A SHOWCASE OF COMMITMENT & LEADERSHIP  
Rita Marable served as a Teen Naturalist at the Seattle Aquarium, educating the public about their exhibits and assisting with special projects. Her supervisor shares, “Rita has shown the importance of taking care of our environment to young visitors while helping them with projects made from recycled materials. She has been a leader among her peers in the high school program by being the first to take charge and help with special events. She is a highly motivated, enthusiastic and kind-hearted young woman. Of the over 300 teens who have passed through this program the past 4 years, Rita stands out as one of the very special ones.” Rita was named the Aquarium’s  “Outstanding High School Volunteer” as well as “Best Role Model”.

She went on to teach a series of classes on marine animals for her Senior Project at Ridgecrest Elementary and then organized a special field trip to the Aquarium. Rita states, “During my time at the aquarium, I discovered that I know more than I think I do, and am more creative than I ever thought I was. I also learned that if I want to do something I shouldn’t let anything, including fear, hold me back from doing what I want to do and achieve my goals. The aquarium has taught me many things about life and myself as well.”

Rita is attending the University of Washington, intending to major in Aquatic and Fishery Sciences.