MIAMI, Oct. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The results are in;
after a six-week search for an educator who is inspiring
South Florida's next generation to
dream big, think differently and challenge the status quo,
23-year-old Brittany Affolter from
the Miami-Dade region of Teach For
America, has been selected as Godmother of Royal Caribbean
International's newest ship, Harmony of the Seas. With
this honor, Affolter will join the ranks of renowned athletes,
celebrities and royalty when she officially breaks a bottle to name
the ship on Nov. 10, 2016.
Royal Caribbean received nearly one thousand nominations from
Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm
Beach counties, of which three Finalists were selected and
voted on by the public to help choose a South Florida hometown hero in
education.
"The Godmothers of our ships are remarkable individuals whose
life lessons and achievements are rooted in courage, dedication and
determination," said Michael Bayley,
President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "Brittany
exemplifies these qualities and so much more. We were exceptionally
impressed by the passion she has for empowering our youth to
believe in a better world and brighter future. She is wise beyond
her years, and we can only imagine the accomplishments that she
will continue to achieve."
"At Royal Caribbean, we view education as a crucial stepping
stone for our young people," said Richard
D. Fain, Chairman & CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
"We are very proud to be in a position to 'pay it forward' by
celebrating the unsung heroes in our local communities who have
dedicated their lives to this goal. Congratulations to
Brittany and the nearly thousand other heroes who were
nominated."
Brittany Affolter pursued a
career in education as a way to pay it forward and inspire children
in the same way she had been during her early years. She grew up in
a challenging home environment where she received little support
and guidance, and was able to remove herself from that setting with
the help of teachers and mentors. Instead Affolter found the
encouragement and inspiration she sought from caring and devoted
teachers who believed in her, helping her realize that college was
within grasp and that a quality education was essential for a
successful, fulfilling life. Ultimately, these teachers advanced
her to where she is today.
Affolter has been working with Teach For America Miami-Dade
since 2014, engaging classrooms in Title 1 schools across the
county that meet the needs of at-risk and low-income students. In
order to reach as many kids in Miami as possible for the greatest impact, she
now trains teachers at 14 high-need schools in Miami-Dade, serving more than 500 students. In
her spare time, she tutors students, is working to become a mentor
for children in foster care, and is completing her masters in
educational leadership.
"I am so honored to have been selected as Godmother to
Harmony of the Seas and hope that my story can help give a
voice to all the hard-working teachers that give so much of
themselves to make a meaningful difference," said Affolter.
"It's most important for me to help kids understand that no matter
what is going on in their lives, they can reach the dreams they
have for themselves. It's amazing what you can achieve when you
have the support and encouragement of teachers who go above and
beyond."
Royal Caribbean set out to find
a hometown hero in education to honor the homecoming of Harmony
of the Seas, which will make her U.S. debut in a few short
weeks when she arrives into her new homeport of Port Everglades in
Ft. Lauderdale, FL on November 5. The South
Florida-based company sought an outstanding candidate that
is making a positive impact on the community's youth and received
nearly 1,000 motivating and heartfelt nominations. After narrowing
the selection to three standout finalists, and thanks in part to
votes from South Florida
residents, Affolter rose to the top as the educator most deserving
to be named Godmother of the world's largest cruise ship. Royal
Caribbean will award a
$25,000 grant to Teach For America
Miami-Dade, funding education initiatives that further Affolter's
mission to inspire the local community's youth.
"Leading a classroom to great results is no small feat," said
Samantha Hoare, executive director
of Teach For America Miami-Dade. "We see a lot of invaluable
qualities in the future leaders who join our corps, most
importantly, a desire to have a real impact in the community and a
deep belief in the potential of all kids. We saw the makings of a
great teacher, mentor and coach in Brittany, and thrilled that she
is being recognized for her commitment to expanding opportunities
for Miami-Dade's children through
an excellent education."
For more information on how Affolter is inspiring the next
generation, as well as the role of Royal Caribbean Godmothers, past
and present, visit www.royalhometownhero.com.
Harmony of the Seas is the world's largest cruise
ship with a bold and unexpected lineup of thrilling experiences
found nowhere else on land or at sea. Harmony combines
the distinct seven-neighborhood concept that
sister-ships Oasis of the Seas and Allure
of the Seas are known for, with some of the most modern
and groundbreaking amenities, including imaginative dining,
unparalleled entertainment and the latest technology, such as VOOM,
the fastest internet at sea. From the Ultimate Abyss, a thrilling
10-story tall slide, to unparalleled entertainment including
Broadway's hit musical Grease and high-diving,
acrobatic performances in the iconic AquaTheater, world-class
dining in venues ranging from Jamie's Italian Cuisine by celebrity
chef Jamie Oliver to Wonderland, a
unique whimsical culinary adventure for the senses; and robot
bartenders, there is an adventure for guests of all ages
onboard Harmony.
Harmony of the Seas spans 16 guest decks,
encompasses 226,963 gross registered tons, carries 5,479 guests at
double occupancy, and features 2,747 staterooms. For more
information about Harmony, please
visit RoyalCaribbean.com/HarmonyoftheSeas.
For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers
should call their travel agent; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call
(800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.
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SOURCE Royal Caribbean International