Meet MDC Volunteer Carla Slye

Meet MDC Volunteer Carla Slye

If you meet Marine Discovery Center volunteer Carla Izaguirre Slye, you will understand that this woman does not do anything halfway or half-hearted. She is “all-in” at all times, which is why this U.S. Navy veteran was MDC’s top volunteer in 2025 with 351 hours of...
Meet MDC Student Intern Kye Pollard

Meet MDC Student Intern Kye Pollard

University of Central Florida senior Kye Pollard will be turning the tassel to graduate this month with a bachelor’s degree in biology. But Pollard, 22, a native of Avon Park, Fla., and a current Orlando resident, also will enter the work force with hands-on...
Meet MDC Volunteer Kim O’Connell

Meet MDC Volunteer Kim O’Connell

If you see that sparkle in the eyes of Marine Discovery Center volunteer Kim O’Connell, it could be because the former middle-school teacher is watching excited children come through the doors of the center. Or it could be because she is talking to guests about the...
MDC Connection for Volunteer Started as Conversation with Founder

MDC Connection for Volunteer Started as Conversation with Founder

Susan Burkett is a “people person” and it shows. And that’s why she volunteers at MDC’s Welcome Desk, greeting the public and inviting them to get involved with the nonprofit nature center. Susan was born in Virginia, but as a so-called “corporate brat,” her family...
There’s Only One Snookie at Marine Discovery Center

There’s Only One Snookie at Marine Discovery Center

Just say the name Snookie (Mary) Demarce and anyone who knows this vivacious Minnesotan automatically smiles. When asked her age, she will tell you “76, like the trombones.” And when asked what she is driving these days, she will tell you “Vanessa [a van] and she only...
Once A Camper, Now Charlotte Harris Is an MDC Summer Camp Counselor

Once A Camper, Now Charlotte Harris Is an MDC Summer Camp Counselor

As they say, time flies when you’re having fun, and Charlotte Harris should know. This is her 11th year of summer camp at MDC. Granted, most of those years were as a summer camper, starting at age 5 and ending last year when she aged out of the program. This year,...