CSIHSIS STUDENT, KASEY FAUSAK WINS SCHOLARSHIP TO PARTICIPATE ON THE "STUDENTS ON ICE" EXPEDITION TO ANTARCTICA

PRESS RELEASE:

“Students on Ice – International Polar Year” Antarctica Expedition 2007

Launch Event at The Explorers Club

New York, NY – This December, five NYC high school students will be going to the bottom of the world on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to Antarctica. New York philanthropist Mr. Harold Snyder is sponsoring the students to participate on the “Students on Ice” expedition in order to gain a better understanding and respect for the natural world, and witness first hand the impacts climate change is having on the Polar Regions.

Kasey Fausak (College of Staten Island High School of International Studies), Iraida Cabrera Marmolejos (Brooklyn), Felicia Vanacore (Queens), Victor Pagan (Bronx) and Yvette Alfaro (Manhattan) were selected for their excellent contribution to school and community involvement. These deserving students have been selected with the help of Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, Congressman José Serrano and Senator Chuck Schumer.

An official launch event will take place at The Explorers Club on November 29, 2007. Home to the world’s most celebrated explorers, the club is the perfect venue to host and welcome New York City’s “newest Polar explorers.” The five NYC students will be introduced and celebrated, and several presentations will be made about the expedition and its goals by Expedition Leader Geoff Green, Mr. Snyder and NYC dignitaries.

The Antarctic expedition is organized by adventurer Geoff Green, veteran of 66 Antarctic expeditions, and founder of the award-winning organization Students on Ice www.studentsonice.com. “2007 marked the start of The International Polar Year, an exciting scientific campaign focusing on the polar regions. The world’s attention is focused on the many dramatic changes happening globally as a result of climate change. There is no better time to lead an international group of students to the Poles,” says Geoff Green.

The New York participants will join 70 students, 24 scientists and educators from around the world. They will board the specially designed ice breaker M/V Ushuaia in Ushuaia, Argentina, and sail south to the Antarctic. The students will use inflatable zodiacs to visit extraordinary wildlife settings and international research stations. Hands-on research activities and seminars will include such subjects as marine biology, oceanography, history, and climate change.

The November 29, 2007 launch event will take place from 6:00pm to 8:30pm, and will be attended by Mr. Harold Snyder, Mr. Geoff Green, dignitaries and members of the prestigious Explorers Club.

About The Explorers Club:

The Explorers Club is an international multidisciplinary professional society dedicated to the advancement of field research and the ideal that it is vital to preserve the instinct to explore. Since its inception in 1904, the Club has served as a meeting point and unifying force for explorers and scientists worldwide. Additional information can be obtained through the Explorers Club Web site at www.explorers.org

About Students on Ice and Geoff Green:

Students on Ice is an award-winning educational organization offering unique educational expeditions to Antarctic and the Arctic. Its mandate is to provide students from around the world with inspiring educational opportunities at the ends of the earth, and in doing so, help them foster a new understanding for the planet. The organization was recently awarded the Citation of Merit for outstanding feats of exploration and service by the prestigious Explorers Club in New York City. Students on Ice was the recipient of the Michael J. Smith Award for Science Promotion, and its founder, Mr. Geoff Green, was awarded a special Congressional Commendation for his work with Youth and the Environment. In 2005, he was selected as one of Canada’s “Top 40 Leaders Under 40.” Additional information can be obtained through the Students on Ice Web site at www.studentsonice.com

Please join me in congratulating Kasey. We look forward to hearing more about her trip as she will be communicating with us during her exciting voyage!