Honoring FoodChain: 2025 Outstanding Business Award Recipient

The Kentucky Association for Environmental Education (KAEE) is proud to announce FoodChain as the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Business Award for Excellence in Environmental Education.

FoodChain is transforming the way our communities understand, access, and connect with food. Since opening its doors in 2011, the Lexington-based nonprofit has used innovative aquaponics systems and hands-on environmental education to create a powerful model for sustainable, community-centered food systems.

At the heart of FoodChain’s mission is a belief that everyone deserves access to fresh, healthy food and to understand where that food comes from. Their indoor aquaponics farm isn’t just an example of sustainable agriculture; it’s a living classroom where visitors can learn firsthand about closed-loop food systems, water conservation, and the environmental impact of growing food locally. Through tours, workshops, and youth programs, FoodChain has provided more than 70,000 hours of environmental education to the Lexington community.

But their impact doesn’t stop at education. FoodChain has made it a priority to pair food literacy with direct access to nutritious meals. By working closely with local partners and distributing fresh food directly to underserved neighborhoods, they have served more than one million meals to the community since their founding.

FoodChain’s work exemplifies the best of environmental education: rooted in community, centered on equity, and focused on real, sustainable solutions. They are not only growing food; they are growing awareness, connection, and the next generation of environmental stewards.

KAEE congratulates FoodChain on this well-deserved recognition and thanks them for their leadership in building a healthier, more sustainable future for Kentucky.

We are honored to have the FoodChain and our 2025 award winners as part of the KAEE network. We look forward to celebrating them at this year’s KAEE Conference. Awards will be presented during our Annual Awards Luncheon on Friday, November 14, from 12:00 to 1:30 PM CT at the Owensboro Convention Center.

Lewisburg School Named Kentucky Green School of the Year

KAEE is proud to honor Lewisburg School as the 2025 Kentucky Green School of the Year through the Excellence in Environmental Education Awards. This recognition highlights the school’s exceptional commitment to environmental education and its dedication to creating meaningful opportunities for students to engage with sustainability in hands-on, impactful ways.

Throughout the academic year, Lewisburg School led several initiatives that not only empowered students but also strengthened connections with the surrounding community. One of their most successful projects was a year-long aluminum can recycling competition that encouraged student participation and fostered environmental stewardship. By involving local residents, the school built a sense of shared responsibility and community pride around their efforts.

The school also formed an energy team that focused on promoting energy conservation awareness. Through campaigns, interactive activities, and informational sessions, students educated their peers and community members about practical ways to save energy. This initiative helped cultivate a culture of sustainability both inside and outside the classroom.

To further support environmental learning, Lewisburg School created a pollinator garden on campus. This project provided students with a valuable, hands-on learning experience while supporting local biodiversity and emphasizing the importance of pollinator species in healthy ecosystems.

Lewisburg School’s thoughtful and sustained approach to environmental education reflects a deep commitment to weaving sustainability into both their curriculum and their school culture. Their leadership and creativity make them an inspiring example for schools across Kentucky. KAEE is proud to celebrate their achievements and the positive impact they are making in their community. 

We are honored to have Lewisburg School and our 2025 award winners as part of the KAEE network. We look forward to celebrating them at this year’s KAEE Conference. Awards will be presented during our Annual Awards Luncheon on Friday, November 14, from 12:00 to 1:30 PM at the Owensboro Convention Center.

Spotlight on Excellence: Willa Dawn Bayne, 2025 Rising Star Award Recipient

The Kentucky Association for Environmental Education is thrilled to honor Willa Dawn Bayne as the recipient of the 2025 Rising Star Award! In just two years as the Member Engagement Coordinator for Kentucky’s AmeriCorps program, Willa has already made a lasting mark on the state’s environmental education community.

While her work takes place behind the scenes, her impact is felt statewide. Willa has built a strong foundation of support, mentorship, and community for AmeriCorps members—many of whom are early-career educators or recent graduates stepping into

the environmental education field. Through her thoughtful leadership, she has created an engagement program that blends professional development, resource sharing, wellness practices, and individualized support, ensuring that members feel both equipped and empowered to succeed.

Her commitment to nurturing the next generation of environmental educators has already strengthened Kentucky’s environmental education network, creating a more inclusive and resilient community of practitioners. As her colleagues note, Willa’s leadership, innovation, and unwavering dedication are what truly make her a “rising star.”

We are proud to celebrate Willa’s contributions and cannot wait to see the many ways she will continue to shape and elevate environmental education in the years ahead.

We are honored to have Willa Dawn Bayne and our 2025 award winners as part of the KAEE network. We look forward to celebrating them at this year’s KAEE Conference. Awards will be presented during our Annual Awards Luncheon on Friday, November 14, from 12:00 to 1:30 PM at the Owensboro Convention Center.