FORT WAYNE - Three 2008 high school graduates pursuing animal-related careers were recently awarded $2,000 Lawrence A. Ackerman Scholarships from the Fort Wayne Zoological Society.Erin Bradshaw, a graduate of Warsaw Community High School; Lindsay Craven, a graduate of Columbia City High School; and Sarah Sommer, a graduate of Carroll High School, were selected as this year's award recipients.
The scholarship was established by the Society in 1992 to honor the distinguished career of the late Dr. Larry Ackerman, who became known for his professionalism, compassion and generosity during his 25 years of service as the zoo's veterinarian. To date, the zoo has awarded $48,000 in scholarships to northeast Indiana high school graduates.
"It's an honor to meet these students and hear about their plans for the future," said Zoo Director Jim Anderson. "We are pleased to assist them as they pursue their dreams."
The annual application deadline for the Lawrence A. Ackerman Scholarship is Feb. 1. Donations to the scholarship fund are always welcome.
The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is one of the area's major attractions and was named one of the country's "Ten Best Zoos for Kids" by Child magazine.
The zoo is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 19 to Oct. 12. Admission is $9.50 for adults, $6.50 for children age 2-14 and $8.50 for seniors more than 60 years old. Babies age 1 and under and Zoo Society members are admitted free.
