Mercantil Commercebank Announces 2014 Launch of Noted Zoolens(SM) Photography Project for Students

CORAL GABLES, Fla., Sept. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercantil Commercebank, one of the largest banks headquartered in Florida, today announced the 2014 launch of its Zoolens^SM Photography Project. Developed in partnership with Zoo Miami and the Zoological Society of Florida, the Bank's month-long contest encourages middle school students of both public and private schools in Miami-Dade County to visit Zoo Miami, creatively photograph their favorite animal and enter the photo for a chance to win great prizes.

Mercantil Commercebank's Zoolens^SM Photography Project was developed in 2010 to foster wildlife awareness among students while encouraging artistic expression and education through photography.

The 2014 project will run from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31 and students interested in participating must submit an original, artistic photograph of a Zoo Miami animal before Nov. 1. Submissions can be made through a student's school or at any Mercantil Commercebank banking center, and further guidelines are available at www.Zoolens.com. A panel of distinguished judges will then choose three grand prize winners and 10 honorable mention winners, which will be announced at an awards ceremony in December. The first place winner will receive a $2,000 savings account, second place will receive a $1,500 savings account, and third place, a $1,000 savings account. The top three winners will also receive a professional camera and student membership to the North American Nature Photography Association and their respective schools will receive a donation courtesy of Mercantil Commercebank. The 10 honorable mentions will receive a $100 Visa Gift Card. 

In celebration of the project, on Oct. 18, Nikon® will join Mercantil Commercebank to host a special event for students at Zoo Miami. Nikon® representatives will offer a lucky group of students (up to 40) digital Nikon® photography equipment to borrow during their visit and memory cards to keep. The first 20 students in line for the event at 10 a.m. will join Ron Magill—Nikon® Ambassador, Zoo Miami's Director of Communications and noted wildlife photographer— for an exciting, behind-the-scenes tram tour. At 11 a.m., the group will join the other attendees to enjoy exclusive animal experiences and wildlife photography tips. Additionally, representatives from Pitman Photo Supply will be on hand to offer gift certificates for either two free 12"X18" enlargements or 100 free 4"X6" prints.

"We are very proud of the Zoolens^SM Photography Project's growth and look forward to the 2014 edition," said Mercantil Commercebank Vice-Chairman and CEO Millar Wilson. "Supporting local art and education initiatives is something that is engrained in our Bank's culture. We are delighted to bring this project to our community's students and offer an opportunity to celebrate creative learning."

"I am consistently impressed by the fascinating images submitted by students each year," said Zoo Miami's Director of Communications and Nikon® Ambassador Ron Magill, who serves as a contest judge. "Miami-Dade County is home to some very talented students, and it is my pleasure to be able to take part in efforts to broaden their education, as well as their appreciation of photography and wildlife."

In 2013, Gabriela Lopez, a student from South Miami K-8 Center (Expressive Arts Magnet) took home the first place prize for her striking photo of a Zoo Miami elephant. The photo, titled "Texture in Nature," was among more than 300 submissions.

The panel of judges for the 2014 Zoolens^SM Photography Project includes Zoological Society of Florida board member Grizzel Gonzalez; Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Patrick Farrell; internationally acclaimed photo-artist Maria Martinez-Canas; New World School of the Arts visual arts professor and curator Rosario Martinez-Canas; and Ron Magill.

To learn more about the 2014 Zoolens^SM Photography Project, as well as the special Oct. 18 event, visit Zoolens.com. For more information on Mercantil Commercebank, visit mercantilcb.com.

ABOUT MERCANTIL COMMERCEBANK:

Mercantil Commercebank N.A. is one of the largest banks in South Florida serving its community for 35 years.  Mercantil Servicios Financieros (MSF), a Venezuelan company, beneficially owns the Bank through U.S. bank holding companies.  MSF is the largest provider of financial services in Venezuela with more than 85 years of experience. Mercantil Commercebank has assets of $7.5 billion. The Bank is headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida and has 20 Banking Centers - 15 located in South Florida; four in Houston, Texas; and one in Manhattan, New York. The Bank offers a wide variety of domestic, international, personal and commercial banking services, including investment, trust, and estate planning through its subsidiaries, Mercantil Commercebank Investment Services, Inc. and Mercantil Commercebank Trust Company, N.A. For more information, please visit www.mercantilcb.com.

ABOUT THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF FLORIDA AND ZOO MIAMI

The Zoological Society of Florida is a non-profit 501(c)(3) that supports Zoo Miami through education, conservation and outreach programs; marketing and public relations; volunteer services and financial support for the construction of new exhibits.  Visit www.zsf.org for additional information. Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152 street; Miami, FL 33177. General Zoo Admission is: $15.95 per Adult and $11.95 per Child (3-12), plus tax.  Children under two, Zoo members and parking are free. Zoo Miami's hours are 9:30 am – 5:30 pm; ticket booths close at 4 pm.  For more information please visit www.zoomiami.org. 

SOURCE Mercantil Commercebank