Taylor Scholars Awards Program Rewards Record-Setting Number of Students
The longstanding partnership that Audubon Nature Institute and New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) have with the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation continued to blossom during the 2016/2017 academic year with a record-setting 211,582 students taking part in a program that rewards excellence in the classroom.
Phyllis M. Taylor, Chairman and President of the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation, announced that the just-ended school year saw the Taylor Scholars Awards Program set the new standard by providing high-achieving students with free, one-year memberships to NOMA, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium.
Participation in the program has grown steadily over the past two decades and the latest numbers represent an increase of more than 6,000 student recipients over the prior year. The Taylor Scholars Awards Program is open to all Louisiana students in grades 7 through 12 whether they attend public, private or parochial schools.
Over the past two decades, tens of thousands of students statewide have qualified for free memberships to Louisiana's most popular family attractions. Eligible students earn a one-year membership to NOMA and Audubon attractions for achieving a minimum 2.5 grade point average.
Since its inception, a mission of the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation has been to encourage young people to excel in the classroom. The Taylor Scholars Awards Program was created to provide motivation and incentive to achieve the goal. Participation in the Taylor Scholars Awards Program continues to exceed our expectations and we look forward to continued growth in the years to come.
“The Taylors have always championed the youth of Louisiana," said Audubon President and CEO Ron Forman. "Audubon Nature Institute is proud to partner with the Taylor Scholars Awards Program as it continues to grow and communicate to our young leaders the important message that learning does not stop at the classroom.’’
The Taylor/Audubon Students and Scholars Program was created in 1996 through a generous gift from the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation to establish, in perpetuity, a reward to Louisiana's students for their hard work in the classroom. In 1997, it was followed with the creation of the Taylor/NOMA Scholars Program through an endowment from the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation.
“NOMA is committed to offering innovative experiences for learning and interpretation,’’ said NOMA Director Susan M. Taylor. “Thanks in large measure to the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation, the museum is able to serve our community with a range of educational offerings, inspiring the love of art among young scholars.’’
Sunday, August 6 is the official “Taylor Scholars Awards’’ day at Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium and NOMA. Students may bring their parents or guardians plus two guests with them for free on those days as they visit the facilities to which they've been awarded a Taylor membership.
The special day also features discounts for qualified students and their guests at NOMA and Audubon gift shops. At Audubon Zoo, discounts also are available for the Cool Zoo water park and Gator Run, Carousel and Swamp Train.
Information about the Taylor Scholars Awards Program has been sent to schools statewide. Click here for additional details or call the special hotline for teachers and parents at (504) 889-8882.
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Audubon Nature Institute operates a family of museums, parks and research facilities dedicated to celebrating the wonders of nature. Through innovative live animal exhibits, education programs, and scientific discovery, Audubon makes a meaningful contribution to preserving wildlife for the future. Audubon Nature Institute flagships include Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Entergy Giant Screen Theater, Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and Audubon Wilderness Park. Ron Forman is President and CEO of Audubon Nature Institute.