P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School students won the Spoonbill Bowl, a regional ocean science academic competition that is part of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB), on Saturday at the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa.

The Spoonbill Bowl, hosted by the USF College of Marine Science, is part of a nationwide competition that tests students’ knowledge of ocean science disciplines through multiple-choice, buzzer-style questions and open-ended team challenge questions.

P.K. Yonge students on the championship team include Will Mercado, Abigail Pruden, William Pruden and Xochitl Rios and the coaches are Amy Pruden and Jonathan Pruden.

The NOSB is designed to build the next generation of explorers, researchers, technicians, marine scientists, policy makers, teachers, environmental stewards and informed community members by educating them in ocean science topics that are relevant today and into the future. The NOSB is an academic competition of the Center for Ocean Leadership (COL), a University Corporation for Atmospheric Research Community Program. 

“Congratulations to all the amazing students who brought their A-game to the regional NOSB competitions, highlighting their understanding of the 2025 theme of ocean acoustics,” said Dr. Sonya Legg, COL Director, in a press release. “Your quick thinking, deep knowledge, and hard work is inspiring and I hope you all continue to ride the wave of curiosity throughout your educational and career paths. I’d also like to thank our regional coordinators and volunteers who ensure the program succeeds at educating the participating students and encouraging them to become our next generation leaders in ocean and freshwater science.”