Dion's Dreamers brings 'Shnow Day' magic to Aquarium of Niagara

Buffalo kindergarten class treated to special field trip 

Aquarium of Niagara Press Release & Photos

It's a “Shnow Day at the Aquarium!”

The Aquarium of Niagara welcomed Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Dion Dawkins and 18 kindergarten students from Ms. Jenkins’ class at the Charter School for Applied Technologies (CSAT) Tuesday morning as part of Dion’s Dreamers’ “Shnow Day” field trip program.

After arriving in a limousine, the students went into the Aquarium’s “Shnow-ed” out event room where they received baseball caps, T-shirts, and swag bags courtesy of Dion’s Dreamers. They then met some of the Aquarium’s spotted turtles and learned about these endangered Great Lakes natives before watching the tiny animal ambassadors demonstrate their painting skills during an enrichment session (using blue and red paint, of course). Every student took home a small, handcrafted canvas.

The class then enjoyed a guided tour of the Aquarium, the special Bills-themed “Sea Lion Shout!” presentation, and a mini-training session with the Aquarium’s marine mammal team. During the session, the class helped the trainer ask Isabel, the California sea lion, to demonstrate her splash, fast spin, and vocalize behaviors.

“The kids had a crazy time. We got to teach, or signal, sea lions how to do behaviors,” Dawkins said. “Over the years, the community of Buffalo has graduated into something way bigger than just the word ‘community.’ And in my life, they've graduated to real family.” 

Chad Fifer, president and CEO of the Aquarium of Niagara, said, “We were thrilled to partner with Dion’s Dreamers to give these students a truly unforgettable visit. At the Aquarium, we inspire wonder and curiosity through engaging experiences. Watching the kids connect with our animals, and with a community leader like Dion, was a perfect example of what that mission looks like in action.”

The “Shnow Day” ended with a pizza party in the Aquarium’s event room followed by a visit to The Yummmm Truck for some ice cream and sweet treats before heading back to school. 

“Shnow Day at the Aquarium!” (Pictures courtesy of the Aquarium of Niagara)

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The field trip was made possible through the generosity of Dion’s Dreamers, Dawkins’ official nonprofit foundation. The foundation announced the “Shnow Day” field trip program in September as “a chance to win a ‘Shnow Day,’ AKA field trip, with Dion Dawkins.” According to a Dion’s Dreamers spokesperson, the contest received more than 450 applications from classrooms across Western New York hoping to secure one of the four field trip spots.

Watch Ms. Jenkins’ class submission video ​here​. 

Dion’s Dreamers was founded in 2020 to provide mentorship and support to young men and women in underserved communities, as well as those in a place of mental, financial or physical hardship. Dion’s Dreamers also aims to advocate for vulnerable populations by increasing awareness of the environmental issues that directly affect their communities. Follow the organization on Instagram, X/Twitter and Facebook.

For more information on the Aquarium of Niagara, visit aquariumofniagara.org.

“Shnow Day at the Aquarium!” (Pictures courtesy of the Aquarium of Niagara)