Virginia high school student wins international art contest

[2020]

NBC News covers the middle school winner of our annual student art contest, the Science Without Borders® Challenge.

NBC 12
by WHSV-TV
July 1, 2020

Aradhey’s piece, “Coral Reef Superhero.”

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) — A 14-year-old student from Harrisonburg High School received a $500 scholarship to pursue his art career that has only just begun.

Anish Aradhey submitted a piece that he thought would “inspire a new generation of young, active leaders” to the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation’s 2020 Science Without Borders Challenge. The international contest promotes ocean conservation and invites students from around the globe to create art that “inspires people to preserve, protect and restore the world’s oceans and aquatic resources,” according to a press release.

Aradhey’s piece “portrayed a young girl picking up beach trash to show the importance of youth regarding coral reef conservation.”

“I am excited to win the contest because it means that my artwork will be used to spread awareness about coral reef conservation around the world,” said Anish. “I hope that more young people find the inspiration within themselves to create something amazing and share it with others — the world needs more of that, especially now.”

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Coral Bleaching Awareness Month: Giving Coral Reefs a Chance to Recover

For hundreds of millions of years, coral reefs have supported life in our oceans. Although they cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, they provide habitat for at least 25% of all marine species. They also support people around the world by sustaining fisheries and tourism, providing food and livelihoods, and helping protect coastlines from waves and storms.

But coral reefs are under increasing pressure. Pollution, overfishing, coastal development, physical damage, and increasingly warm ocean temperatures can all affect reef health. One of the most visible signs that a coral reef is under stress is coral bleaching.

This September, in recognition of Coral Bleaching Awareness Month, we’re taking a closer look at what happens when corals bleach, why bleaching matters, and what scientists around the world are doing to better understand, protect, and restore coral reefs.

Everything You Need to Know About the 2027 Science Without Borders® Challenge

Are you ready to combine your creativity with ocean science?

The 15th Annual Science Without Borders® Challenge is now open! Whether you’re participating for the first time or returning for another year, this guide will help you get started.

This year’s theme, Navigate With Care, invites students to explore how responsible navigation helps protect both people and life in the ocean. Through your artwork, you can compete for scholarships and international recognition while inspiring others to protect both people and life in the ocean.

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