South Carolina Aquarium Announces the Winner of the 2007 Official Kids’ Spokesperson, the Sea Star!

For Immediate Release, January 2007

The South Carolina Aquarium’s search for the 2007 official kid’s spokesperson is finally over! A special presentation held Sunday, January 28, during Wild About You-South Carolina Appreciation Day announced to the public that eleven-year-old Carly Walter of Sullivan’s Island will serve as the 2007 official kids’ spokesperson, the Sea Star! As Sea Star, Carly will act as a voice for children by providing personalized input into the Aquarium’s children’s programming, exhibits, special events and other activities. Other official duties include involvement in major Aquarium announcements and writing for the kids’ page on the Aquarium’s website (www.scaquarium.org).

Children from all over South Carolina applied for the position of 2007 Sea Star by sending in applications that included letters of recommendation as well as essays on why they wanted to the job. Six finalists were chosen from the application pool and invited to the Aquarium last Saturday, January 20, for final selection interviews.

Aquarium Public Relations Manager Beth Nathan said, “The judges were extremely impressed during Carly’s interview with her strong interest in marine habitats and sea life, enthusiasm, creativity, presence and originality. We are confident she will do an outstanding job representing the Aquarium and serving as our official kids ‘spokesperson.”

Carly, a 5th grade student at Porter Gaud, will be directly involved in a variety of activities and events. By serving as a representative for kids, she will provide youthful insight into all aspects of the Aquarium’s planning and programming. Carly will also maintain a “Captain’s Log” on the Aquarium website, which allows kids to read about a day in the life of the Sea Star.

As the 2007 Sea Star, Carly will receive several benefits including a one-year family membership to the Aquarium, extensive behind-the-scenes tours, a profile in various Aquarium marketing material, an official Aquarium uniform shirt and a class visit to the Aquarium during her term.