Jill Heinerth has been awarded the Wyland Icon Award

The Gator Club #3915 of Area 70, Division G, in District 84 is excited to announce member Jill Heinerth has been awarded the Wyland Icon Award to be presented on November 3rd, 2011 at 6:00pm during the Academy of Underwater Arts and Sciences Annual Gala Dinner. The Gala Dinner will be held in Orlando in conjunction with the annual Dive Equipment Manufacturer's Association trade show.

The Wyland Icon Award is presented annually to luminaries and pioneers of ocean conservation recognizing the achievements of those who have made a positive difference for the underwater world. Internationally acclaimed marine artist, Wyland, founded the award in 2002 to acknowledge individuals who exemplify the adventurous spirit of the ocean and inspire others to do the same. Jill will be the seventh woman to receive the icon award joining such notables as Jacques Cousteau, Lloyd Bridges, Dr. Sylvia Earle, Dr. Eugenie Clark, Rachel Carson, Zale Parry of the American television series Sea Hunt and Robert Ballard of Titanic fame. Find out more about Wyland by visiting the Wyland website at http://www.wyland.com/index.php.

A pioneering underwater explorer and filmmaker, Jill Heinerth has dived deeper into caves than any woman in history. With a collection of magnificent images, from Antarctic iceberg caves to the Floridan Aquifer and subterranean Siberia, Jill shares a glimpse of a breathtaking world few will experience. Her accolades include being inducted to the Women Diver's Hall of Fame and the Explorer's Club as well as scores of photography and filmmaking awards. Recognized as a leading technical diver, she is one of the world's experts on rebreather technology. An engaging speaker, Jill's multimedia presentations stir audiences with life's lessons learned during expeditions above, below and inside the earth. More information about Jill can be found on her website at http://www.intotheplanet.com/IntoThePlanet/About.html.