RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Lincoln Park Zoo's Hurvis Center for Learning creates memorable experiences that connect people to animals and nature and inspire and empower them to act as stewards of local environments and the global community. Programs for children, teens, adults and families provide learners of all ages an opportunity to enrich their experiences with nature, both at the zoo and throughout the city; and
WHEREAS, In the fall of 2015, The Hurvis Center began the Conservation Ambassadors Board (CAB), an opportunity for Chicago teens to develop leadership skills, and to learn about zoo careers throughout the school year; and
WHEREAS, This nine-month program is in its second year and is made up of 17 teens representing 13 different Chicago high schools. Their goal is to design and lead two events under the guidance of zoo staff and science professionals to raise awareness of certain conservation issues; and
WHEREAS, This year CAB partnered with Polar Bears International's "Project Polar Bear" program to help educate the public on climate change and the loss of sea ice; and
WHEREAS, CAB was selected as the winners of Polar Bears International's "Project Polar Bear" contest - a five-month-long competition that challenges teams of young people to design and carry out long-lasting community projects that reduce C02; and
WHEREAS, the teens completed the report about an event they created called "Polar Paws", attended by more than 600 guests who participated in various activities to show the impact of daily actions on polar bears and sea ice. The event showcased 30 local artists who depicted their feelings about climate change and its effect on polar bears through myriad mediums, including painting and photography; and.
WHEREAS, the selection committee cited their leadership to create a completely teen-led event and their flexibility to adapt the event to changing circumstances; and
WHEREAS, CAB students from Walter Payton College Prep, Northside College Prep, De La Salle Institute, EPIC Academy, Muchin College Prep, Lincoln Park High School, Lane Tech College Prep, Morgan Park Academy, Carl Schurz High School, Nicholas Senn High School, Intrinsic Schools and Whitney M. Young High School are congratulated on their hard work and creativity; and
WHEREAS, Lincoln Park Zoo emphasizes participation in this program to urban schools and invites all participants and their families to visit the zoo to learn more about nature, animals, ecology, and; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this twenty-fourth day of May, 2017, do hereby commend the Lincoln Park Zoo's Hurvis Center for Learning for providing the Conservation Ambassadors Board to Chicago area students.