The Monroe County School District has been recognized as the first NOAA Ocean Guardian school district on the East Coast. The designation was officially announced on August 8 during a community celebration held at the Eco-Discovery Center in Key West.

Community Celebration and Recognition

The event, hosted by United Way of Collier and the Keys, NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, and the school district, featured a family-friendly community gathering. This initial event included hands-on activities for children aimed at fostering an appreciation for the ocean. An evening ceremony formally proclaimed the district’s new status.

NOAA Ocean Guardian Schools empower the next generation to respect and care for our ocean through programs that protect and improve the health of the local watershed, our ocean, and special areas like national marine sanctuaries. This collaboration demonstrates the power of public and private partnership and has engaged the Florida Keys community in projects that build a culture of marine conservation of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

John Armor, director of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, highlighted the program's role in educating future generations about ocean stewardship. He emphasized how the initiative encourages respect and care for marine environments through programs focused on watershed health, ocean protection, and the preservation of national marine sanctuaries.

Commitment to Environmental Stewardship

The NOAA Ocean Guardian designation acknowledges the district's dedication to environmental stewardship. This commitment is demonstrated through student-led projects focused on watershed protection, marine conservation, and community engagement across the Florida Keys.

Students throughout Monroe County have actively participated in the NOAA Ocean Guardian School initiative. These projects bridge classroom learning with practical, real-world environmental actions. The goal is to protect the unique ecosystems of the Keys and cultivate a lasting culture of conservation among students.

Tiffani Mensch, president and CEO of United Way of Collier and the Keys, stated that the recognition celebrates the significant efforts within the schools and the wider community. She noted that students are learning they can effect positive change through hands-on stewardship projects. These activities help them develop a stronger connection to their local environment while contributing to the protection of vital waters and ecosystems.

Further Information

More details about the NOAA Ocean Guardian School initiative within Monroe County can be found at uwcollierkeys.org/ogs. Additional information about the broader NOAA Ocean Guardian Schools program is available at sanctuaries.noaa.gov/education/ocean_guardian/.