We are fortunate once again to have 8 students from UNC-Wilmington with us for the next few months. Let's meet them:

Hello my name is Kailynn and I am a senior at UNCW majoring in biology with a minor in assistance in dog training. I am from Apex, North Carolina and moved down here for college. I absolutely love all animals and wanted to learn more information and hands on experience with marine life! I am currently working as a vet assistant, and I am hoping to go to vet school!

 Athena - I am a junior at UNCW majoring in Biology and minoring in Marine Biology. I am from a small town called Jefferson, North Carolina. Which is close to the beautiful New River and Blue Ridge Parkway, growing up surrounded by nature and wildlife. This summer I worked at the New River State Park as a park attendant. I hope to find another summer job either in a state park again or at a national park but to be on the coast or on Saint John, USVI. I have a deep love for protecting wildlife and our environment. Although this internship isn’t related to my career goals, I am so happy to be doing this type of work as my personal passion. After having experienced this amazing opportunity, I hope to continue volunteering to help sea turtles. "

Hailee - I am from the Outer Banks, NC. I am currently a junior at UNCW with a Biology major, concentrating in Pre-Veterinary Medicine with a minor in Assistance Dog Training. Coming from a beach town, I am very familiar with the ocean and its marine life. As such, working as an intern for KBSTRRC felt like the perfect fit for me! I have always loved sea turtles, and working with them now is such a privilege. This experience will be especially helpful in determining what kind of veterinarian I want to become. 

Jena - I am currently a senior at UNCW and am from Hillsborough, New Jersey. I will be graduating this spring with a BS in marine biology with a concentration in conservation. I have always wanted to work in rescue and rehabilitation and am so grateful to have this experience at KBSTRRC! I can’t wait to learn more about the care and conservation of sea turtles through this internship and hope I continue to do so in my future career.
 
Phoebe - I am from Jacksonville, NC and I am a senior at UNCW. I am majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry. I was excited to learn about this opportunity and I am so grateful to be chosen as one of the interns this semester. As an aspiring veterinarian, I look forward to being able to work with the sea turtles so I can diversify my experience and help the animals as well. 

Matt - I am from Cary NC, and currently a senior at UNCW for a degree in marine biology. I have always been around the water and it's exciting to be turning that hobby into a possible career. KBSTRRC is such an awesome opportunity to be hands on with the turtles and I am learning so much. Sea turtles are such amazing animals and I feel very lucky to be a part of this great crew!

Kira - "I am from Asheville, North Carolina and I am a second semester junior at UNCW. I am a marine biology major with a conservation concentration. My plan is to continue with school after completing my undergrad and getting both my master's degree and PHD in marine biology. I would like to use my schooling and this internship to obtain a job that allows to me to work with these animals in my career and making the ocean a safer place for them. I am so happy to be an intern at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital and getting to work with these beautiful creatures to help spread awareness."

Kayleen - I’m from Jacksonville, NC and currently I am majoring in Marine Biology with a concentration in Marine Conservation. Throughout my life I have always been traveling and gaining new experiences. While living in Nicaragua I was able to help a rehabilitation center release sea turtle hatchlings and this experience was a major influence in pursuing my degree. I graduate this semester and plan on continuing to gain experience within marine conservation so hopefully one day I can work with a facility just like this one. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to be an intern here since I will be able to have hands on experience with endangered species and share the importance of conserving them to the public. 

With 692 registrants, Saturday's 2023 Surf to Sound 5K was our largest yet! It was a beautiful day for running, sunny and not too hot. Participants enjoyed gorgeous views of the Intercoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean as they traversed the Surf City Bridge. Best of all, participants and sponsors raised $14,931 to help sea turtles at KBSTRRC! Wow!

Thank you to everyone who ran, walked, rolled, or strolled. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped. Thank you to race timer Go Time. A special thanks to Race Director James Worsham, Meredith Worsham, and the organizing committee.

The Surf to Sound 5K would not be possible without the generosity of local sponsors. We are grateful to the following local businesses for their generous support.

Title Sponsors:
Carolina Coast Contracting
Coastal Carolina Real Estate
Jackie & Jeff James

Packet Pick-Up Sponsor:
Salty Turtle Beer Co.

Sponsors:
Hardees
Nautical Bowls
Rising Tide Fitness
Sandy Toes