The North Carolina Shell Club hosted its first-ever business preview reception on Thurs., May 1. The event was an opportunity for local businesses and organizations to meet Club members, learn about NCSC’s community outreach efforts and be the first to view the Shell Show before it opens to the public. It was a successful effort to create and build partnerships to support Coastal North Carolina.

A new feature of the 2025 NC Shell Show was student day. Dr. Dan Minior, NCSC president, taught more than 30 local students about shell habitats, predators, and how to identify common NC shells. The interactive experience also included a discussion of the scotch bonnet, NC’s state shell. Each student goodie bag included a sanddollar, scotch bonnet and wristband to visit the exhibit hall.

The 2025 NC Shell Show began with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The North Carolina Shell Club welcomed special guests, Dr. Tracy Mancini, Carteret County Community College President and Ms. Erin Knight, Carteret County Chamber of Commerce President to join the festivities. Additionally, participants from the first-ever Shell Show student day helped with the signage.

Earlier this year, the Everett Long/North Carolina Shell Club Scholarship was finalized at the Carteret County Community College (CCCC). It continues the Club’s long tradition of supporting education and will benefit Aquaculture Technology students.

Dr. Tracy Mancini, CCCC President, met NCSC members and two high school students at the Aquaculture Lab on Fri., May 1. She acknowledged and thanked the Club for the scholarship and she facilitated a ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the Lab.

The Club inducted three members to Honorary Lifetime Member status at the annual banquet. Ms. Vicky Wall, Mr. John Timmerman and Ms. Nancy Timmerman joined an exclusive group of only 23 previous inductees. This is the highest honor bestowed by the NCSC.

Shell Show guests enjoyed three educational presentations on Sat., May 3.

“The Magnificent Molluscan Photography of Charlotte Thorpe,”

“Marine Envenomations,” and

“On the Beach with Dr. Ashley Oliphant: Building a Better Beachcombing Strategy.”