Attached Photo: Pictured left to right: Chanda Bennett, Education Director of the New York Aquarium; Wei Rong Chen, Jia’s brother; Ming Qian Chen, Jia’s father; and Ed Wilensky, principal of the Rachel Carson High School.

 
 Brooklyn, New York – Aug. 23, 2010 – The Wildlife Conservation Society’s New York Aquarium presented Jia Yun Chen, the winner of the annual George D. Ruggieri Scholarship, with a check for $5,000 to help pay for college expenses..  


Ms. Chen, a student at the Rachel Carson High School, was chosen because of her many outstanding achievements. Her cumulative average at the Rachel Carson High School was 93.72% and was one of the top ten students in her school. Ms. Chen has received many honors and awards including the English as a Second Language, Chemistry and Math B, and the 2010 MATE International ROV Competition awards. She also has been volunteering at the Light & Love Home in the local community.
 

PHOTO CREDIT:  Barbara Russo © WCS

Contact:
Barbara Russo: 718-265-4328; cell: 917-494-5493;brusso@wcs.org
Max Pulsinelli:  718-220-5182; cell: 571-218-7601; mpulsinelli@wcs.org


 

The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild places worldwide.  We do so through science, global conservation, education and the management of the world's largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. Together these activities change attitudes towards nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in harmony.  WCS is committed to this mission because it is essential to the integrity of life on Earth.

Wildlife Conservation Society's New York Aquarium opens every day of the year at 10am, and closing times vary seasonally. Admission is $13.00 for adults, $9.00 for children ages 3-12 and $10.00 for senior citizens (65 and older); children under 3 years of age are admitted free. Fridays after 3pm, admission is by suggested donation. The Aquarium is located on Surf Avenue at West 8th Street in Coney Island. For directions, information on public events and programs, and other Aquarium information, call 718-265-FISH or visit our web site at www.nyaquarium.com. Now is the perfect time to visit and show support for the New York Aquarium, Brooklyn's most heavily attended attraction and a beloved part of the City of New York.

Special Note to the Media: If you would like to guide your readers or viewers to a web link where they can make donations in support of helping save wildlife and wild places, please direct them to: www.wcs.org/donation.