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OF THE FUTURE WAVEMAKERS COMPETITION
(THE “CONTEST”)

ALL ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THE TEACHER, PARENT, OR GUARDIAN OF THE ENTRANT.

VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. BY ENTERING, ENTRANT AGREES TO BE BOUND BY THESE OFFICIAL RULES.

1.  SPONSOR. The Sponsor of this Contest is Livingston’s Way, a nonprofit Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization located in Florida. Sponsor’s mission is to unleash young innovators through science-led entrepreneurship STEM programs. Sponsor fosters creativity, critical thinking, and passion for science, technology, engineering, and math.
2. ELIGIBILITY. This Contest is open to legal residents of the State of Florida, who are at least four (4) years of age and who are under nineteen (19) years of age as of April 2, 2025. The teacher, parent, or guardian of the entrant must submit the entry. For the purposes of these Official Rules, an eligible minor who will be under nineteen (19) years of age as of April 2, 2025 and his/her parent or legal guardian will be referred to herein collectively as “Entrant” or “you”. Void where prohibited by law. Employees of Sponsor, its promotional partners and their respective parents, affiliates and subsidiaries, participating advertising and promotion agencies (and members of their immediate family and/or those living in the same household of each such employee) are not eligible to enter or win a prize. Immediate family members include siblings, grandparents, offspring, aunts, uncles, and first cousins.
3. HOW TO ENTER. The Future Wavemakers Competition (the “Contest”) begins on December 9, 2024, and is sponsored by Livingston’s Way (the “Sponsor”). All video entries described below must be submitted by 11:59 pm EST on April 2, 2025, by going to https://www.futurewavemakers.org/competition and following the instructions. In order to enter, you must determine your age group below and create a video as instructed below for each respective age group: Ages 4–6: Mini Wavemakers—You must highlight your favorite, most intriguing fact or finding about Florida’s ocean and/or wildlife by creating a one (1) minute video (mp4). You must share your discovery and inspire others to appreciate the wonders of Florida’s natural world. At the end of the video state: “My name is (your name) and I am a Wavemaker.” Ages 7–10: Junior Wavemakers—Journalist’s Deep Dive: Exploring Florida’s Ocean and Wildlife. You must conduct an interview with a marine biologist, wildlife expert, scientist, entrepreneur, librarian, teacher, or beach enthusiast. You must ask about their favorite ocean facts and how we can protect the ocean. You must create a fun and informative video that is two (2) to five (5) minutes in length to share the insights of the individual you interviewed. You may view example questions for an interview with a marine biologist by going to https://futurewavemakers.org/competition. OR You must develop an educational presentation that delves into a specific aspect of the ocean or wildlife. You must share your findings and knowledge creatively by creating a fun and informative video that is two (2) to five (5) minutes in length. Ages 11–13: Rising Wavemakers—Ocean Innovators Lesson. You must develop an educational presentation that delves into a specific aspect of ocean or wildlife. You must share your findings and knowledge creatively by creating a fun and informative video that is two (2) to five (5) minutes in length. OR You must conduct an interview with a marine biologist, wildlife expert, scientist, entrepreneur, librarian, teacher, or beach enthusiast. You must ask about their favorite ocean facts and how we can protect the ocean. You must create a fun and informative video that is two (2) to five (5) minutes in length to share the insights of the individual you interviewed. You may view example questions for an interview with a marine biologist by going to https://www.futurewavemakers.org/competition. Ages 14–18: Wavemaker Entrepreneurs—Entrepreneurial Ocean Solutions Pitch/Presentation. You must develop a pitch presentation for a business or entrepreneurial idea focused on ocean conservation or wildlife conservation. You must create a video that is two (2) to five (5) minutes in length and, in the video, describe the concept, potential, and how the business or entrepreneurial idea contributes to protecting the ocean and be persuasive and forward-thinking. In addition to the information above, in your video you must identify one (1) topic out of the following topics that interests you the most within the competition theme: marine biology, ocean sustainability, or wild Florida.In order to submit your video entry, your parent, legal guardian, or teacher, can simply go to https://www.futurewavemakers.org/competition (the “Website”) and follow the instructions on the Website to complete the program entry form (the “Entry Form”) and also (a) provide your video as described above for your respective age group; and (b) ensure the video is in mp4 format. It is not acceptable for the video to have been previously created by someone else, and you may not plagiarize or copy portions of any videos previously created or published. Videos may not contain music. Entrants are required to submit original work for their entry. While Sponsor acknowledges the use of existing sources for inspiration and research, Sponsor maintains the right to disqualify any entry if there is suspicion or confirmation of plagiarism. While Sponsor values artificial intelligence (“AI”) as a tool, this Contest is about original content and creativity. Therefore, using AI-generators, such as ChatGPT or DALL-E, is considered plagiarism and grounds for disqualification. If any permissions or releases are necessary from subjects in your video, you must obtain them prior to submission. Videos must not exceed the maximum duration outlined in the age group description. Incomplete applications are not valid. All entrants must have a parent, guardian, or teacher submit the video and by submitting the video the teacher, parent, or legal guardian acknowledges that they have the student’s permission to submit the video and granted the student permission to submit the video.Limit one (1) entry per student. Sponsor is not responsible for late, illegible, incomplete entries or entries not received for any reason. Entries are subject to the official rules outlined herein (the “Official Rules”). Entries become sole property of Sponsor, and none will be acknowledged or returned. By entering, you warrant that the entry is original to you and does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any third party.
