ELIZABETHTOWN – On Tuesday, The Kentucky Association for Environmental Education (KAEE) announced the recipients of the 2023 Excellence in EE Awards. Through the awards, KAEE recognizes those best exemplifying dedication, commitment and influence in the field of environmental education (EE).
The awards recognize the outstanding achievements of individuals, organizations, agencies, community efforts, schools and businesses in the field of EE. To be considered, the candidate must possess a minimum of two years of experience in the field of EE, and must have made noteworthy contributions to the advancement of EE in Kentucky, which they are still making.
Recipients and the awards they will receive are as follows:
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Karen Reagor, a retired educator who served as State Coordinator for the Kentucky National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project, is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Environmental Education.
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Dan Pascucci, Youth and Family Program Manager at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in Clermont is the recipient of the M.K. Dickerson Outstanding Educator Award for Excellence in Environmental Education.
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Kaitlynn Gootee of the Kentucky State University Environmental Education Resource Center in Pleasureville is the recipient of the Rising Star Award for Excellence in Environmental Education.
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Tree House Compost, LLC, a Lexington-based business, is the recipient of the Outstanding Business Award for Excellence in Environmental Education.
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Robert D. Johnson Elementary School in Fort Thomas is the recipient of the Outstanding PreK-12 School Award for Excellence in Environmental Education.
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Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery in Jamestown is the recipient of the Outstanding Community Partner Award for Excellence in Environmental Education.
“These award recipients embody the true spirit of dedication, commitment and influence,” said Ashley Hoffman, Executive Director of KAEE. “They have made remarkable contributions to the advancement of environmental education in Kentucky, and their impact is still ongoing. Their efforts inspire all of us at KAEE to continue our mission of fostering environmental stewardship and creating a sustainable future.”
Awards will be presented during the Excellence in EE Awards Luncheon on Friday, Sept. 15 at the Cave Area Conference Center in Cave City, as part of the 2023 KAEE Conference. The luncheon will also include a panel discussion with the award recipients, moderated by the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Dr. Terry Wilson. The luncheon is set for noon CDT.
