National Aquarium Baltimore Celebrates the 2012-2013 School Year "Grade A Night" with R&B Star Mario

BALTIMORE - June 18, 2013 - PRLog -- National Aquarium encourages students throughout the area to keep up their studies during the last weeks of the school year as the organization will be hosting their annual Grade A Student Night onThursday, June 20, 2013.  The event celebrates students who have achieved three or more A’s (or equivalent) in any one marking period and are enrolled in PreK-12 in Baltimore City, Baltimore County or Howard County and offers those students free admission from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

This year, students who attend will enjoy an Under-the-Sea-themed event and will have the opportunity to view all of the Aquarium’s exhibits while experiencing special showings in the 4-D Immersion Theater, music, animal encounters a visit from the Aquarium’s mascot, Puffin, and much more! In addition, students will benefit from a special appearance from Mario, R&B star, Baltimore native and founder of the Mario Do Right Foundation. In conjunction with the Aquarium and other local/national partners, the foundation supports community-based services and enrichment programs devoted to serving youth in challenged communities.

Grade “A” Student Night is just one of the educational and outreach programs offered by National Aquarium that benefit the community.  During the 2012-2013 school year thus far, National Aquarium has provided free admission to over 52,000 students, teachers and chaperones through a grant from the MDSE.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:  Students/families exploring the Aquarium

         Mario talking to students

         Mario and students enjoying up-close animal encounter

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES: National Aquarium representative

         Mario (7-9pm or by appointment)

National Aquarium

National Aquarium is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures. It champions environmental initiatives by engaging with visitors, volunteers, education groups and schools to actively participate in the preservation of the world’s natural resources and living systems. National Aquarium, in Washington, DC, and Baltimore, MD, delivers meaningful experiences through its living collections; science-based education programs and hands-on experiences in the field from the Chesapeake Bay to Costa Rica; and partnerships and alliances with like-minded organizations around the world. For more information on National Aquarium, visit www.aqua.org.

Mario Do Right Foundation

The mission of the Mario Do Right Foundation is to educate, mentor and support youth adversely affected by substance abuse in the home and in under served communities. The organization was birthed out of the desire to educate the nation on the need for additionally substance abuse prevention resources in our communities. With years of proven results, the Mario Do Right Foundation has brought about tangible change by providing services and resources to families, schools and communities. Expanding its reach nationwide, The Foundation is regularly called upon by local and national politicians, researchers and practitioners to help shape policy that affect disadvantaged youth and communities. Mario along with Kevin Shird, his co-founder and childhood friend, has broadened the conversation regarding substance abuse prevention and the need to support children of addicted parents.