How it Started
In eighth grade, I was assigned a capstone project that challenged me to make a meaningful impact on a local community. I immediately thought of Anna Maria Island—a place that means so much to me. It’s where I’ve made countless memories, walking along the shoreline, watching sunsets over the Gulf, and appreciating the natural beauty that makes the island so special. Because I care deeply about it, I began noticing the growing problem of litter on the beaches—small pieces of trash that, over time, take away from the island’s beauty and harm marine life.
For my project, I wanted to create something simple but impactful. Instead of just cleaning the beach myself, I decided to involve others. I distributed sand pails with a short note explaining my project and encouraging people to pick up trash during their time at the beach. I also asked them to send me photos of their collected trash so I could see the difference we were making together.
The response was better than I expected. Families, visitors, and locals participated, turning beach cleanups into shared activities. Seeing the photos and knowing that people cared enough to join in showed me that even a small idea could inspire action. What started as a school assignment became something much more meaningful.
However, I realized that the impact was temporary. The project relied on me distributing pails and spreading the message. After seeing its success, I knew I wanted to take it further and create a more permanent solution—one that would continue encouraging people to protect Anna Maria Island long after the original project ended. What began in eighth grade as a simple assignment has now grown into a lasting commitment to preserving a place I truly love.