Hundreds of students from area schools visited the nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific today thanks to a donation from SAVOR…Long Beach. The corporation donated to the Aquarium's scholarship program for the ninth consecutive year, allowing children to visit during the Grand Prix when the facility is closed to the general public. During a special ceremony with these students, Aquarium officially dedicated and renamed its outdoor classroom in recognition of the company's continued commitment to sustainability and education. Wes Westley, president and CEO of SMG, the parent company for SAVOR... Long Beach, was in attendance for the ceremony. The SAVOR Watershed Classroom will serve thousands of students each year.
“We are grateful for SAVOR's crucial role in bringing environmental education to students,” said Jerry R. Schubel, Aquarium of the Pacific president & CEO. Five hundred students from Long Beach schools had the opportunity to visit the Aquarium of the Pacific today to partake in ocean educational programs under the scholarship. The students had the chance to explore the Aquarium's entire facility all to themselves. “We're delighted to be able to introduce the students to the wonders of marine life and to help them learn how they can protect our ocean,” said Schubel. Since 2003, more than 11,000 students have taken part in the SAVOR…Long Beach/Grand Prix scholarship program with more than $128,000 awarded in scholarship funds.
In addition to fulfilling the Aquarium's food service and event and needs, SAVOR…Long Beach has played a crucial role in the development of the Aquarium. “Through our ongoing involvement with the Aquarium, we are able to help further environmental awareness whether it's through empowering students through field trips or supporting educational exhibitions,” said Veronica Quintero, regional general manager of SAVOR... Long Beach.
