and to our mission is deeply moving, and their stories continue to uplift and inspire us all.”
This year’s event will open with an inspirational welcome by Tom Orr, CMA Board Member, Winter Rescue Team member, and Chairman of the Inspire Committee. Orr was part of the team that helped rehabilitate Winter and Hope, the two dolphins who captured hearts around the globe.
The keynote address will be delivered by Shay Eskew, a nationally recognized motivational speaker, burn survivor, bestselling author and elite triathlete. Shay has overcome unimaginable obstacles, surviving burns over 65 percent of his body after saving a friend’s life at age 8. Now, 40 surgeries and dozens of IRONMAN competitions later, he travels the country inspiring others to defy the odds and pursue their purpose. Read Shay’s full story here.
The 2025 Inspire Award Winners include:
- Nicholas Award: Hannah Doulaye
- Winter Award: Cassandre Forestier
- Hope Award: Aubrey Lohr
- Izzy Award: Meara Karakus
- Snorkel Award: Caterina Zorrilla
- Rudy & Rosie Award: Zair Aragon Zabalia
- Opie Award: Aubraya Walls
- The Buddy Powell Community Impact Award: Brian Sauer and Kaleidoscope Services
The Inspire Awards unite attendees around powerful, personal stories that speak to the strength of the human spirit. While CMA is best known for marine animal rescue and rehabilitation, this event shines a light on another critical aspect of its mission: inspiring people to care and act—both for marine life and for one another.
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Media Contact: Marsha Strickhouser | mstrickhouser@CMAquarium.org | (727) 242-0770
- 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. With a mission to preserve the environment and its marine life, CMA is home to rescued dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays, a nurse shark and more. Through Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, CMA conducts important global research focused on protecting manatees, North Atlantic right whales and sea turtles. Major motion picture Dolphin Tale (2011) and its sequel Dolphin Tale 2 (2014) features the true stories of rescued resident dolphins Winter and Hope, inspiring millions around the world. The mission and potential to change people’s lives differentiates Clearwater Marine Aquarium from any other aquarium in the world.
© 2025 Clearwater Marine Aquarium | 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767 | 727-441-1790 | mission.cmaquarium.org | cmaquarium.org
We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.
A Florida non-profit 501(c)(3) organization