Special Section: Back to School Winter survived, but her tail did not. She was left with a stump and a funny way of swimming. So, world-renowned prosthetist, Kevin Carroll designed a prosthetic tail for Winter made of high-tech silicone and plastic. Now, Winter can swim like other dolphins. Her inspiring story has made an international splash. Legions of fans follow Winter on her two Facebook pages (http://www.facebook.com/winter.dolphin and http://www.facebook.com/pages/Winter-the-Dolphin/267318654972) and she even has her own Twitter page. Friday, her story hits the big screen. “Dolphin Tale” chronicles Winter’s amazing journey of survival. Yates said, “There’s a lot of inspiring movies, but very few life-changing movies, and this movie will change lives. And I know that, because we see it happen with Winter and kids here every single day at the aquarium.” The motion picture stars Oscar-winner Morgan Freeman and musician and actor Harry Connick Jr. Winter plays herself. Pictures: AFI honors Morgan Freeman Yates says of the dolphin, “I do call Winter our little dolphin diva. Let’s put it this way, she knows when the cameras are on. She’s a very smart animal” The Clearwater Marine Aquarium saved Winter’s life, and now, thanks to her big-screen debut, Winter is likely to return the favor. Says Yates, “Our budge the last five or six years, since Winter got here, has gone up about five-or six-fold. And we think, once the movie comes out, it’s likely gonna double or triple again.” Winter-themed books, t-shirts, and plush dolls have brought the once-faltering aquarium back to life. Both the faculty and Winter are thriving — a happy ending for everyone. Bell said on “The Early Show” that Winter, who is still growing, has been through 20 versions of her prosthetic tail and will have to have a new one made every time she grows. “Winter wears it maybe two or three times a day for about 30 minutes,” Bell said. “Not all the time.” In addition to the attention for the aquarium, the movie helped outfit the aquarium with new – more attractive – tanks. Bell said, “Everybody has benefited from Winter’s story.”