Heather Gaunt, NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher’s Volunteer of the Year could consider the Aquarium her second home, or maybe even her actual home. Gaunt has been a volunteer at the Aquarium since December 2007, and in 2008 she volunteered an astonishing 1, 079 hours in several departments. She completed 95 hours in Aquariology, 407 hours in Education, and 576 hours, in the dive department which included 174 dives. Heather has been known to be at the Aquarium more than the staff; for the month of October she volunteered 29 out of the 31 days.
According to Suzanne Holtzclaw, volunteer director of the Aquarium, “Heather is extremely reliable and willing to assist with and projects we throw her way. She is the ultimate example in which every volunteer should follow.”
Gaunt can be seen repairing broken pipes, facilitating programs for school groups, as well as in the Cape Fear Shoals exhibit where she conducts dive show programs. She currently resides in Carolina Beach, and hopes to continue volunteering at the Aquarium for many years.
2008 Departmental Volunteer of the Year recipients:
Special Events Volunteer of the Year Dan Bennett
Operations Volunteer of the Year Howard Morse
Horticulture Volunteer of the Year Tom Stapelfeld
Aquariology Volunteer of the Year Dave Dickson
Dive Volunteer of the Year Ryan Enroth
Education Volunteer of the Year Lauren Albright
Junior Volunteer of the Year Melissa Merritt
Volunteer with the Most Hours Howard Eisenstein
N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher is located just south of Kure Beach, near the mouth of the Cape Fear River, on U.S. 421. The site is less than a mile from the Fort Fisher ferry terminal. Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day). Admission: $8 adults; $7 seniors; $6 ages 6-17. Free admission for: children under 6; registered groups of N.C. school children, and NC Aquarium Society members.
The state’s three public aquariums are located at Fort Fisher, Pine Knoll Shores, and Roanoke Island. Administered by the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the aquariums are designed to inspire appreciation and conservation of North Carolina’s aquatic environments. General information: www.ncaquariums.com.
