Help Them L.A.S.T. - Love A Sea TurtleWhat began as a school field trip in 2005 to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Topsail Island has evolved into a passion and fun journey of discovery. I have learned that one person can make a difference and everybody should try. There have been so many kind and generous people who have helped me along the way.
What began as a school field trip in 2005 to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Topsail Island has evolved into a passion and fun journey of discovery. I have learned that one person can make a difference and everybody should try. There have been so many kind and generous people who have helped me along the way.
I met with Jean Beasley, Director of the Sea Turtle Hospital, and asked what I could do to help and then got to work. I created a display board for sea turtle awareness and baked and sold turtle-shaped sugar cookies and lemonade at school and community events. It began to evolve from there. I inspired a Fair Trade Organic Sea Turtle Blend Coffee with Joe Van Gogh Coffee in Hillsborough (10% of proceeds go directly to the Sea Turtle Hospital), created Help Them L.A.S.T. - Love A Sea Turtle, developed a website (www.loveaseaturtle.com) and sold T-shirts. I went to New York to shoot a commercial for Oceana’s $100,000 fundraiser, “Take The Pledge, Be An Ocean Hero”. I also pioneered a 5K course at Bray Hollow, thanks to A Time For Science, and the 2nd Annual Love A Sea Turtle 5k & Nature Walk will be held April 2, 2011 to kick off Earth Month. Currently, I am focusing on educating students by giving presentations to local elementary schools about not only what I have done, but what they can do to make a difference. To do that, I created a slideshow about my turtle work and fun facts about sea turtles. I also give them my famous turtle sugar cookies at the end to thank them for having me. In the last few weeks, I have made 5 presentations to local schools. During the summer, I was able to participate in a 2-week internship at the Sea Turtle Hospital. I learned even more about turtles and helped out at the place that got me involved with everything that I have done. I was also invited as a chaperone and mentor for 22 Virginia students and spent 5 days at the North Carolina coast participating in marine science activities.
My upcoming plans include organizing a weeklong science camp for kids along with a trip to the beach. I want to give other children the opportunity to learn about our ocean and how they can make a difference. Who knows – maybe one day “Love A Sea Turtle” can even provide scholarships for these kids to further their education.
Casey Sokolovic
www.loveaseaturtle.com