Announcing our Excellence in EE Award Winners
Page K. Hutchinson Outstanding Environmental Educator of the Year — Meredeth Dash
Meredeth is receptive, energetic, and generous in her work with all of her partners, including nonformal educators, school district representatives, teachers, and private citizens. We are reminded of Page’s commitment to collaboration and partnership, elevating the people around her through her vision for EE, and we see that same spirit in this individual. She is an Environmental Education Specialist with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and has worked tirelessly to design and enact high-quality, locally relevant environmental education programs throughout Central VA over the past two decades of volunteer and professional service.
Environmental Education Program of Excellence Award —Dan River Basin Association
The Dan River Basin Association strives to provide meaningful environmental education programs to all youth in southside Virginia. DRBA has expanded its capacity from a one-person education staff to over 20 highly knowledgeable educators by launching the Volunteer Environmental Educators (VEE) program in 2023. Through this effort, DRBA can consistently reach more youth throughout their 3,300 square mile, 16-county basin. Their great strides in differentiation and centering inclusion and their Educating the Next Generation of Environmental Stewards program exhibit exemplary EE practice.
VAEE Under 25 — Callie Moyers
Callie saw a way to deepen a program’s effectiveness by engaging participants in hands-on field experiences and establishing a mentorship program for current and past participants. By equipping participants with the skills and confidence to educate the public, the program fosters their growth as future environmental leaders and ensures that guests leave with a deeper understanding of conservation issues and the importance of environmental stewardship. Callie is a Guest Engagement Educator for the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center where she has designed and implemented multiple programs and processes that facilitate effective environmental education including the Watershed Warriors program, mentorship and collaboration opportunities, and a Master Class facilitation process to encourage participant feedback.
Exemplary Service to VAEE — Tara Poelzing
Tara is currently VAEE’s Director of Professional Learning and has been integral to the growth and success of VAEE. She works closely with every candidate in Virginia’s Environmental Education Certification Program and is invested in their success. She led the effort to apply for certification program accreditation through NAAEE which was awarded in 2024 on the first round of application - a rare achievement. Throughout most of VAEE’s history, she has led at some level and continues to take on additional roles to continue VAEE’s growth.
Congratulations to these Award Winners for their work in 2024!
