2014 was the inaugural year for our Youth Making Ripples program and we received 110 submissions from students nationwide. We selected 17 finalists using a rubric to evaluate each submission. The top finalists were then judged for scientific accuracy by our scientific review panel. In 2014, we awarded $200 cash awards to the winners for the best scientific message for both the elementary-middle school, and high school categories. We also awarded a $150 cash prize to the viewer choice winners (chosen by audience votes).
Award-winning films from 2014:
- Best Scientific Message, Middle School: “Algae Bloom in the Indian River Lagoon” by Poojah, Anna, and Emma, 6th graders at West Melbourne School for the Sciences
- Runner-up for Best Scientific Message, Middle School: “Black Muck in the Indian River Lagoon” by Tian, 6th grader at West Melbourne School for the Sciences
- Best Scientific Message, High School: “Development and Destruction” by Ellen, Brooke, and Katie, at Palm Bay High School
- Runner-up for Best Scientific Message, High School: “Ghost Fishing“ by Dean and Ty, Palm Bay High School. This film premiered at MARLISCO screenings throughout the European Union!
- Viewer’s Choice Award: “50 Ways to Say Goodbye” by Jordyn, Emily, and Erica, Edgewood High School. This film premiered at MARLISCO screenings throughout the European Union!
- “Beach Cleanup” by the Brevard Zoo Teen Conservation Team premiered at MARLISCO screenings throughout the European Union!
Photo: L.Foley