"the mountain and the sea are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books." -john lubbock
Meet Our Team
The Salish Sea School is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, inclusion, and connectedness. We are able to grow and learn better together with a diverse team. We welcome the unique contributions that one can bring in terms of their education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.
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We are stronger together with the collective sum of individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, and talent which ultimately brings about a healthier planet.
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Click on the pictures below to learn more.
Mermen of Anacortes
Photo by Brian Hanser
Photo by Brian Hanser
Photo by Brian Hanser
What is the Mermen of Anacortes Competition?
The Mermen of Anacortes Calendar & 4th of July Float Competition is a playful, community-wide fundraiser that supports The Salish Sea School. Community members can enter by submitting a mer-themed photo for a $25 entry fee, and then the real fun begins — contestants crowdfund for their chance to shine!​​​
Photo by Brian Hanser
Photo by Brian Hanser
Float, Fame, and Fin-tastic Rewards!
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​The top fundraisers automatically earn a spot on the Mermen Calendar and a place on the 4th of July parade float, while additional finalists are selected based on creativity and connection to the Salish Sea.
It’s a joyful blend of costumes, community spirit, and giving back — all to help local students experience meaningful, hands-on learning on the Salish Sea.​​
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Proceeds help get local youth exploring tidepools, onto boats, and face-to-face with the magic of the Salish Sea.​ All donations are tax-deductible and directly support student access to outdoor education.​
How Are Mermen Selected?
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The Mermen of Anacortes Calendar features 12 fabulous finalists:
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The top 6 fundraisers will automatically secure a featured month.
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The remaining 6 spots will be selected by The Salish Sea School team based on submitted photo creativity and scenic value. All registrants have a crack at this one: your chance to shine and score a spot in the calendar!
Here’s how to enter:
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Pay your $25 registration fee at checkout (details will be emailed to you).
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Submit up to 3 high-quality photos (landscape orientation only) to mermenofanacortes@thesalishseaschool.org by June 23, 2026.
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If you'd like help taking photos, Brian Hanser of Dunraven Photo has graciously agreed to help free of charge! Email him at dunravenphotostudio@gmail.com.
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Get creative with mermesque costumes and iconic Fidalgo Island backdrops. (Costumes must be family-friendly and culturally respectful.)
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Rally your crew! Share this fundraising link and encourage your friends and family to boost you into the top six fundraisers for a guaranteed spot in the calendar.​
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The top 6 fundraisers and the top 6 selected photo winners will be:
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Featured in the 2026 calendar
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Invited to ride the official Fourth of July Parade float
Photo by Brian Hanser
Want to Nominate Someone?
​Know someone with legendary merman energy who simply belongs in this calendar? Nominate a friend, coworker, partner, or neighbor!
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Simply pay the $25 registration fee to officially enter them—then help launch their campaign by rallying donations in their name.
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We'll let your nominee know they've been selected, but you have the honor in leading the charge in fundraising to help secure their place in the spotlight!
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Support your favorite Merman—or if you don't know an applicant, you can simply give a boost to the underdog! Just include their name OR use "underdog" with your donation to help them rise with the tide and earn a spot in the calendar!
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Top 6 fundraisers = automatic calendar feature
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6 more spots = selected for creativity + connection to place
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Gifts of $100+ will be recognized on the back cover of the calendar!
Photo by Brian Hanser
Photo by Brian Hanser
Photo by Brian Hanser
Originally dreamed up by the Anacortes branch of AAUW (American Association of University Women), The Mermen of Anacortes Calendar was a wildly joyful success—fostering friendly community competition and raising vital scholarship funds for local women while sparking laughter, connection, and celebration across our community.