Inspiring Young Minds in Science and Community: A Special Recognition Event Featuring Marine Rescue Insights from SeaWorld’s Mallorie McCormack
ORLANDO, Florida – (February 18, 2025) – Each year, teachers around the country are encouraged to nominate students for the WonderWorks WonderKids student achievement program held at each of the six locations. Students can be nominated for a variety of categories, meant to highlight their achievements in and out of the classroom. WonderWorks is announcing the list of amazing WonderKids winners for the 2024-2025 school year. To celebrate this incredible accomplishment, winners were invited to a special celebratory webinar event in partnership with SeaWorld, introducing the young participants to the fascinating career field of marine biology.
“We were thrilled to continue our partnership with SeaWorld for this exciting event while recognizing our local students’ achievements,” said Carly Madden, education and marketing coordinator at WonderWorks. “The education team is already looking forward to the next round of nominations!”
Nominations for this year’s WonderKids program closed in January 2025, and the exclusive video call/webinar was held on February 5, 2025, for the winners. During that event, Mallorie McCormack, a senior rescue specialist at SeaWorld Orlando, gave the students a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to help rescue animals and shared information about the career field as a whole. Her work has spanned across multiple departments and divisions at SeaWorld, including Key West Dolphin Cove, Wild Arctic, Sea Lion and Otter Stadium, Aquatica Zoological, and the Rescue Team.
McCormack detailed her work, including conducting dolphin health assessments, providing neonatal bottlenose dolphin care, transporting otters, and coordinating complex rescue missions for manatees in need of critical care. She has conducted rescue missions in the state of Florida and beyond. She also introduced the attendees to a rehabilitated turtle that was ready to be released back into the wild in the days that followed the call. Participants were also given the opportunity to take the floor and ask McCormack their burning, intriguing questions about her work and the career field.
“It was an honor to be a part of this great event to showcase students who are making strides in science,” said Mallorie McCormack, senior rescue specialist at SeaWorld Orlando. “It’s exciting to see so many kids interested in science and being rewarded for it.”
This year’s program allowed teachers to nominate their students in one of four categories: Future Scientist, Math Marvel, Model Citizen, and Creative Genius. Each category is tailored to recognize the students’ interests and their commitment to STEM and learning. Winners receive four free tickets to WonderWorks, a certificate of achievement, and an invitation to participate in the exclusive webinar.
The 2024-2025 WonderKids winners are:
WonderWorks Orlando Winners
- Creative Genius: Jax H. (7th Grade), Aidan A. (7th Grade), and Gerardo C. (9th Grade)
- Future Scientist: Mikayla D. (3rd Grade), Yousra A. (11th Grade), and Daniel H. (2nd Grade)
- Math Marvel: Caleb M. (3rd Grade), McKinley B. (2nd Grade), and Arianna C. (5th Grade)
- Model Citizen: Lucero O. (11th Grade), Catalina R. (5th Grade), and Layla V. (5th Grade)
WonderWorks Myrtle Beach Winners
- Creative Genius: Tucker C. (8th Grade), Adam P. (8th Grade), and Noah G. (2nd Grade)
- Future Scientist: Rose D. (6th Grade), Cole C. (5th Grade), and Cameron B. (7th Grade)
- Math Marvel: Jason S. (5th Grade), Isaac E. (3rd Grade), and Triston R. (2nd Grade)
- Model Citizen: Christopher H. (3rd Grade), Fynn K. (7th Grade), Thomas U. (5th Grade), and Cash M. (4th Grade)
WonderWorks Pigeon Forge Winners
- Creative Genius – Kelsey D. (12th Grade), Matthew M. (2nd Grade), Walter S. (7th Grade), and James P. (6th Grade)
- Future Scientist – Julianna M. (8th Grade), Lillian O. (3rd Grade), Khole R. (6th Grade), and Nicohlas W. (5th Grade)
- Math Marvel – Cooper R. (4th Grade), Gracelynne A. (3rd Grade), Beckett B. (3rd Grade), and Caleb C. (1st Grade)
- Model Citizen – Kynslie J. (5th Grade), Thomas C. (7th Grade), Carter G. (5th Grade), and Jenna S. (7th Grade)
WonderWorks Panama City Beach Winners
- Creative Genius: Koen K. (6th Grade)
- Math Marvel: Katie B. (8th Grade)
- Model Citizen: Charlotte H. (2nd Grade)
WonderWorks Branson Winners
- Creative Genius: Maddox W. (1st Grade), Adeline F. (3rd Grade), and Adelind S. (4th Grade)
- Future Scientist: Hayes D. (2nd Grade), Luke W. (Kindergarten), Milo G. (6th Grade), and Dayton A. (3rd Grade)
- Math Marvel: Mia T. (11th Grade), Deklin G. (4th Grade), Marley K. (Kindergarten), Preston E. (7th Grade), and Harper F. (Kindergarten)
- Model Citizen: Mary Ann G. (7th Grade), TJ G. (4th Grade), Kasen S. (5th Grade), and Grace B. (5th Grade)
WonderWorks Syracuse Winners
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- Creative Genius: Nova W. (2nd Grade)
- Math Marvel: Case S. (5th Grade)
WonderWorks is the upside-down, indoor theme park for the mind that offers over 100 hands-on exhibits for people of all ages to explore. Guests can learn about extreme weather, light and sound, take physical challenges, play laser tag, stroll the halls of the youth art gallery, and much more. There are six WonderWorks locations, including in Orlando, Fla., Myrtle Beach, SC, Pigeon Forge, Ten., Panama City Beach, Fla., Syracuse, N.Y., and Branson, MO. To learn more about the company, visit the website at: https://www.wonderworksonline.com.
About WonderWorks
WonderWorks, the upside-down adventure, is a science-focused indoor amusement park for the mind that holds something unique and exciting for visitors of all ages. Guests enter through an upside-down lobby with the ceiling at their feet and the ground above their heads. They must pass through an Inversion Tunnel to turn right side up. Most locations have multiple floors of nonstop “edu-tainment,” with over 100 hands-on and interactive exhibits that serve a STEM educational purpose to challenge the mind and spark the imagination. WonderWorks Orlando is also home to The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show. WonderWorks is located in Orlando, Pigeon Forge, Myrtle Beach, Panama City Beach, Syracuse, and Branson. For more information, visit the site at: https://www.wonderworksonline.com.
