Supporting the Next Generation of Marine Science Leaders

One of the main philanthropic activities of the Marco Island Shell Club is providing scholarships and grants to college students to help offset the rising cost of tuition. In today’s climate of inflation, pursuing higher education often means committing to four—or more—years of increasingly expensive schooling. This year, the Marco Island Shell Club offered $30,000 in Scholarships and Grants.

By offering scholarships to students majoring in marine sciences, The Marco Island Shell Club is investing in the future of Florida’s waters, its marine ecosystems, and the animals that depend on them. This year, we received the largest number of applicants we have seen in recent years, and their achievements are truly remarkable. The high GPAs, internships, club involvement, volunteer work, and athletic participation these students maintain while excelling academically demonstrate extraordinary dedication and discipline. Through these scholarships, the Marco Island Shell Club proudly supports not only exceptional students but also the long-term health and stewardship of Florida’s marine environment.

The Marco Island Shell Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and we host two major fundraisers each year to support our scholarship and grant programs. The Holiday Shell Art Sale is held annually on the Friday after Thanksgiving, and the Spring Expo and Shell Art Sale take place during the second weekend in March. Both events are hosted at the New Life Community Church on Marco Island and feature unique shell art along with educational opportunities for the community. We use money raised at these two major events to help fund our scholarship and grant initiative. For more information about these events, as well as educational seminars held throughout the season, please visit our website at www.marcoislandshellclub.com or follow us on Facebook at MarcoIsland_ShellClub.

Our five selections being awarded scholarships for the upcoming school year are: Matea Denisen, Rylie DiSarro, Macy Noll, Lauren Shea, and Madeline Strauss.

Matea Denisen is pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies from Florida Gulf Coast University, combining her love of journalism with her passion for nature. She is a writer for Coastal Breeze News, where she frequently interviews environmental organizations and deepens her understanding through hands-on field experiences. She completed a six-month internship with the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research and has also studied abroad in Costa Rica, where she learned about mangrove forests and marine conservation practices like those in Florida. In addition, she has applied to the Gulf Scholars Program, which offers research projects, internships, and collaborative opportunities with environmental organizations. After earning her BS from FGCU, she plans to apply to graduate school.

Rylie DiSarro is pursuing a degree in Marine Science and will begin her studies at Florida Atlantic University in the fall. An accomplished athlete, she has earned multiple varsity letters and, beyond athletics, served as Regional President of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council and is a member of the National Honor Society. She is also actively involved in community service through various programs. Rylie has experience as a Registered Marine Guide and has participated in Outward Bound. She plans to pursue a career in Marine Biology, where she hopes to make a positive impact on marine ecosystems through research, conservation, and education.

Macy Noll is pursuing a degree in Biology and Art, also from Florida Gulf Coast University. This year, she participated in the Environmental Education Alliance Conference as both a breakout facilitator and keynote speaker, delivering the presentation “Coming Home: A Pedagogy of Environmental Artmaking.”  She recently completed a two-year research assistantship with the Vester Marine and Environmental Field Station, where she studied Kimberly’s Reef, and she now mentors students who are continuing that work. In addition, Macy serves as an instructor for the Scientific Diving class, helping others take their research underwater. She plans to continue her research pursuits in graduate school next year.

Lauren Shea is pursuing a degree in Marine Science at Florida Gulf Coast University. She recently presented her research on organic contaminants in southwest Florida coastal waters following Hurricane Ian at two conferences, earning a Second-Best Presentation Award for one of her presentations. In 2024, Lauren presented a project at her university’s largest student Expo, where she received the Best Sustainability and Environmental Awareness Award for her work on sustainable seafood. She also works in a marine science laboratory alongside graduate students conducting red tide research and was selected as a student researcher for a shark-tagging event in 2024. Lauren’s goal is to earn a master’s degree in marine science, and through her minor in Political Science, she hopes to gain insight into the policies that help protect and sustain marine ecosystems.

Madeline Strauss is pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University. She is a first-year sophomore planning to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Ecology and Environmental Assessment. Madeline is also interested in pursuing a master’s degree in Sustainable Urban Planning, with the goal of developing sustainable communities that preserve and protect the planet and its inhabitants, particularly in coastal regions. She has been a member of the National Honor Society, Science Olympiad Team, and Biotechnology Pathway, and has earned multiple awards recognizing her volunteerism and achievements as a Miss Rhode Island Teen.

These outstanding applicants reflect the very best of academic excellence and community involvement, making our investment in their education both meaningful and impactful. By investing in these dedicated students today, we are helping to ensure a knowledgeable, passionate generation of leaders committed to protecting our oceans tomorrow.