P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School wins Spoonbill Bowl
Press release from the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – On February 22, students from P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School in Gainesville won the Spoonbill Bowl, a regional ocean science academic competition that is part of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB). The Spoonbill Bowl, which was hosted by the University of South Florida College of Marine Science, is part of a nationwide competition that tests students’ knowledge of ocean science disciplines through buzzer-style, multiple-choice questions and open-ended team challenge questions. Students on the championship team include Will Mercado, Abigail Pruden, William Pruden, and Xochitl Rios. They are coached by Amy Pruden and Jonathan Pruden.
The NOSB is building our next generation of marine scientists, policy makers, teachers, explorers, researchers, technicians, environmental stewards, and informed community members by educating them in ocean science topics that are increasingly relevant today and into the future. The NOSB is an academic competition of the Center for Ocean Leadership (COL), a University Corporation for Atmospheric Research Community Program.
“Congratulations to all the amazing students who brought their A-game to the regional NOSB competitions, highlighting their understanding of the 2025 theme of ocean acoustics,” said Dr. Sonya Legg, COL Director. “Your quick thinking, deep knowledge, and hard work is inspiring, and I hope you all continue to ride the wave of curiosity throughout your educational and career paths. I’d also like to thank our regional coordinators and volunteers who ensure the program succeeds at educating the participating students and encouraging them to become our next generation leaders in ocean and freshwater science.”
The 2025 NOSB regional competitions are made possible through the following major sponsors:
- Schmidt Ocean Institute
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation
- Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
- IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society
- National Marine Educators Association
A complete list of program sponsors can be found here: https://nosb.org/current-sponsors. For more information about how to participate in the NOSB or support its students, visit www.nosb.org.
Does anyone know why PK Yonge recently and quietly fired their director and rehired the previous director as an interim? He was only director for three years and it seems very hush hush for a state run school.