October 15 through November 15
Mercantil Commercebank, one of the largest banks headquartered in Florida, in partnership with Zoo Miami and the Zoological Society of Florida, today launched the 2011 ZoolensSM Photography Project, a photo contest designed to help build awareness for the world’s wildlife among Miami-Dade County public, private and home-schooled eighth graders.
The month-long project runs from October 15 through November 15, with a formal kick-off event at Zoo Miami on Saturday, October 15, from noon to 2 pm, featuring a live remote, free giveaways and Zoo Miami’s own Ron Magill.
Participating students will be asked to take a photograph of an animal from Zoo Miami, any time during the contest period, and submit their photo either through their teacher or at a Mercantil Commercebank banking center.
A panel of distinguished judges will choose 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, along with 10 honorable mentions. The first place winner will receive a $2,000 savings account and other prizes; second place will receive $1,500 and third place $1,000. First, second and third place winners will receive a camera. All 10 honorable mentions will receive a $100 savings account, and the first, second and third place winners’ schools will each receive a donation.
Information on how to participate in the 2011 ZoolensSM Photography Project can be found on www.zoolens.com or on Facebook/Zoolens.
“We are delighted to be collaborating with Zoo Miami and the Zoological Society of Florida on the Zoolens Photography Project,” said Millar Wilson, President & CEO of Mercantil Commercebank. “Zoolens provides students with a program to express their creativity through photography at one of the world’s great zoos, while supporting their artistic endeavors and strengthening education. It is a true win/win.”
“The Bank’s support of the photographic arts is fantastic,” adds Zoological Society of Florida President & CEO, Benjamin H. Pingree. “Expanding awareness of the world’s wildlife through different mediums and educating children about these extraordinary creatures is a key initiative we share with Mercantil Commercebank.”
This year’s panel of judges includes internationally acclaimed photo-artist María Martínez-Cañas; New World School of the Arts Visual Arts professor and curator Rosario Martínez-Cañas; Zoo Miami’s Director of Communications and well-known photographer and wildlife expert Ron Magill; renowned Miami Herald photographer Carl Juste; and Zoological Society board member Grizzel Gonzalez.
For additional information, visit www.zoolens.com or on Facebook/Zoolens.