This article highlights how middle school students helped launch the aquatic invasive education campaign – Clean Boats, Clean Waters. Maree Stewart was a middle schooler from Minocqua, Wisconsin, when she and two classmates had an idea that would shape Wisconsin’s lakes for the next 20 years and beyond.

“It doesn’t feel now like I’ve done this big, momentous thing, but it really has made such a difference,” Stewart said. “And it’s just really amazing how many people have been impacted by a science project that I did when I was 12 years old.”

In 2001, Stewart, Luke Voellinger, and Janelle Zajicek kick-started what would become Clean Boats, Clean Waters (CBCW), one of the most successful watercraft inspection and aquatic invasive species (AIS) education programs in the country. With the help of a $25,000 grand prize, dedicated mentors, and some fateful wordsmithing from a local t-shirt printer, the trio transformed a middle school science project into a statewide initiative that’s connected with over two million boaters.

Written by: Jenna Mertz

Publication Date: June 25, 2025