4.  JUDGING. The contest will consist of three (3) rounds of evaluation by a qualified judging panel. In the first round, the judging panel will review and select the top 100 Finalists. The Finalists will be invited to receive one complimentary ticket for the student and one complimentary ticket for their guardian to attend the Future Wavemakers Kids Summit being held on April 26, 2025. There is no refund for tickets of any sort. Weather permitting. Tickets are non-transferrable. Food and transportation are not included. The second round the judge’s panel will select three (3) to four (4) winners (pending age category) from each age group (each, a “Divisional Prize Winner”) as set forth in Section 3 above and they will be invited to participate in the Future Wavemakers Competition in-person on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Manatee Lagoon in West Palm Beach. The student must be present in person to participate in this round in order to be considered. If they are late or absent they will not be permitted to participate. The third round: Once the judges panel has selected the four (4) Divisional Prize Winners, the panel will then select one (1) Grand Prize Winner (“Grand Prize Winner”) from among the Divisional Prize Winners. The judge’s panel will use the same criteria for each round to select the winners. All entries will be judged by a panel of experts in the field of ocean conservation, including distinguished judge Dr. Sylvia Earle. The judges will evaluate the entries based on creativity, impact, and adherence to the competition’s objectives per age group. The judging panel will review all official entries based on the following criteria: Content and Knowledge (30%): Consider the understanding of the topic, inclusion of relevant information, and demonstration of knowledge about ocean conservation. Innovation and Creativity (25%): The level of originality, creativity, and out-of-the-box thinking demonstrated in the project or idea. Impact on Education and Awareness (20%): Consider the project’s ability to inspire and engage others in the mission of ocean conservation.Presentation and Communication (15%): Assess the ability to effectively convey the problem, proposed solution, and potential impact to a broader audience.Clarity and Organization (10%): Evaluate the clarity and organization of the project. Consider the structure, flow, and coherence of the content.Decisions of judges are made in their sole discretion and are final and binding. In the case of a tie, the Divisional Prize Winner for a category and/or the Grand Prize Winner will be determined by judges.Parents/legal guardians of the selected potential winners and/or the potential winners will be notified on or around April 26, 2025. The parents/legal guardians of any Divisional Prize Winner or Grand Prize Winner who is a minor will be notified by telephone and email. Any Divisional Prize Winner or Grand Prize Winner who is eighteen (18) years of age or older will be notified by telephone and email. Sponsor shall have no liability for any winner notification that is lost,  intercepted, or not received by the potential winner or winner’s parent or legal guardian for any reason. If, despite reasonable efforts, a winner does not respond within two (2) days of the first notification attempt, or if a prize notification is returned as unclaimed or undeliverable to such potential prize winner, such potential winner may forfeit the applicable prize and an alternate winner may be selected. If any potential prize winner is found to be ineligible, or if he or she has not complied with these Official Rules or declines the applicable prize for any reason prior to award, such potential winner may be disqualified, and an alternate winner may be selected.
