SCK's Finale !!!!!

The Stone Crab Kids wrapped up the research project with a presentation from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Mr. Mel Bell, the Director of Fisheries Management, accompanied by DNR Officer Ben Whaley, read and presented Josiah, AnnahBelle, and Sarah with letters of appreciation for their research efforts on behalf of SCDNR. The letters were beautifully composed, and eloquently portrayed the value of the kids' efforts. (I plan to publish and share that letter on the blog at a later date.)

What the SCK's didn't know was that a few other letters had shown up in the mail. South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley sent individual letters stating how proud she was of the SCKs. The letters arrived in dark blue folders with the SC State Seal embossed in gold print on the cover. United States Congressman Tim Scott, born and raised right here in Charleston, wrote a friendly letter of congratulations. And United States Senator Jim DeMint, followed up the letter of encouragement he wrote a year and a half ago when the project first started, expressing his desire to see the SCKs taking on future projects.

All in all, it was a fun little ceremony surrounded by our friends and supporters from the West Ashley Outboard Motor Club. 

But just remember this ... Officials can make memorable presentations, politicians can write glowing letters ... but after the hoop-lah is over, it is Capt. Dad that takes the Stone Crab Kids out for ICE CREAM !!!!!

* As I compile information and gather thoughts, I will write about some of the interesting findings we captured from this research. *

A heart felt thank you to all who shared in this adventure.

Next up for the SCKs ..... the love affair with salt water continues in the form of shrimp trawling!