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| Lydia Guerrero, Principal of Life,
accepts first prize from Mito Paz, President of Green Reef, on behalf of
her students
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| Children enjoy touch
tank
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Mar de Tumbo Beach was the rendezvous point
for hundreds who appreciate and care for one of San Pedro's biggest
attractions - the Barrier Reef. Sponsored by Green Reef and Tropic Air,
the fourth annual Reef Festival was once again a successful event held
for a great cause. Our Reef, Our Livelihood, Our
Future was this year's theme and was displayed in a
variety of models done by the children of Island Academy, Lydia's
Institute of Fine Education (LIFE) and San Pedro High School. The
students clearly portrayed the reef and the amazing wildlife which
inhabit it, using different materials and tactics. This creative and
educational part of the festival was judged and the following received
prizes. First place went to the Standard I model of LIFE. The specific
message sent by this young group who are the future leaders of our
country, read "Protect our wetlands, swamps and
mangroves. It is the habitat for our wildlife. Avoid irresponsible
development." Second place went to the Infant I class of
LIFE and third place to Island Academy. The judges also gave special
mention for the creative work done by the Standard II class of LIFE and
to Tracy Eiley of San Pedro High School for the informative verbal
explanation of her project.
Although thundershowers threatened to
hinder the festival, those attending showed their strong support of Green
Reef and the festival by staying. This proved to be rewarding as just
minutes after, the sun came out and the day became perfect. Many enjoyed
free glass-bottom boat trips to the reef on the Southern
Beauty while others just enjoyed the great atmosphere.
As always, informative posters regarding the importance of the
preservation and conservation of the reef were on hand. The marine life
touch tank, courtesy of Amigos del Mar, was again the number one
attraction. Both children and adults enjoyed touching the wonderful
creatures of the reef. Organizers of the festival also put together fun
games including a watermelon eating contest, sack race, tug-o-war and
many others. The San Pedro Dance Company entertained with a variety of
dances on the beach. To delight the taste buds, pork pibil tacos, rice
and beans and pastries were on sale.
Sunday was a great day to make the community aware of
the importance of the reef and to learn how to help protect it. The Reef
Festival has proved to be the perfect way of doing this, and all
organizers and participants should be proud.
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