2014 Bay Scallop Bowl – It takes a village
Okay, so it doesn’t exactly take a village but as you can see in this photo, it does require many dedicated people to host and take part in the annual Bay Scallop Bowl. Luckily March 8, 2014 dawned sunny and warm with no evidence of the unstable weather we had been experiencing in the winter months thus far. All sixteen schools showed up ready to play; fourteen of the teams were faithful returnees and we were thrilled to welcome two new schools into the mix as well. The Bay Scallop Bowl is one out of 25 regional bowls across the nation that takes part in this round robin, double elimination academic tournament that focuses on biology, chemistry, geography, geology, policy, physical, social sciences and technology.
The winner from each region moves on to compete in the Nationals which travel to the various host sites each year. This year’s Finals will be held in Seattle, Washington with New York (a/k/a Bay Scallop Bowl) being represented by Saint Ann’s School from Brooklyn. While Saint Ann’s has competed in previous bowls since its inception in New York, this is the first time they placed first. They came close numerous times but it was evident beginning in Round 1 that they brought a fierce sense of determination this year. This is a day-long event beginning very early in the morning and ending very late in the day. The real excitement of the game comes after lunch when the double elimination rounds begin; one by one teams are eliminated until we end up with the overall winner.
The Bay Scallop Bowl receives partial funding from Ocean Leadership in Washington to run the event and they also cover all travel costs associated with the Finals for the team, coach and regional coordinator. The Bay Scallop Bowl is very lucky to have additional sponsors who very generously donate funding as well. The additional sponsors for 2014 are The Alfred and Jane Ross Foundation, New York Sea Grant, the Blue Ocean Institute, the Institute for Ocean Conservation Science and the New York State Marine Educators Association.
- Jubilant winners from Saint Ann’s School
(left to right) Seamus Whorisky, Nat Kavaler, Thomas Richards, Rosie Berdann, Ethan Skelskie, and Sarah Richards
Photos by Joseph Dlhopolsky are available on Google Photos.