On a breezy Saturday morning, the Fort Pierce community came alive with a shared purpose. Over 70 Fort Pierce Central High School students, accompanied by an LPA student, gathered at the Manatee Center for the beloved tradition of the Kimberly Pearson Memorial Oceanside Cleanup. This sixth annual event proved to be yet another joyful success, embodying the spirit of dedication and togetherness that has become a hallmark of this Cobra initiative.
Kimberly Pearson’s life-long legacy shone brightly as her mother, Susie Pearson, joined the volunteers to honor her memory. Alongside her were enthusiastic supporters, including Mrs. Armada, Mrs. Devlin, and several dedicated teachers from the district, all lending a hand to this meaningful cause. The National Honor Society (NHS) and Gardening Club spearheaded the event, exemplifying their commitment to this Cobra tradition.
Below, sophomore Camey Parker pauses in the wind for a snapshot in between filling her bag and cleaning the coastline.
Their efforts were met with admiration and gratitude for their hard work in bringing the community together for such an important initiative. Mrs. Kadie-Barclay, manager and director of the Manatee Center and a proud Cobra alumna from the Class of ’99, as well as Mrs. Avra, Gardening Club sponsor and K.P. Memorial Fund Trustee, expressed their awe and pride in witnessing the dedication and enthusiasm of the student volunteers.
This heartfelt cleanup effort stands as a testament to the power of community spirit and collaboration. It was more than just an environmental endeavor; it was a celebration of legacy, compassion, and the enduring bond between generations of Cobras. Here’s to continuing this tradition for many years to come.
On behalf of the Pearson family, the K.P. Memorial Foundation was established at FPC. The Foundation was awarded $4,000 to fund programs and projects aligning with the goals and mission of Ms. Pearson’s legacy of life-long learning, love of the ocean, and environmental stewardship. To inquire about funding your next environmental project, please email katherine.avra@stlucieschools.org for the application and more information.
Thanks to the Manatee Center center staff for hosting our efforts, Chefs Swertfager and Strell for the wonderfully yummy Cobra Cookies, and Stuart Panera for their back-to-back end of day “dough-nations” for feeding our tireless volunteers!
