Lauren Taracka was runner-up in a junior herpetologist contest. ()

Lauren Taracka was runner-up in a junior herpetologist contest. ()

Port Townsend student runner-up in herpetologist contest, seeks funds toward travel, food, miscellaneous costs

PORT TOWNSEND — A Port Townsend High School freshman has been named runner-up in the International Herpetological Symposium’s Junior Herpetologist Contest in the 12-15 age category.

Lauren Taracka, 15, has started a fundraiser at www.gofundme.com/r6xtj28 to raise $1,400 toward travel, food, hotel and miscellaneous costs. As of Thursday, the site had raised $615.

“I want to go to school to study herpetology and work with exotic animals when I grow up,” said Lauren on the GoFundMe site.

“I know that this conference would provide me with a lot of education, plus help guide me in the path I want to take in my life to work with these animals,” she said.

Her award of $415 includes full admission for her and a parent to the International Herpetological Symposium on May 27-30 in San Antonio and to the banquet at the San Antonio Zoo.

She also will get a behind-the-scenes tour of the reptile house at the zoo, plus $100 toward travel expenses.

The event will feature talks and presentations from experts from around the world.

Lauren has three pet snakes, two leopard gecko lizards and one White’s tree frog.

“I do presentations for children and events with my animals to educate people about snakes and the misconceptions they have about them,” she said on the site.

“I know that I will learn so much there that will help me care for my own animals and continue to teach people about how important reptiles are to our environment and how people can exist with snakes, without fearing them,” she added.

To enter the contest, Lauren wrote an essay, sent letters of recommendation, created a piece of artwork and wrote a letter about why she thought she should get the award.

More in News

Immigration fears hit Olympic Peninsula

Law enforcement agencies won’t deport individuals

Local immigrants worry about federal orders

As President Donald Trump steps into office and reports… Continue reading

Jefferson commissioners to discuss sheriff appointment

Three candidates named by Jefferson County Democrats

Eric Spencer, a landscaping and janitorial worker for New Life Open Bible Church, clears snow from a sidewalk next to the church at Sixth and Peabody streets in Port Angeles on Thursday morning. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
After snowfall, cold temperatures expected today

Morning commutes could continue to be icy, weather service says

Public opposes rezone of Port Townsend park

City has funded housing site layout study

Port Townsend Food Co-op sets date for union election

Simple majority needed to approve ballot

OMC board seeking candidates to fill spot

Commissioners also make all seven positions at-large

Port Angeles brothers Finley Bornsworth, 3, left, and Oliver Bornsworth, 6, take a snowy sled ride on the campus of Port Angeles High School on Tuesday. Overnight snowfall left a mantle of white over much of the North Olympic Peninsula with an additional chance of snow showers forecast through the weekend. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Snow day

Port Angeles brothers Finley Bornsworth, 3, left, and Oliver Bornsworth, 6, take… Continue reading

Funding freeze may affect Port Angeles grants

Judge extends block of Trump action

City of Port Angeles updates mobile and itinerant vendor code

Effective March 1, process expands definitions, establishes criteria

Port Angeles school board approves criteria for new leader

Directors looking for visionary innovator with extensive experience

Madison Canterbury, 7, of Shelton looks at a Valentine’s gift she created with the assistance of volunteers Chandra McGuff, left, and Nicole Lemon at a craft table set up outside the Silver Lining Cafe at The Wharf on Saturday on the Port Angeles waterfront. Youngsters were given the opportunity to create gifts and Valentine’s cookies during the event. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Valentine’s gift

Madison Canterbury, 7, of Shelton looks at a Valentine’s gift she created… Continue reading