5. DIVISIONAL PRIZES AND GRAND PRIZES (5). The judge’s panel will select four (4) total prize winners in the second round from the Future Wavemaker Competition presentations. There will be four (4) Divisional Prize Winners selected, one from each age group as set forth in Section 3 above. There will also be one (1) Grand Prize Winner selected from among the Divisional Prize Winners. The Divisional Prize Winners will receive the following prizes (with the Approximate Retail Values (“ARV”) of said prizes in parentheses next to each respective prize) that correspond to the respective age group: Ages 4–6: Mini Wavemakers—One (1) trophy (ARV: $25); four (4) VIP Tickets to [VENUE TBA]; and one (1) copy of Wave Makers Book (ARV:$27). The total Approximate Retail Value of these prizes together in $250. Ages 7–10: Junior Wavemakers—One (1) trophy (ARV: $25); four (4) VIP Tickets to Manatee Lagoon; and one (1) copy of Wave Makers Book (ARV:$27). The total Approximate Retail Value of these prizes together in $250.Ages 11–13: Rising Wavemakers—One (1) trophy (ARV: $25); one gift bag, FL 33405; and one (1) copy of Wave Makers Book (ARV:$27). The total Approximate Retail Value of these prizes together in $250.Ages 14–18: Wavemaker Entrepreneurs—One (1) trophy (ARV: $25); one gift bag; and one (1) copy of Wave Makers Book (ARV:$27). The total Approximate Retail Value of these prizes together in $250.The Grand Prize Winner (selected from among the Divisional Winners) will be selected in the Shark Tank and will receive the following prize (with the Approximate Retail Values (ARV) of said prize in parentheses next to each respective prize):The honorary title of “Wavemaker Student of the Year;” one (1) $5,000 educational grant (ARV: $5,000) to be used to advance their STEM education; one (1) trophy (ARV: $25); gift bag; one (1) copy of Ocean Book signed by Dr. Sylvia Earle (ARV:$50); and the opportunity for Grand Prize Winner to meet Dr. Sylvia Earle at Manatee Lagoon currently scheduled to take place on April 26, 2025. The total Approximate Retail Value of these prizes together in $5,275.ALL TAXES ARE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE WINNERS. The prizes are awarded without warranty, express or implied, of any kind. All other expenses and costs not expressly listed above, including, but not limited to, transportation to and from winners’ home residence are the winners’ sole responsibilities. Sponsor is not responsible for changes in schedule of any element of the prize. Each Entrant or the Entrant’s parent or legal guardian agrees to have the Entrant’s name and likeness used in all media in conjunction with the Contest. All videos submitted to enter the Contest are deemed to be the property of Sponsor.
6.  ODDS OF WINNING. The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received and skill of the entrant.
7. CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION IN CONTEST. No transfer, assignment, or substitution of a prize is permitted, except Sponsor reserves the right to substitute prize (or prize component) for an item of equal or greater value at Sponsor’s sole discretion. Nothing in these Official Rules shall obligate Sponsor to publish or otherwise use any entry submitted in connection with this Contest. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply. Entrants agree to be bound by the terms of these Official Rules and by the decisions of Sponsor, which are final and binding on all matters pertaining to this Contest. By entering, Entrant represents that all entry materials submitted as part of Entrant’s Contest entry are original to Entrant and will not constitute defamation or an invasion of privacy or otherwise infringe upon the rights of any third party, and that the Entrant owns or has the rights to convey any and all right and title in such materials to Sponsor and/or Sponsor’s designees as contemplated hereunder. In addition, by entering, Entrant grants to Sponsor a nonexclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to edit, publish, promote, republish at any time in the future and otherwise use Entrant’s submitted entry, along with Entrant’s name, likeness, biographical information, and any other information provided by Entrant, including but not limited to video clips, in any and all media for possible editorial, promotional, or advertising purposes, without further permission, notice, or compensation (except where prohibited by law). The Entrant therefore releases, discharges, and agrees to hold harmless the Sponsor from any claims and liability arising from or relating to the Application and the Content of each Application.The parents or legal guardians of potential winners, as a condition of being a Divisional Prize Winner and/or a Grand Prize Winner or receiving any prize will be required to sign and return an Affidavit of Eligibility, a Liability Release, and where legally permissible, a Publicity Release, confirmation of a license containing the terms set forth herein and above and any other affidavits, declarations, and/or releases or additional documents that may be required by Sponsor (collectively, the “Additional Documents”) within five (5) days following the date of Sponsor’s first attempted notification. The Additional Documents will include, among other things, certification that: (a) entry does not defame or invade the privacy of any party; (b) entry does not infringe upon the rights of any third party; and (c) the entry materials submitted are original. Failure to comply with this seven (7) day deadline may result in Entrant’s forfeiture of a prize and Sponsor’s selection of an alternate finalist or winner. Return of any prize/prize notification as undeliverable may, in Sponsor’s sole discretion, may also result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner.Acceptance of a prize constitutes permission for Sponsor and its agencies to use winner’s name and/or likeness, biographical information, and entry materials for advertising and promotional purposes without additional compensation, unless prohibited by law. By entering Contest and/or accepting a prize, Entrants and winners agree to hold Sponsor and its promotional partners, its directors, officers, employees, and