Winners announced for the 2025 Coast Day Essay Contest

The 2025 Coast Day Essay contest’s theme this year was Discover Our World and around 60 students from schools across Delaware submitted entries to the contest, describing locations of their favorite ecosystem or habitat in the First State.

In addition to a description of their favorite Delaware ecosystem or habitat, students were asked what types of animals and plants live in the ecosystem or habitat, why the ecosystem or habitat is important and what people can do to protect the ecosystem or habitat.

David Christopher, marine education specialist, who oversees the contest, said he was “impressed this year with the level of detail and creativity the students included in their essays.”

First place went to Luke Matsko from Rehoboth Elementary for his essay called “Delaware’s Beautiful Bald Cypress Swamps.”

Second place went to Bennett Hammond from First State Montessori and third Place went to Beau Berard from Love Creek Elementary.

Honorable Mentions honors went to Ava Wright from May B. Leasure Elementary, Elise Weldin from John R. Downes Elementary and Emma Stedman from William B. Keene Elementary.