Each year the National Aquarium recognizes young people who are sparked to action by a beautiful fish or a compelling environmental problem or challenge, and in turn inspire others to examine what they can do to help our watery world. These are adventurous young people who learned about a problem and weren't afraid to jump right in and get their hands (and feet!) dirty to clean it up.
The 2012 Muddy Feet Award will recognize outstanding Maryland and D.C. youth who have taken action to help conserve our watery world through a special project or initiative. Applications may be submitted beginning January 1. One individual and one group will be awarded with special prizes in a ceremony during Grade A Student Night in June.
HOW TO APPLY
The application period is January 1–May 1. Completed applications may be submitted via e-mail or mail.
» Download the Muddy Feet Award Application (PDF)
Mail completed application to:
National Aquarium
Kate Hendrickson
111 Market Place, Suite 800
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
E-mail completed application to: muddyfeet@aqua.org
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
- Maryland and Washington, D.C., residents in grades K–12
- Maryland and D.C. K–12 schools (public, private, home schools)
- Nonprofit community groups serving K–12 youth such as Scouts, 4H, and after-school programs
AWARDS
One individual and one group will be awarded with special prizes in a ceremony during Grade A Student Night in June.
In addition, the individual winner will receive a year-long Aquarium membership. Group winners will receive a free trip to the Aquarium with a special guided tour.
HOW MUDDY FEET PROJECTS ARE JUDGED
The National Aquarium's mission is to provide transforming experiences that inspire people to enjoy, respect, and protect the aquatic world. For more than 30 years, we've been helping children connect with our watery world through education and conservation programs. Now we'd like to recognize the young people in our communities who are helping to spread our mission by taking action to protect our planet.
Each application will be reviewed by the awards panel. The panel consists of Aquarium staff members who evaluate each application based on the following criteria:
- Were the goals accomplished? (List the goals of the project and how they were accomplished.)
- The extent to which the project was designed, coordinated, and implemented due to the young person's initiative.
- The extent to which the program/project had an impact on students, school, community, and the environment.
- The project’s support/recognition by the local community.
- Creativity!