assigns harmless for liability, damages, or claims for injury or loss to any person or property including death relating to, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, participation in this Contest, the acceptance and/or subsequent use or misuse, or condition of any of the prizes awarded, including providing their time or content to Sponsor, or claims based on publicity rights, defamation, or invasion of privacy. As between Entrant and Sponsor, Entrant shall be responsible for, and indemnify and hold Sponsor harmless from and against any claim by or on behalf of a third party in connection with, or resulting from, any act or omission related to any of the information or materials submitted as part of an entry.False or deceptive entries or acts that Sponsor becomes aware of may render the Entrant ineligible and may result in liability to Sponsor and/or third parties. Sponsor, in its sole discretion, reserves the immediate and unrestricted right to disqualify any entrant or prize winner, if either commits or has committed any act, or has been involved or becomes involved in any situation or occurrence that the Sponsor deems likely to subject the Sponsor, Entrant, or Winner to ridicule, scandal, or contempt, or which reflects unfavorably upon the Sponsor in any way, including any alleged claim of a violation of third party rights. If such information is discovered by Sponsor after a Winner has received notice of the prize and before the prize is awarded, Sponsor may rescind the prize in its entirety. If a portion of the prize has already been awarded, Sponsor may withdraw the remainder of the prize that has been fulfilled. Decisions of the Sponsor are final and binding in all matters related to this paragraph. Sponsor is not responsible for any typographical or other error in the printing of the offer, administration of the Contest, or in the announcement of the prizes.
8. DISPUTES, GOVERNING LAW. The parties waive all rights to trial in any action or proceeding instituted in connection with these Official Rules, including, without limitation, the Contest. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to these Official Rules and/or the Contest shall be settled by binding arbitration in accordance with the commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association and the Federal Arbitration Act. Any such controversy or claim shall be arbitrated on an individual basis and shall not be consolidated in any arbitration with any claim or controversy of any other party. The arbitration shall be conducted in West Palm Beach, Florida.THESE OFFICIAL RULES AND THE INTERPRETATION OF ITS TERMS SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS CONFLICTS OF LAWS RULES EXCEPT THAT THIS ARBITRATION PROVISION SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE FEDERAL ARBITRATION ACT. For any matters that are not subject to arbitration as set forth in these Official Rules and/or in connection with the entering of any judgment on an arbitration award in connection with these Official Rules and/or the Contest, the parties irrevocably submit and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in or closest to Palm Beach County in the State of Florida. The parties agree not to raise the defense of forum non conveniens.
9. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY; DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES. IN NO EVENT WILL THE RELEASED ENTITIES (WHICH INCLUDE SPONSOR AND ITS PROMOTIONAL PARTNERS, THEIR DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AND ASSIGNS) BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OR LOSSES OF ANY  KIND, INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ACCESS TO AND/OR USE OF ANY SITES ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONTEST AND/OR DOWNLOADING FROM AND/OR PRINTING MATERIAL DOWNLOADED FROM ANY SITES ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONTEST. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, THIS CONTEST AND ALL PRIZES ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NONINFRINGEMENT. SOME JURISDICTIONS MAY NOT ALLOW THE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES SO SOME OF THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. CHECK YOUR LOCAL LAWS FOR ANY RESTRICTIONS OR LIMITATIONS REGARDING THESE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS.
10. CONFIDENTIALITY. Entrant agrees not to make any public announcement or publish any information regarding the Contest, including but not limited to sharing or otherwise disclosing any written information, photographs, or images associated with the Contest, in any media, including all social media platforms, without prior written approval of Sponsor or as provided herein, which such authorization may be terminated at the sole discretion of Sponsor at any time.
11. RIGHT TO CHANGE, CANCEL, OR SUSPEND CONTEST. If, for any reason, the Contest is not capable of running as planned, due to infection by computer virus, bugs, worms, Trojan horses, denial of service attacks, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, or any other causes beyond the control of Sponsor that corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of this Contest, Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual(s) who tamper with the entry process, and/or to cancel, terminate, modify, or suspend the Contest. Sponsor reserves the right to change these Official Rules at any time, in its sole discretion, and to suspend or cancel the Contest.
12. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of these rules is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction or appointed arbitrator, such determination shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision herein.
13. USE OF DATA. Sponsor use of data will be in accordance with its privacy policy located here: privacy policy. By participating in the Contest, entrants and their parents or legal guardians hereby agree to Sponsor’s collection and usage of their personal information and acknowledge that they have read and accepted Sponsor’s privacy policy.
14. WINNER’S LIST. For the names of winners, visit https://www.futurewavemakers.org after April 26, 2025.