Sea-star students enjoyed a free, after-hours experience celebrating their academic success
Last week, the National Aquarium proudly hosted its School Shell-ebration events, welcoming around 1900 guests on Tuesday and Thursday nights for an unforgettable evening experience. This program offers local students and their families a chance to celebrate their successful completion of the 2023-2024 school year.
The annual School Shell-ebration events provide free after-hours access to the National Aquarium for local students and their families. The National Aquarium created this event to recognize the outstanding achievements of Baltimore-area students.
“We think it is important to recognize the dedication of these hardworking students and their families who put their best efforts into the school year,” shares Sarah Doccolo, Community Programs Manager at the National Aquarium. ” The Aquarium is honored to invite our community to join us for an after-hours event that hopefully sparks the enthusiasm of future conservationists. It’s all about enjoying a wonderful time together and fostering a love for learning and the environment around us!”
The festivities, which took place on June 11 and 13, were filled with joyous moments from arrival throughout the Aquarium’s exhibit path. Aquarium staff and performers from Fluid Movement, a Baltimore-area creative performance troupe welcomed students with cheers and applause. Interactive performances by Baltimore Hoop Love, SoSo Fresh the Clowns and the festive band Guava Jelly enhanced the excitement.
Aquarium educators also interacted with students throughout the evening, encouraging them to reflect on their academic victories during the jaw-some school year.
One family shared, “What a great opportunity to celebrate students. Especially for those families who cannot afford a regular visit. A wonderful way to give back to the community.”
Sponsored by Pepsi, School Shell-ebration is just one of many community programs offered by the National Aquarium to warmly welcome residents who wish to visit at free or reduced admission.
National Aquarium
The National Aquarium is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. Our compelling exhibits, science-based education programs and hands-on field initiatives engage more than 1.2 million people annually. One of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland, the Aquarium generates more than $430 million annually in economic impact to the state. For more information on the National Aquarium, visit www.aqua.org.
