Worcester Wednesday Supports SIBU Wildlife Sanctuary

4/14/2026

Berlin, MD – On a recent Worcester Wednesday, students and faculty at Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) came together to support SIBU Wildlife Sanctuary through a “wear what you love” fundraiser.

Participants donated $5 to benefit SIBU Wildlife Sanctuary and its ongoing programs, which focus on the rehabilitation and lifelong care of injured wildlife in Costa Rica. SIBU’s mission is to provide a permanent, spacious sanctuary for animals that, due to psychological or physical injuries, cannot be released back into the wild.

The sanctuary is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for these animals by constructing large, natural habitats tailored to their needs, providing physical therapy and enrichment activities, and partnering with universities and organizations specializing in prosthetics and wildlife care. SIBU also works collaboratively with other rescue organizations and Costa Rica’s electric company to prevent wildlife injuries and promote conservation efforts.

Each month, WPS students nominate charitable organizations for the school’s Worcester Wednesday fundraiser. This month’s initiative was led by WPS senior Ayla Yonker, whose passion for wildlife conservation inspired the school community to support SIBU.

“In March 2024, I had the opportunity to travel to Nosara, Costa Rica, where I visited SIBU Wildlife Sanctuary and met its founder,” said Yonker. “Her passion for wildlife conservation deeply resonated with me and inspired me to take action. I realized that even small efforts can make a big difference in protecting our environment.”

Motivated by her experience, Yonker developed a partnership with SIBU, dedicating months to planning, coordinating international meetings, and raising awareness within the WPS community. She presented to students and faculty about the importance of wildlife conservation and the impact of human activity on natural ecosystems.

“Growing up near the ocean, I’ve always felt a strong connection to wildlife and the natural world,” Yonker added. “I’ve seen firsthand how pollution and human impact affect marine life in our own community. Organizations like SIBU give hope by rehabilitating injured animals and advocating for environmental responsibility.”

In addition to her efforts at school, Yonker has independently raised funds for SIBU through initiatives such as shoveling driveways during the winter and hosting lemonade and baked goods stands on weekends. She also hopes to volunteer with the sanctuary in the future to further her involvement in wildlife conservation and continue developing her Spanish language skills.

Through Worcester Wednesday, Worcester Preparatory School continues to empower students to lead with purpose, raise awareness, and make meaningful contributions to both local and global communities.

Founded in 1970, Worcester Preparatory School is a private, independent Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 school located in Berlin, Maryland. Approximately 500 students attend from Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. For more information about WPS, please visit www.worcesterprep.org or call 410.641.3575.

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Worcester Preparatory School senior Ayla Yonker (Greenbackville, VA) is pictured with a check for $2,636 to be donated to SIBU Wildlife Sanctuary in Nosara, Costa Rica, following a successful Worcester Wednesday fundraiser.
Pictured is student sponsor, Ayla Yonker (center/ Greenbackville, DE), with her classmates, wearing “what they love” in support of raising funds to be donated to SIBU Wildlife Sanctuary. From the left are Camryn Hawse (Berlin, MD), Anisha Batra (Rehoboth Beach, DE), Sydney Mize (Dagsboro, DE), Catherine Cullen (Berlin, MD), Emily Patrowicz (Berlin, MD), Kobe Bouzaglo (Berlin, MD), and Sydney Todorov (Berlin, MD).

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Worcester Preparatory School

508 South Main Street, Berlin, MD 21811

Phone: 410-641-3575 | Fax: 410-641-3586

Celebrating 50 years, WPS is an independent, college prep day school for Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 students. Located in Berlin, Maryland, the private school attracts an average of 500 students from Maryland, Delaware and Virginia.