Our special “Little School by the Bay” just got a lot more special with an exciting announcement. Locally, you can see many people doing Guy Harvey designs on their clothes year-round but now, our Anna Maria area just gained an even closer connection with the famous artist. Collaboration and common interests lead to the first-ever Guy Harvey Academy of Arts and Sciences at Anna Maria Elementary.
The School District of Manatee County announced their partnership with the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF) to establish the Guy Harvey Academy of Arts and Science at Anna Maria Elementary School (AME). The academy, named for the world-renowned wildlife artist, conservationist and businessman, will focus on marine sciences, conservation and the arts.
What does that mean for AME? The same little school we’ve all known to love and support over the many years is just adding another layer to the hands-on world-class education it offers students. The collaboration between the district and GHOF will begin this school year with development of a K-5 curriculum that will include a special aquarium to be installed at the school for the program, and accompanying art components. Students who finish the program will receive a certificate of completion from the academy.
On the partnership, Manatee County Superintendent Cynthia Saunders said “It is a goal of our school district to bring innovative educational opportunities to our students to expand their career and life possibilities. It’s been a genuine pleasure to work with Dr. Harvey and everyone associated with his ocean foundation to make this academy a reality.”
Dr. Harvey earned high honors in Marine Biology at Aberdeen University in Scotland and obtained a Doctorate in Fisheries Management at the University of West Indies. His vivid and colorful artwork has earned international prestige and is viewed in art galleries, exhibits, stores and adorns a wide array of popular products including apparel. You can even pick up a variety of Dr. Harvey’s unique designs at many of our local shops and boutiques!
In a thoughtful recorded statement, Dr. Harvey and his daughter Jessica Harvey, expressed their avid support for the academy. Jessica Harvey is an Environmental Conservationist and Co-Chair of the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. They have both been searching for the right fit for an opportunity like this and AME fit just right for their goals to educate, empower, and inspire.
Doug Evans, Chief Philanthropy Officer for the GHOF was at the School Board meeting in Bradenton Tuesday evening when the Board approved the agreement for the academy.
“I don’t think there could possibly be a better fit for the very first Guy Harvey Academy of Arts and Science than Anna Maria Elementary,”
We are so proud of the staff at Anna Maria Elementary who eagerly sought this advancement and for the teams that came together to make it happen. We know that this will only further positively impact our local community, environment, and cause a ripple effect of care.
Anna Maria Elementary always welcome school-choice students, transfers, and “hardship” students with open arms. While the school has historically been the go-to public school for the many kids growing up on the island, they’re seeing even more children coming from neighboring towns to AME. So, if you live on the mainland and are just looking for a more individualized education in a warm environment for your child with an emphasis on marine biology, environmentalism, and the arts — reach out to see how your child can benefit from this exciting collaboration.
Congrats, Anna Maria Elementary! Welcome to the neighborhood, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation!
Photos from School District of Manatee County