Scuba Educational Alliance of Connecticut has been busy over the past week getting the word out about the importance of coral reefs for ocean health and sustainability. Fostering a new generation of ocean stewards not only includes offering scholarships to young men and women, it also means engaging with local communities to talk explain more about coral reefs and more importantly let them see all the incredible life that resides and depends on a healthy ecosystem.

Between April 7 and April 13, SEA-CT presented to the Wallingford Library, Platt High School in Meriden and at the Welles-Turner Library in Glastonbury. Over this one-week period, we were able to engage with approximately 120 people who wanted to learn more about ocean health and sustainability.

While coral reefs only account for 0.1 percent of the ocean bottom, they are home to over 33 percent of all ocean species. Without healthy coral reefs, ocean diversity collapses. By showing what's at stake, we hope to continue to build our army of ocean stewards.
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We are very proud and excited to announce our 2026 Ocean Steward Scholarship winners. This year marks our third year of offering these awards to young men and women in Connecticut in pursuit of their scuba diving education and training. As scuba divers they become natural ambassadors for ocean health and sustainability. 

This year we were able to increase the amount of each award as we look to break down the financial barriers these young people face.

Ocean Steward I - Open Water Scholarship Recipients

• Jimmy Gordon - Junior, Orville H. Platt High School, Meriden, CT
• Gabriella Bourdon - Senior, Orville H. Platt High School, Meriden, CT

Ocean Steward II - Advanced Open Water Scholarship Recipients

• Keegan Grace - Graduate, Cheshire High School, Cheshire, CT
• Meghan Doherty - Junior, Coventry High School, Coventry, CT

With these scholarships, SEACT has now awarded over $8,700 in funding to the next generation of ocean advocates. Jimmy and Gabriella will begin their journey into the underwater world while Keegan and Meghan take their scuba training to the next level and deepen their commitment.

Congratulations Jimmy, Gabriella, Keegan and Meghan and thank you for all of our generous patrons who help us make this happen.