The Ocean Isle Beach Sea Turtle Program would like to congratulate Topsail Beach, North Carolina resident Jean Beasley as the 2007 Hero of the Year!
Jean was nominated by Martha Eggleston for her work as founder and director of The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center.
The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center opened in 1997, by its founder and director Jean Beasley, in memory of her daughter's efforts to assure survival of sea turtles. Jean's around-the-clock dedication and devotion to saving turtles is shown in the tireless number of hours she devotes to their rescue and care. Her efforts have brought international attention to the uncertain future sea turtles face. As a retired teacher, Jean believes in the power of education and has developed an extensive program to involve people of all ages. Junior interns are accepted at age 13. College students work year-round receiving class credit. Twelve-week summer internship candidates are selected from applications from the U.S. and other countries. Thousands visit the facility each year to see the turtles, hear their stories, and learn what they can do to help. The center's all-volunteer group receives no state or federal funding and operates on a modest budget based on fundraising/donations. Twelve to 20 recovered turtles are released each year from the 900-square-foot center. Jean's passion of saving sea turtles has inspired students and adults to find direction in their lives in wildlife management, conservation, veterinary medicine and related fields. Her belief that everyone can make a difference is invigorating and challenging to all.
As the 2007 Hero of the Year, Jean receives a trip for two to Hawaii. In addition, the animal welfare organization of her choice will receive a $10,000 donation provided by the makers of Fresh Step® Litter. Which of course will go towards a new, larger sea turtle hospital which is greatly needed.
The search for the Hero of the Year was an eight-month process, beginning with online and public nominations, followed by a review by a panel of judges who determined ten finalists. Finally, the voting returned to the public forum as Animal Planet viewers visited animalplanet.com to vote on their favorite finalist.
Jean Beasley and her helpers will again be our guest at the July 5th Turtle Day events. Jean has brought one of her rehabilitated sea turtles to our July 5th event every year since it's conception.
