ROYAL OAK, Mich. – The penguins at the Detroit Zoo are getting their tuxedos pressed for the announcement of the top 10 finalists for Comerica Bank's "Penguin Art Contest."
More than 350 submissions were narrowed to 10 by a panel of judges from the Detroit Zoo and Comerica Bank. The public is asked to vote for their favorite on Comerica Cares Facebook page. Voting will be open through Friday, March 27.
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The finalists are:
• Parker C. – 2nd grade, Wines Elementary School, Ann Arbor
• Riley C. – 3rd grade, Ross Hill Academy, Detroit
• Stella C. – 5th grade, Ottawa Elementary School, Clinton Township
• Yasmine M. – 4th grade, Barnard Elementary School, Troy
• Lachlan O. – 5th grade, Leonard Elementary School, Troy
• Chloe R. – 5th grade, South River Elementary School, Harrison Township
• Jackson S. – kindergarten, Taylor Exemplary Academy, Taylor
• Amanda W. – 4th grade, Martell Elementary School, Troy
• Jessica W. – 2nd grade, Bemis Elementary School, Troy
• Mingxin & Mingyue X. – 1st grade, Burns Park Elementary School, Ann Arbor
The winner will receive a field trip to the Detroit Zoo for their entire elementary school class to see the new Gentoo penguins and participate in a special presentation from a penguin keeper. Comerica will also provide a $1,000 grant to the winner's elementary school.
"Whether it's through our contributions support or our efforts to inspire the next wave of penguin keepers, Comerica is always looking for new opportunities to support metro Detroit communities," said Janice Tessier, president of the Comerica Charitable Foundation. "The more than 350 submissions reaffirm the importance of supporting cultural and educational gems like the Detroit Zoo and helping preserve it for generations of students to enjoy."
The contest coincides with Comerica Bank's $50,000 contribution for the zoo's new $29.5 million Polk Penguin Conservation Center, which is scheduled to open in early 2016.
The contest winner will be announced Monday, March 30.