Awards

These awards were given in April 2025

Finlay­ Johnson Award - the highest award given by the Environmental Education Council of Ohio

This award is in honor of two men, Carl Johnson and Bob Finlay, who were instrumental to the creation, as well as a lifetime of dedication, to the Environmental Education Council of Ohio. The award is presented to an EECO member for making a significant or outstanding contribution to the organization.

Presented to Jennifer Bucheit (pictured to the left is Jeff Montavon- EECO President)

Nominated by Marty McTigue, Giovanna Reising, Jen Dennison, and others

Outstanding Environmental Educator in the Field of Formal Education

The award recognizes a preschool, elementary, middle school, high school or college teacher, administrator or curriculum specialist for outstanding contributions to environmental education in Ohio.

Presented to Lynne Gaines (pictured in middle) 

Nominated by Alexandra Gaines (pictured to the right is Jeff Montavon- EECO President, left is Brenda Metcalf- EECO Executive Director)

Outstanding Environmental Educator in the Field of Nonformal Education

Each year, EECO presents a nonformal educator for outstanding contributions to environmental education in Ohio

Presented to Jenny Adkins

Nominated by Mark Dilley (pictured to the left is Jeff Montavon- EECO President)

The Charley Harper Award:

Charley Harper was a Cincinnati­ based artist known for his wildlife prints, posters and illustrations. In his honor, EECO recognizes artists who have made a significant or outstanding contribution to environmental education in Ohio through various forms of art.

Presented to Nora Steele (pictured are Nora's Parent Mike and Eileen Steele, to the right is Jeff Montavon- EECO President and on the left is Brenda Metcalf, EECO Executive Director) (Second picture is of Nora Steele with one of her murals) 

Nominated by Amanda Hurley

Christy Dixon Award - given to a young professional who has contributed significantly to

environmental education in Ohio.

Presented to Nichole Lopez (pictured to the left is Brenda Metcalf- EECO Executive Director and to the right is Jeff Montavon- EECO President)

Nominated by Amanda Kriner

Organization Award - given to a business or organization that has made a significant contribution to environmental education in Ohio

Presented to Working In Neighborhoods - WIN and Sr Barbara Busch 

(pictured from the left Gail Prunty, Sr Barbara Busch, Brenda Metcalf, Sr Brenda Busch and Jeff Montavon- EECO President.)

Nominated by Gail and Brian Prunty

Publications Award - given to a publication that has made a significant contribution to the public

understanding of an environmental issue(s).

Presented Project WET- Climate, Water and Resilience 

(Dennis Clement was unable to attend the conference)

Nominated by Carolyn Watkins

EECO President's Award- Given to Wendy Baker by Jeff Montavon

Lifetime Achievement Award in Environmental Education

Occasionally EECO presents an environmental educator with a Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize their lifelong commitment to environmental, outdoor and nature education in Ohio. This is a rare and prestigious recognition given to a member of our EE Community. 

Presented to Trina Thornton

Nominated by Kelley Frank (pictured to the left is Brenda Metcalf- EECO Executive Director and to the right is Jeff Montavon- EECO President)