Virtu 2020

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A LUMN I AFFAIRS CLASS NEWS most ecologically diverse natural area in the southern United States with a significant variety of species of plants and animals, many of which are rare, some of which are considered threatened or endangered. The organization and its members believe that because the Apalachicola River ecosystem belongs to all of us, we have a shared responsibility to preserve it for future generations.

Cameron Lewis Barton is one of the Riverkeeper’s passionate supporters and, in October 2020, she made her second RiverTrek, a kayaking trip down the entire 106-mile length of the Apalachicola River, in 5 days. The goal of this trip is raising both awareness and funds to help protect and restore the Apalachicola River Basin. As part of the journey, Cameron and other participants met with historians, local officials, naturalists and scientists to learn as much as they could during their wilderness immersion experience. As a RiverTrek member Cameron concluded, “I enjoyed the group and peacefulness of the river. It is simply powerful and beautiful and worth every effort to protect it!” Beyond the trip, Cameron takes the knowledge and experiences she gains back to her Maclay middle school science classroom and helps her students explore the river and learn about its ecology. Through sharing an understanding of the unique ecosystem and the importance of the river’s health, she is developing another group of

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ambassadors for this special area – way to go, Cameron! Congratulations to designer and artist, Daniel Wingate!! Danny opened his premier flagship store for WINGATE COLLECTION in Munich, Germany in mid-October 2020. From their website: WINGATE COLLECTION is the brainchild of his visionary, international experience in the women’s luxury market. Ageless, Sizeless and Fearless are the key words and design philosophy for Daniel Wingate. WINGATE is a two season concept each year that is produced exclusively in Europe and innovative in its inclusive designs for all women of today. WINGATE is proud to also invite an array of in-residence designers that personify great design made in Germany to the space to share and create a new dialogue with customers through special events and a curated, eclectic product offer. WINGATE Store is featured in AD Architectural Digest Germany this month in the news sections: Stores to watch! Interior concept by Schönbuch - all made in Germany.

Class of 1989 Marcia Warfel has been named President of the Club 25 Women “Women to Know” in partnership with the Tallahassee Democrat. Marcia is the Director of Public Relations for Tallahassee Woman Magazine and a servant leader/community advocate for women and girls. A woman that wears many hats, Marcia is an emergency management professional that has over 20 years of experience. She is CEO of Maxim Strategies and Solutions consulting firm, and she is excited to be finishing her Master’s degree at Florida State University.

Class of 1990 Matt Hill continues his work with Green Again Madagascar, a non-profit organization, whose mission is to restore damaged rainforest reserves in Madagascar. The restoration not only involves replanting trees, but also a long-term commitment to assisting the recovery of this ecosystem. In the last 100 years, 87% of Madagascar’s rainforest has been lost. One of the fundraisers to support these efforts is a coloring book that Green Again has put out. Like Matt’s daughter Nirina Gladys, young children can have fun while learning about the rainforests in Madagascar. It’s a great bonus that several Maclay students’ artwork is included in the coloring book! You can

support Matt and his work by purchasing these color books via Amazon.

Class of 1992 Blake Dowling and his team at Aegis Business Technologies have done it again! In summer 2020, the company was, once again, named to Florida Trend magazine’s list of the best workplaces in Florida and ranked at #7! John Roland has begun an exciting new role at his beloved alma mater Samford University. He is thrilled to be serving the Howard College of Arts & Science as the Director of Advancement.


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