top of page
kaee site photos (3).png

Excellence in EE Awards

The KAEE Excellence in EE Awards recognizes the outstanding achievements of individuals, organizations, agencies, community efforts, schools, and businesses in the field of environmental education (EE). 

 

The nominee must have an earnest involvement in the field of EE, and have made (or continue to make) significant contributions to EE in Kentucky. 

 

The 2024 Award nominations will open in January.

2023 Award Winners at KAEE's Annual Conference

Individual Award Categories

  • Rising Star

  • M.K. Dickerson Outstanding Educator

  • Lifetime Achievement

Group Award Categories

  • Community Partner / Government Agency

  • Business

  • PreK-12 School

AWARD DESCRIPTIONS

description

The Kentucky Association for Environmental Education's Excellence in Environmental Education Awards are presented by KAEE to recognize those best exemplifying dedication, commitment, and influence in the field of environmental education (EE).Nominations may be made in the following categories:

Individual Award Categories

  • Rising Star

  • M.K. Dickerson Outstanding Educator

  • Lifetime Achievement

Group Award Categories

  • Community Partner / Government Agency

  • Business

  • PreK-12 School

​The nominee should be known for one or more of the following:

  • Dedicated current and long-term service in the field of EE (e.g., developed curriculum, research, innovations, publications, programs, legislation, etc.)

  • Creating a work environment that incorporates EE (e.g., volunteerism by employees, using recycled and environmentally-friendly products, collaboration and/or funding of EE initiatives outside the organization)

  • Outstanding action, contribution, and leadership in supporting EE

  • See alternative/additional criteria below for the EE Rising Star and Lifetime Achievement in EE Awards

 

To make a nomination for this award in any of the categories, submit the Nomination Form, including a narrative of no more than two pages that can include the following information:
​

  • Contributions the nominee has made to the field of EE in Kentucky

  • The nominee’s long-term service in the field of environmental education through their organization and community involvement

  • How the nominee has created a work environment that incorporates environmental education​

  • Any additional information you would like to include that supports your nomination within the required page limitation

Tree Texture

Additional Awards Detail

Lifetime Achievement Award
This award recognizes the lifetime achievements of the recipient in the field of conservation and environmental education. The nominee must have a minimum of ten years of involvement in the field of EE in general and, if appropriate, involvement with KAEE as well. The nominee must also have made and continue to make a significant contribution to EE in Kentucky. 

The nominee should be known for one or more of the following:

  • Dedicated current and long-term service in the field of EE in general and/or as a KAEE member (e.g., developed curriculum, research, innovations, publications, programs, legislation, etc.)

  • Outstanding action, contribution, and leadership in supporting EE


To nominate a person for this award, submit the Nomination Form and a narrative of no more than two pages that includes the following information:

  • Contributions the nominee has made to the field of EE in Kentucky and, if appropriate, to KAEE

  • The nominee’s long-term (at least ten years) service in the field of environmental education through their profession/organization and community involvement

  • How the nominee’s contributions have impacted their colleagues, workplace, and other groups and organizations

The Rising Star Award

This award recognizes individuals who are new to the environmental education field in Kentucky, but are already making an impact.  The nominee must have a minimum of one year and a maximum of five years of experience in the EE field in Kentucky.

The nominee should be known for one or more of the following:

  • Developed and/or implemented at least one ongoing EE program in Kentucky

  • Innovative and enthusiastic application of EE tools or best practices

  • Shares ideas and techniques with colleagues

  • Collaborates with the greater EE community

  • Outstanding action, contribution, and leadership in supporting EE


To nominate a person for this award, submit a resume or vitae for the nominee that does not exceed two pages, and the Nomination Form including a narrative of no more than two pages that can include the following information:

  • A description of the program the nominee has developed or implemented

  • How the nominee exhibits innovation and enthusiastic application of EE tools or best practices

  • How the nominee shares ideas and techniques with colleagues and collaborates with the greater EE community

  • How the nominee’s contributions have impacted his/her colleagues, workplace, and other groups and organizations

  • Any additional information you would like to include that supports your nomination within the required page limitation

AWARD HISTORY

history

2023 Award Winners

  • Lifetime Achievement Award: Karen Reagor

  • ​M.K. Dickerson Award: Dan Pascucci

  • Rising Star Award: Kaitlyn Goottee

  • Outstanding PreK-12 School Award: Robert D. Johnson Elementary School

  • Outstanding Community Partner Award: Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery

  • Outstanding Business Award: Treehouse Compost, LLC

2023 Award Winners at KAEE's Annual Conference in Cave City

2022 Award Winners

  • Lifetime Achievement Award: Peggy Nims

  • ​M.K. Dickerson Award: Rachel Patton

  • Rising Star Award: Pony Meyer

  • Outstanding PreK-12 School Award: Mary Hogsett Primary School​

  • Outstanding Community Partner Award: New Pioneers for a Sustainable Future

  • Outstanding Business Award: Geomancer Permaculture

2022 Award Winners at KAEE's Annual Conference