North Carolina Aquarium At Roanoke Island Honors Two Special Employees

By Buster Nunemaker 

Roanoke Island, NC - The North Carolina Aquarium Society recently honored two employees at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island for outstanding performance and commitment.

Aquarist Lauran Jozik was chosen for the 2008 StarFish Award. Jozik, who served two internships at the Aquarium before becoming a permanent employee in 2004, is responsible for the care and maintenance of several Aquarium exhibits. She is also the primary keeper of the Aquarium’s three river otters.

The StarFish award is presented to an employee who excels in customer service, presents an outstanding personal and professional attitude and has a strong desire to make the Aquarium a better place to work and visit.

Special Events Coordinator Michele Bunce was selected to receive the 2008 Award of Excellence. This award recognizes excellent performance of duties, a high level of professional knowledge and commitment to the Aquarium and its mission.

Bunce has worked at the Aquarium since 2002. She coordinates the rental program and manages several annual events, such as the highly successful “Trick or Treat Under the Sea,” held every year in October. Bunce also represents the Aquarium in several local and national professional organizations.

Aquarium Director Joe Malat presented the awards and praised both for their performance. Malat said, “Lauran and Michele are outstanding employees. They are hard-working, talented and dedicated professionals who always have a positive, upbeat attitude. They were selected by their peers to receive these awards and both make a significant contribution to fulfilling the mission of the Aquarium. I’m proud to work with them.”

The membership-based North Carolina Aquarium Society supports programs and activities at the three North Carolina Aquariums – on Roanoke Island, at Pine Knoll Shores and at Fort Fisher. Annual membership includes free admission to the Aquariums and the North Carolina Zoo. A family membership is $50; an individual membership is $30.

The Aquarium on Roanoke Island is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for ages 62 and over, $6 for children 6-17; no charge for children 5 and under and North Carolina Aquarium Society members. See www.ncaquariums.com or call 252-247-4003 for more information.

PHOTO CAPTION
Michele Bunce (l.) and Lauran Jozik recently received awards of recognition from the North Carolina Aquarium Society for their outstanding performance and commitment to the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. Bunce, the Special Events Coordinator received the Award of Excellence and Jozik, an Aquarist, received the StarFish Award.