Founder of nationally recognized marine science program at Wrightsville Beach Elementary retiring Cissie Brooks, founder of the nationally recognized marine science program at Wrightsville Beach Elementary, to retire this year. (Source: New Hanover County Schools) By WECT Staff | April 29, 2021 at 11:11 AM EDT - Updated April 29 at 11:24 AM WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N.C. (WECT) - The woman who founded a nationally recognized marine science program at Wrightsville Beach Elementary School is retiring after 20 years on the job. Ann âCissieâ Brooks is passionate about the ocean and has shared her love of marine life with hundreds of young students over the years. The elementary marine science program she created at the school is the only program of its kind in this region.