Alumni Profile: Brooke Perkins ’19

For the Love of Ocean Life... - Brooke Perkins ’19

By Stephanie R. Leader

When Brooke Perkins ’19, at just three years old, saw the Pixar movie “Finding Nemo” for the first time, she was introduced to what would become her calling. A fascination, love, and appreciation for marine life and animals blossomed. That love followed her into her academic career at Delone Catholic High School, and now as a marine science major and biology minor at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, S.C. A junior, Perkins is fully exemplifying what it means to be a “Doer of the Word.”

While at Delone Catholic, Perkins said she took advantage of every science class that she could take. Her biology, chemistry, and air and space science courses specifically prepared her for what would be her major in college.

Perkins became involved in many clubs and activities that Delone Catholic has to offer. She was a Squire Ambassador and a member of the Environmental Club that began her senior year. In addition to her involvement in academic clubs, athletics was a huge part of her high school experience. Throughout her years at Delone Catholic, Perkins played softball and basketball and was a member of the Athletic Training Club. She was also manager of JV and varsity football and wrestling all four years.

Perkins’ education and involvement hardly stopped inside the classroom. In the summer of 2018, she was one of only 300 delegates chosen to be a part of the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment. “That week that I got to spend there really impacted how my future was shaped,” she recalled.

Upon graduation, when Perkins accepted her admission to Coastal Carolina, she applied to live on what is called “The Sea Floor,” specialty housing for marine science majors. Through her application process, she was one of only 40 students selected to live on that floor. This housing selection afforded her even more environmental and conservation opportunities to get involved within her university. She became an Eco-Rep Leader with Sustain Coastal, where she works to promote environmental activities and sustainable living on campus. Additionally, she is involved with the Coastal Sea Turtle Club. “I have always loved animals,” said Perkins. “That turned into a love of the environment and conservation as well.”

Perkins is also the current Vice President of Colleges Against Cancer, which hosts Relay for Life, the yearly fundraising event benefitting the American Cancer Society. Perkins will assume the role of President for her senior year. Her interest in Relay for Life began at Delone Catholic, where she participated one year under the guidance of Mrs. Julia Fuhrman. She credits Mrs. Fuhrman as her inspiration for pursuing Colleges Against Cancer after high school.

Amid such a busy day-to-day schedule, Perkins’ faith guides her. When she feels overwhelmed and needs to take time for herself, she visits the on-campus chapel and attends Bible study. She also participates in the Catholic Chants, the on-campus Catholic club. “It’s a driving force behind where I am right now,” she said.

When not at school, Perkins works as a Veterinary Assistant at Gettysburg Animal Hospital where she learns valuable skills in the veterinary field. As far as the future, she wants to expand her knowledge in veterinary work, and perhaps continue her education and obtain a master’s degree. Her dream career involves any type of work at an aquarium. She recently became involved with the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network as a volunteer and would like to pursue marine rescue and rehabilitation. The sky is the limit for Perkins, and until then, like Dory, the forgetful blue fish of “Finding Nemo” fame says, “just keep swimming.”

Brooke at the 2019 softball district championship game during her senior year at Delone Catholic

Brooke with Chauncey the Chanticleer at Coastal Carolina University

Brooke (second from left) with other members of Sustain Coastal, working on a conservation project.