Emceed by Zoo Miami’s Ron Magill, contest awards ceremony honored 30 middle school student finalists, including one grand prize winner who was awarded $2,000
Mercantil Commercebank, one of the largest banks headquartered in Florida, announced the winners of its 2016 ZoolensSM Photography Project during a recent awards ceremony at the Bank’s Coral Gables Headquarters. The Dec. 15 event was emceed by Zoo Miami’s Director of Communications and Nikon® Ambassador, Ron Magill.
Developed in partnership with Zoo Miami and the Zoo Miami Foundation, Mercantil Commercebank’s ZoolensSM Photography Project was designed to foster awareness of wildlife among Miami-Dade County middle school students. The contest encourages them to creatively photograph their favorite Zoo Miami animal and submit their best photo for a chance to win prizes.
The 2016 project ran throughout October and included an exclusive event at Zoo Miami for participating students to enjoy a private tour, up-close animal interactions and wildlife photography tips from Ron Magill. Nikon® provided access to loaner digital Nikon ® photography equipment. Additionally, Pitman Photo Supply gifted memory cards to participants, as well as certificates for free photo printing.
“We are thrilled to be celebrating our seventh annual ZoolensSM Photography Contest, as this project is a great opportunity to inspire our community’s students in a meaningful way,” said Mercantil Commercebank President and COO Al Peraza. “Part of Mercantil Commercebank’s corporate culture is aimed at giving back to the communities we serve and supporting the arts. Over the years, it’s been an honor to see this project positively influence students through art education, while building wildlife awareness.”
At the culmination of the contest, more than 300 received entries were reviewed—in the areas of composition, artistic merit, technical ability, and title—by a panel of judges. The distinguished group included Ron Magill, Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Patrick Farrell, internationally acclaimed photo artist María Martínez-Cañas, New World School of the Arts visual arts professor and curator Rosario Martínez-Cañas, WPLG-Local 10 anchor and award-winning reporter Eric Yutzy, and Grizzel Gonzalez of Mercantil Commercebank.
During the ceremony, the 30 finalists’ photographs were displayed and Magill announced the talented winners.
First place went to Angelyn Castillo from Doral Academy for her photo titled, “Nature at its Finest.” Castillo received a $2,000 Mercantil Commercebank savings account, a professional camera and a student membership to the North American Nature Photography Association.
Second place went to Alex Nelson from Southwood Middle School with her entry titled, “Evolution.” Nelson received a $1,500 savings account, a professional camera and a student membership to the North American Nature Photography Association.
And third place went to Juliana Lopez from Lawton Chiles Middle School for her photo titled, “I’m on the Prrr-Owl.” Lopez received a $1,000 savings account, a professional camera and a student membership to the North American Nature Photography Association. Lopez also received the ZoolensSMFans’ Choice Award, which was determined through votes on the ZoolensSM Facebook page. Lopez received 891 “likes” on her photo and was presented a $100 Visa Gift Card.
The grand prize winners’ schools will also receive a donation from Mercantil Commercebank.
Additionally during the ceremony, 11 honorable mention winners were revealed and awarded a $100 Visa Gift Card. Remaining finalists were awarded iTunes gift cards, courtesy of Mercantil Commercebank, in appreciation of their participation.
The 2016 ZoolensSM Photography Project Awards Ceremony was attended by more than 150 individuals, including students and their families and teachers, as well as several contest judges.
For additional information about the 2016 ZoolensSM Photography Project, please visit www.zoolens.comor www.facebook.com/zoolens.
ABOUT MERCANTIL COMMERCEBANK:
Mercantil Commercebank N.A. is one of the largest banks in South Florida serving its community for over 35 years. Mercantil Servicios Financieros (MSF), a Venezuelan company, beneficially owns the Bank through U.S. bank holding companies. MSF is the largest provider of financial services in Venezuela with more than 90 years of experience. Mercantil Commercebank has assets of $8.5 billion. The Bank is headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida and has 22 Banking Centers - 15 located in South Florida and 7 in H www.mercantilcb.com.
ABOUT ZOO MIAMI
Zoo Miami, rated in 2008 as one of the top ten Zoos in the U.S. by Tripadvisor.com, houses more than 1,200 animals in a cage-less setting that approximates the animals’ natural habitats and provides visitors with the feel of being on a safari. Large open air exhibits, a children’s zoo, tram rides, family cycles, a monorail, and interactive exhibits make Zoo Miami—also named one of America’s Best Zoos and the Number One Zoo for Pachyderms by The Intrepid Traveler in 2008—a unique experience for visitors of all ages. For more information, visit www.zoomiami.orgor call (305) 251-0400.
ABOUT THE ZOO MIAMI FOUNDATION: Zoo Miami Foundation, formerly Zoological Society of Florida, was awarded four stars in 2015 by America's premier independent charity evaluator, Charity Navigator. It was founded in 1956 and is the nonprofit support organization for Zoo Miami. Today, it is one of the largest membership organizations in South Florida, with approximately 67,000 members. Its activities and programs include fundraising, marketing, volunteer services, educational programs, special events, and member programming. Its mission is to encourage an appreciation for the world’s wildlife and to help conserve it for future generations. For more information, visit info@zoomiami.orgor call (305) 255-5551.
