In 2012, the Florida Skin Divers Association’s (FSDA) long-time treasurer Ken Smith was in failing health. The FSDA board wanted to honor Ken and his wife Sonia for their years of service to the FSDA. To create a legacy in which to honor the dedication of Ken & Sonia Smith, the FSDA board voted to create the “Ken & Sonia Smith Marine Conservation Endowment Fund.” This fund was created to help a deserving student benefit their studies in the field of marine research, education and environmental protection.

As FSDA members for almost thirty years, Ken and Sonia facilitated the “Ocean Pals Poster Contest for Children,” which is an environmental education program for K-12 students to communicate marine conservation messages through art. They also consistently showed their dedication to the diving community by assisting at numerous FSDA tournaments and events. We lost Ken in 2014 and most recently lost Sonia on the eve of 2019. Ken and Sonia’s spirits touched everyone around them and their contagious optimism and love for life, diving adventures, and the community are greatly missed.

This year (2019-2020), the Women's Spearfishing Alliance agreed to cover half the cost of the scholarship with the FSDA. This scholarship will be provided to one college student currently enrolled in a graduate school program within the state of Florida studying marine science. The scholar will be chosen based on their academics and qualities that exemplify Sonia and Ken’s passions for diving, marine conservation, and youth education. The award will be provided at the FSDA Annual Banquet. The recipient will receive 2 free entries to the banquet and are highly encouraged to attend.