Student Spotlight: ZACHARY JORDAN

Zachary Jordan has spent his life on the water. Last year, the 15-year-old Pine View School for the Gifted student came up with the idea for Amazing Water Experiences, or AWE, a program that provides children with the opportunity to kayak and experience nature.

Zachary contacted Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast with his idea to take kids kayaking through the south Lido mangrove tunnels; asked Sarasota Yacht Club to donate the venue and lunch; and secured kayaks from Flow Kayaks.

“It allows kids to learn about conservation; I think preserving our environment is very important,” Zachary says.

Zachary hosted AWE’s first event May 5. He lead a tour of 25 big brothers and sisters along with their littles through the South Lido mangroves.

Zachary has been sailing with the Sarasota Sailing Squadron since he was 8. He also interns at Mote Marine Aquarium and enjoys fishing and scuba diving

He volunteers with Sarasota Bay Watch, the Sarasota Youth Sailing Program and the Sarasota Sailing Squadron’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program. Zachary even started a scuba diving club at Pine View and says he hopes to continue to host AWE events with Big Brothers Big Sisters and other organizations.