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Award Categories & Criteria

John K. Strickler Award

This award recognizes the lifetime achievements of the recipient in the field of conservation and environmental education (EE). The nominee must have a minimum of ten (10) years’ involvement in the field of EE in general and if appropriate, involvement with KACEE as well, and have made and continues to make a significant contribution to EE in Kansas. S/he 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 KACEE member (e.g., developed curriculum, research, innovations, publications, programs, legislation, etc.)

• Outstanding action, contribution, and leadership in supporting EE

KACEE Award

This award recognizes the outstanding achievements of individuals, organizations, agencies, community efforts, schools, and businesses in the field of EE. The nominee must have a minimum of five (5) years’ involvement in the field of EE, and have made and continues to make a significant contribution to EE in Kansas. Nominations may be made in the categories below:

• PreK-16 Education: School or individual in a formal education setting may be nominated.

• Government: Individual or agency may be nominated.

• Community and Non-Profit Organizations: Individual or organization may be nominated.

• Agriculture: Individual or organization that leads/encourages programs that educate about agricultural best management practices may be nominated.

• Business/Corporate Sector: Individual, business, or corporation may be nominated.

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

Connie Elpers Rising Star Award 

Named after one of the most influential environmental educators in Kansas, Connie shared her love and passion for teaching about the environment with thousands of people, both young and old.  With a seemingly inexhaustible energy for teaching about the environment, Connie embodied the best of our field and was an outstanding example to the young people she mentored. 

This award honors Connie’s legacy in recognizing those passionate individuals who are new to the conservation and environmental education field in Kansas, but are already making an impact. The nominee must have a minimum of two (2) years’ and a maximum of five (5) years’ experience in the EE field in Kansas. Current KACEE membership is not required. The nominee should be known for one or more of the following:

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

• 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

Kansas Green School of the Year Award 

This award recognizes Kansas public and private schools that have demonstrated innovation, leadership, whole school involvement, and an integrated, holistic, sustainable approach to implementing environmental projects with a strong environmental education component into their schools. 

Individual schools nominated for this award must be members of the Kansas Green Schools Network (registration is free and can be attained at www.kansasgreenschools.org). Current KACEE membership is not required. Nominations in the elementary school and middle/high school categories are encouraged, and the selection committee reserves the right to make awards (in one or both categories) to those schools best meeting the criteria. Nominees should be known for the following:

• Researched, designed, and implemented at least one ongoing environmental program at their school within the past three (3) years that innovatively addresses an environmental issue(s) (e.g., water quality, water conservation, energy conservation, air quality, outdoor wildlife habitats, solid waste management)

• Strong environmental education component integrated across school curriculum and grade levels, and sustained from year to year

• Shows leadership in sharing information about their projects with parents, the local community, and other schools

• Demonstrates deep involvement by administrators, teachers, and students in the environmental project(s) and environmental education program

• Takes an integrated, holistic, and sustainable approach to implementing environmental education and an environmental project(s) in the school.