Meadow Walker Continues Her Dad's Legacy With Paul Walker Ocean Leadership Awards—Get the Details!

Ceremony took place over the weekend at Monterey Bay Aquarium

By Mike Vulpo, Senta Scarborough Oct 04, 2015 10:44 PMTags
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Paul Walker's legacy as a philanthropist continues to live on.

As the two-year anniversary of the Fast & Furious star's death approaches next month, those close to him including daughter Meadow Walker are making it a priority that his charity work continues across the country.

On Saturday afternoon, the Monterey Bay Aquarium presented the 2015 Paul Walker Ocean Leadership Award and Youth Award to two deserving individuals who are working to protect the ocean.

"My dad was in awe of the ocean and wanted to see it protected," Meadow told E! News. "It's exciting to know scholarships and students like Katie [Ridgeway] will ensure the future of our oceans. It's an honor to be supporting them and the Monterey Bay Aquarium's teen program."

Monterey Bay Aquarium/Bill Coggin

Ridgeway is a high school senior who serves as a Teen Conservation Leader and volunteer at the aquarium. Anjali Ranadivé, who helped co-found the non-profit Jaws & Paws, received the Leadership Award.

"The public knew Paul Walker best for his roles as an actor, the Fast & Furious series among many others. We knew him as an aspiring marine biologist and a lifelong friend of the ocean," executive director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Julie Packard said at the ceremony. "Growing up, Paul was inspired by Jacques Cousteau—his mentor and role model. He studied marine biology in college and planned to make that his career before he was drawn into acting. But the ocean was never far from his life—or his concerns."

She continued, "I'm so happy to announce that Paul's daughter, Meadow Walker, has created the Paul Walker Foundation to carry her father's ideals forward." 

Almost three weeks ago, Meadow reflected on her famous father during his birthday. In fact, she helped announce the Paul Walker Foundation on his special day.

"I love so much about him," she wrote on Instagram. "I wanted to start this foundation because I want to share that piece of him with others...I can't think of a better way to celebrate my father."

Paul Walker's brother talks Fast & Furious legacy below. 

Watch: Exclusive: Paul Walker's Brother Talks "Furious" Legacy