FMSEA Awards

JOHN BEAKLEY “MARINE SCIENCE EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR” AWARD

The FMSEA Outstanding Marine Educator Award began in 1986. It was renamed in 1999 in honor of John Beakley, a Marine Science Resource Teacher in Palm Beach County and one of FMSEA’s founders.

Each year, this award is given to an educator who has demonstrated a dedication to, and significant impact on, marine science in Florida. Reviewers will assess nominees based on the following criteria:

Professional experience and background
Special recognition already received related to marine education
Marine science programs and projects developed
Impact on the field or community

Nominees are not required to be members of FMSEA, however member nominations are encouraged. Self-nominations are also encouraged.

THE FMSEA AWARD NOMINATION DEADLINE IS JAN 15, 2026

Nominate for the Marine Science Educator of the Year Award

“I consider John to be the founding father of Marine Education in the State as he made numerous trips to Washington to obtain funds to develop the Jacksonville Marine Science Center, the Crystal River Marine Science Station, and the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Station (no longer open). He was the major force in establishing FMSEA in 1968.” —Pat Purcell

FMSEA Awards

FMSEA OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY PARTNER AWARD

The FMSEA Community Partner Award was established to recognize the importance of engaging students in real-time marine science and ocean conservation solutions to enhance their academic learning, build career readiness, and/or instill lifelong ocean stewardship.

This Award is given to a business or organization that has demonstrated dedication to engaging students and/or teachers in marine science and conservation outside of the classroom OR has been instrumental in the integration of marine science and conservation into classroom curricula. Nominations should address the following categories:

Scope of impact on teachers and/or students, including number of individuals impacted each year
Detailed description of educational service, including: demonstration of needs met by the service, method of support (financial or in-kind), and description of learning activities if applicable.
Evaluation method(s) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of success
Relevant state, national or global standard-alignments supported, if applicable
Other relevant contributions to the advancement of marine science education and ocean conservation in Florida.

THE FMSEA AWARD NOMINATION DEADLINE IS JAN 15, 2026

Nominate for the FMSEA Outstanding Community Partner Award

FMSEA Awards

FMSEA RIPPLE EFFECT AWARD

THE RIPPLE EFFECT AWARD

The FMSEA Ripple Effect Award celebrates early-career educators (five years or less in the field) who are making waves in marine science and ocean conservation education. Just as a single ripple can expand outward to create lasting change, these educators spark curiosity, inspire stewardship, and positively impact their students, schools, and communities.

This award honors innovative and creative approaches to teaching marine science, whether in classrooms, informal education settings, or community programs. Recipients demonstrate forward-thinking practices that create meaningful connections to the ocean world and show promise for continued impact as their careers grow.

By recognizing educators in the early stages of their journey, FMSEA seeks to encourage and empower the next generation of leaders in marine science education. The Ripple Effect Award not only highlights their immediate contributions, but also supports their future success as they build careers dedicated to ocean literacy and conservation.

Eligibility: Educators with five years or less of experience in the field.
Nominations: Self-nominations and peer nominations are welcome.

THE FMSEA AWARD NOMINATION DEADLINE IS JAN 15, 2026

Nominate for the FMSEA Ripple Award

FMSEA Awards

FMSEA SERVICE AWARD

The FMSEA Service Award began in 1993 and is given each year to a member who has exhibited dedicated service to the organization. Nominees must be FMSEA members. Self-nominations are accepted. The nomination must address the following points:

Professional experience and background
Projects/programs related to FMSEA undertaken by nominee
Number of years and in what capacities nominee has served in FMSEA

THE FMSEA AWARD NOMINATION DEADLINE IS JAN 15, 2026

Nominate for the FMSEA Service Award

FMSEA Awards

NMEA Awards

FMSEA is a regional chapter of the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA), an organization that brings together those interested in the study and enjoyment of the world of water, both fresh and salt. We encourage our outstanding FMSEA members to submit nominations to NMEA.

JOHNETTE D. BOSARGE MEMORIAL AWARD

The National Marine Educators Association is proud to offer this award in loving memory of Johnette D. Bosarge, who served as the NMEA administrative assistant from 1999-2013. This is an annual, monetary award to be used as the recipient deems appropriate for attending the annual NMEA Conference and/or in the recipient’s formal or informal facility for educational purposes. A sea star sculpture containing the recipient’s name will also be presented during the Awards Ceremony at the annual NMEA Conference. This award is not based on financial need.