ELC announces winners of 2025 Lagoonapalooza Art & Poetry Contest

news release

The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Lagoonapalooza Art & Poetry Contest, celebrating the beauty and importance of the Indian River Lagoon and all of our ecosystems through creative expression. This year’s contest saw an impressive array of submissions from artists and poets of all ages, each showcasing their passion for our local ecosystem.

Some of the winners gathered on Saturday, January 25th, to receive their awards and certificates. Pictured (left to right): Ella Chabot, Taylan Kommer, Finn Speer, and Bertelle Brooking.

First Place Winners:

Mia Perez (Youth) and Linda Spencer (Adult) each received two pontoon ride tickets for their outstanding entries.

Second Place Winners:

Bruno Barreirinhas (Youth) and Ella Chabot and Bertelle Brooking (Adult, Tie) were awarded ELC memberships for their exceptional creativity.

Third Place Winners:

Ryleigh Duryea (Youth) and Anne Cahill (Adult) each won $20 Nature Nook Bucks to enjoy at the ELC’s Nature Nook.

Special Category Winners:

Taylan Kommer (Digital), Finn Speer (Poetry), Rand McGrath (Photography), and Jack Engel (Video) each received two pontoon ride tickets for their winning entries in their respective categories.

Honorable Mention:

Parab Dhoka was awarded a Family Pass for a Day, recognizing their notable contribution to the contest.

“We are incredibly proud of all the participants who shared their love for the nature through their art and poetry,” said Barbara Schlitt Ford, Executive Director of the Environmental Learning Center. “Their creativity and dedication to environmental stewardship are truly inspiring.”

The ELC extends its gratitude to everyone who participated and contributed to the success of this year’s contest. The winning entries will be celebrated and displayed in a digital slideshow at the ELC in Vero Beach, inspiring visitors to appreciate and protect our precious lagoon.

About the Environmental Learning Center: The Environmental Learning Center is a 64-acre lagoon-island nature center dedicated to educating, inspiring, and empowering individuals to become active stewards of the environment.

For more information about the Lagoonapalooza Art & Poetry contest, please visit DiscoverELC.org or call 772-589-5050. More details and photos are available here.