When the judges were trying to choose a winner of the Duckey Eco-Essay Contest, Calvin the Catfish was clearly a front-runner. We loved that he didn’t let his blindness hold him back, but instead pushed him to do great things. But there was one small concern that arose: catfish are fresh water fish. How would we be able to incorporate him into our team of saltwater dwellers? It didn’t take long for the judges to decide that this stumbling block didn’t matter. That is what’s so great about Calvin and this story: we all come from different walks of life. And that’s okay. Our backgrounds are a reflection of who we are and that’s what makes us all unique. Despite where we come from, we all have the ability to come together to make positive changes in the world around us. I’m excited to have Calvin on board and look forward to seeing the new adventures that await him and the team!

We received over 200 entries for the Duckey Eco-Essay Contest and are excited to announce the winner. Congratulations to Phillip Pinarksi, a sixth grader at St. Ann School in Bartlett, Tennessee. His character, a blind catfish named Calvin, will be featured as one of the new Ocean Protectors in the next book. The judges were blown away by Phillip’s creativity and sensitivity of the character he created. Calvin’s willpower and strength despite his disability fits right in with the team’s motto: Believe it. Achieve it!

Also, a big congratulation goes out to the honorable mentions and finalists:

Finalists –
Shayla Gaffney: Caylie Crab; St. Ann School, Bartlett, TN
Robert Lawson: Shortfin Mako; St. Ann School, Bartlett, TN
Katrina Ung and Melissa Ball: Kamele Kame & Conan; Jaffrey Rindge Middle School, Jaffrey, NH
Nick Owens: Oarfish; St. Ann School, Bartlett, TN
Robert Harris: Terrance the Sea Turtle; St. Ann School, Bartlett, TN

Honorable Mentions -
Andres Salas:  Driag Koah (sea dragon); St. Ann School, Bartlett, TN

Special Youth Award –
Stephanie Yoshida, age 6: Crab; Hokolani Elementary School, Honolulu, HI

Click here to read the winning entries.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Duckey Eco-Essay Contest. We received so many wonderful entries and were blown away by the creativity! From polar bears to krill to clownfish. From super digging to laser beams to telekinesis. There were so many interesting characters and inventive superpowers! Your thoughts on why it’s important to save the world’s oceans and environments were amazing to read. I’m glad so many of you recognize that the world needs our help! We will be announcing the winner and finalists within the next week so stay tuned!

Calling all Junior Ocean Protectors! We’re still waiting for your entry for the Duckey Eco-Essay Contest! Send us in your essay and you could have a character named after you in Duckey’s next adventure AND have your name featured as a contributing writer. How cool! It’s really simple to participate so what are you waiting for? In 250 words or less, tell us:

1. Why it’s important to save the world’s oceans and environments
2. What kind of creature you would be if you were an Ocean Protector and the one special power you would have – like Kilo’s strength, Polly’s powerful puffing, and Denise’s whirlwinds.

But you need to hurry because the deadline is May 31st. So check out the details and get  writing!

We’ve been receiving hundreds of creative entries for the Duckey Eco-Essay Contest. It’s great to read all this creative thinking from youngsters around the country, but we’re still waiting for yours! In 250 words or less, tell us:

1)    Why it’s important to save the world’s oceans and environments
2)    What kind of creature you would be if you were an Ocean Protector and the one special power you would have – like Kilo’s strength, Polly’s powerful puffing, and Denise’s whirlwinds.

If your essay is chosen, we’ll include your character – named after YOU – in the next adventure of Duckey and the Ocean Protectors. And your name will be featured as a contributing writer! How cool! So send us your essay by May 31st, and who knows? You could become a part of Duckey’s next exciting adventure! Click here to get all the details.