Three FIU grad students receive Guy Harvey awards for their marine science research
The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation recently awarded the $5,000 Guy Harvey Scholarship Award to Florida International University graduate students Drew Butkowski, Sarah Luongo and Brendan Talwar.
Luongo studies biological science with research focused on free-ranging Nassau grouper. Talwar also studies biological science with research focused on documenting the movements of silky and dusky sharks in the Washington region. Butkowski studies marine science with research focused on the mechanisms and environmental drivers behind coral reef fish.
“We are proud to be supporting these brilliant young minds who are the next generation of researchers, marine biologists and conservationists,” said Harvey. “We want to do everything we can to fuel their passion and acknowledge the tremendous work they are helping to pioneer.”
The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation is a nonprofit that conducts scientific research and hosts educational programs aimed at conserving the marine environment.
The foundation established the scholarship program in 2010 through a partnership with Florida Sea Grant to help support graduate students studying biology, ecology, habitat or management of fish in Florida’s marine environment.
The foundation is now accepting applications for the 2020 scholarship program.
For information or to apply, visit www.flseagrant.org/students/scholarships/guyharvey/.
Toy drive for children
Miami-Dade County School Board Member Larry Feldman, District 9, partnered with the Edge Foundation to host an annual toy drive event where nearly 1,000 underserved children participated in a shopping spree at Blakely Park in Homestead. Participating students selected a new toy of their choice during the event.
“Thanks to all the volunteers and community partners who, year after year, join forces to ensure the beautiful and vibrant community of Homestead is not forgotten,” said Feldman. “Together, we made many children happy.”
Do the Right Thing award
Sarita Vargas, a student at the School for Advanced Studies and a 2020 Silver Knight nominee, was recently selected as a December winner for Do the Right Thing (DTRT), an organization that recognizes and rewards Miami youth for their exemplary behavior, accomplishments and good deeds.
Sarita was one of 10 winners and she will receive an all-expense-paid trip for two to Washington. She was formally recognized during a ceremony earlier this month at the Miami Police Department. Sarita’s mother, Nubia Vargas, City of Miami’s Chief of Police Jorge Colina, Principal Omar Monteagudo, DTRT Coordinator Dennis Lindsay and DTRT Director Jodi Atkinson accompanied Sarita during the ceremony.
This story was originally published December 26, 2019 at 12:56 PM.