By Simon Jones
Published Jul 7, 2015 at 8:00 am (Updated Jul 7, 2015 at 1:03 am)

Five-year-old Maya Fitzmaurice Trott scooped top prize at the Bermuda Zoological Society’s Reef Watch art competition.

The youngster from Somerset Primary School was one of nine winners announced on Saturday at the third annual BZS Reef Watch citizen scientist conservation event.

Winning smile: Maya Fitzmaurice Trott receives her prize from Bermuda Aquarium,
Museum & Zoo Principal Curator Dr Ian Walker and Hiscox CEO Jeremy Pinchin

The competition, which was formally announced in mid-May, attracted more than 60 entrants from across the Island that were then looked at by a panel of three judges. Students were given a month to make either a two or three-dimensional creation that highlighted coral reef conservation and incorporated either the BZS Reef Watch logo or BZS Reef Watch red mask in the design.

Dakahri Bailey, 1st place winner in the Upper Primary
division, with BAMZ Principal Curator Dr. Ian Walker
and Hiscox CEO Jeremy Pinchin

Art by Arabella Henderson, 1st place winner
in the Lower Primary division

“The extension of the BZS Reef Watch programme to include a children’s art section ensures that we are creating ambassadors for reef conservation among our future generations, as well as it being just great fun,” said lead sponsor Hiscox’s CEO Jeremy Pinchin. Aquarium and zoo curator Ian Walker added: “We were truly amazed at the number of entries in this first ever BZS Reef Watch student art competition, as well as the amazing quality of the artwork by students from across Bermuda’s schools.

Maya Fitzmaurice Trott created a magnificent
underwater diorama which won her the Best
in Show title at the BZS REEF Watch
Student Art Competition.

“We know that this is a fantastic way to share the message of coral reef conservation with future generations, and look forward to seeing many more entries when we continue this competition in the future.”

Art by Dakahri Bailey, 1st place winner in
the Upper Primary division

Dakahiri Bailey came first in the upper primary category, while Lindsay Scherer and Jessica Bucher were second and third respectively. Rory Lucas received an honourable mention.

In the lower primary Arabella Henderson won first prize and was followed by Jamie Newton and Miles Outerbridge. Rachael Dill received an honourable mention.