Inspirational Guests to be Honored at Clearwater Marine Aquarium Awards Ceremony, Sept. 14

Stories of hope and perseverance highlight the third annual Inspire Awards

CLEARWATER, FL (August 28, 2024) – Join Clearwater Marine Aquarium for a magical and inspiring afternoon as seven amazing young people receive awards for overcoming challenges and sharing their stories of hope on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The awards, hosted by Laura Moody of Fox 13 WTVT, will celebrate uniqueness, diversity and inclusivity by honoring individuals from CMA’s Inspire Program at the Third Annual Inspire Awards, presented by CMA’s Board of Directors, where guests have conquered their own challenges while making a positive impact in their community.

“The Inspire Awards ceremony recognize the very special guests that we host at Clearwater Marine Aquarium – those who have overcome huge obstacles and remain positive in the face of adversity,” said Joe Handy, CEO of CMA. “Their visits here also highlight the deep connection that people of all ages have with our animal residents,” he said. “We are truly amazed by their fortitude and they continue to inspire us.”

The awards – named after CMA’s resident animals – and recipients are:

Winter Award – Myrica Hercule – Winter inspired the world that no matter what life throws your way to keep on swimming. (Limb loss, Determination despite immense challenges, Veterans

Hope Award – Ariana Johnson – Hope embodies a free and strong spirit who doesn’t follow the pod and finds her own way to shine. (Foster Care, Autism Spectrum, Neuro-diverse)

Nicholas Award – Zach Lepore – Nick embodies one who has had loss and has some scars but has come through it all with a fun and exuberant spirit. He has a playful nature that brings joy and happiness to those around him. (Foster Care, burn survivors, skin conditions or those who are positive despite their scars/challenges)

Snorkel and Cocoa Award – Emmanuel “Manny” Perez – Both teach us about adapting to your circumstances and finding your own way in life. (Blind, vision loss)

Rudy & Rosie Award – Macy Harrison – These Rough-Toothed rascals show us that there are many ways to communicate and togetherness and finding friends along the way helps us through anything in life. (Deaf, hearing impaired)

Izzy Award – Serenity Lacy – Izzy’s story of human interaction shows us the need to continually educate and Inspire the future conservationists in us all (Future Conservationists, those who want to work in this field or aspire to help and lead by example with conservation efforts.

Opie Award – Queena Phu – Opie the 6-month-old river otter was attacked by a dog and has healed from his wounds but they are part of his story. (Survivors of Violence)

Community Impact Award – Clearwater Yacht Club

CMA expanded its inclusion of children with disabilities to create its Inspire Program in 2008 due to the overwhelming amount of guests who were taken with the story of Winter the dolphin and other rescued marine life. As CMA continues its mission of rescue, rehabilitation and release, the marine mammals and animals at the aquarium have stories that continue to uplift guests. In 2023 alone, CMA has hosted more than 900 Inspire Program guests and allowed them to have visits to the aquarium with their families, and special opportunities to meet the animals.

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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.

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