Two Apopka schools were among 20 schools within the St. Johns River Water Management District’s 18-county region to receive a portion of nearly $40,000 through the Blue School Grants program, the district announced on Friday, October 13. The two Apopka schools were Wekiva High School and Wolf Lake Middle School.
The Blue School Grants program gives up to $3,000 per teacher to support education on Florida’s freshwater and estuarine systems, focusing on students in kindergarten through 12th grades.
“This year, we’re thrilled to award nearly double the funding to our dedicated teachers in the District! This means enhanced resources for classrooms, allowing for a deeper exploration of Florida’s water resources,” St. Johns River Water Management District Education and Outreach Coordinator Laura La Beur was quoted as saying in a press release. “It’s a unique opportunity that encourages educators to integrate water-related topics into their curriculum, inspiring students beyond the confines of the classroom.”
Since its inception eight years ago, the program has funded nearly 100 projects and educated over 12,000 students about Florida’s water resources and natural ecosystems.
Blue School Grants promote practical learning through STEM activities (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and foster engagement within the broader school community.
Schools that received the Blue School Grants are located in Brevard, Clay, Duval, Indian River County, Lake, Orange, Putnam, St. Johns, Seminole County, and Volusia counties.
Among the projects funded this year, according to the press release:
- Seabreeze High School will be trying to designate and defend a priority watershed, providing the students with hands-on experience in the process. This includes utilizing the District’s data, such as the minimum flows and levels data, along with ArcGIS Online. The students will present their designation and management plan to the city of Daytona Beach and Volusia County.
- University High School introduces the H2O Pipeline Classroom to Career, a vocational program aimed at training high school seniors to become Class C water or wastewater treatment operators. The focus for the 2023–2024 academic year will be on potable drinking water operations, providing students with invaluable practical skills and paid apprenticeships.
- Wekiva High School’s “Wekiva Saltwater Aquaponics and Red Mangrove Restoration” project establishes the creation of a saltwater recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) to cultivate red mangroves. This initiative allows students to delve deeper into aquaponics, exploring how salt water can be harnessed to create a thriving mangrove ecosystem, ultimately teaching lessons on water conservation and sustainable farming.
Learn more about the District’s Blue School Grants program on their website.
The Apopka Chief and The Planter are weekly community newspapers, independently owned and family operated, that have served the greater Apopka area in Central Florida since 1923 and 1965 respectively.
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