Awards

These awards (unless otherwise designated), were to be given in 2020

Finlay­ Johnson Award

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 Alli Shaw (pictured to the right is Jeff Montavon- EECO President) 

Nominated by Marty McTigue

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 Grace Gordon        

Nominated by Mary Gordon (pictured to the right is Jeff Montavon- EECO President)

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 Mary Gordon

Nominated by Grace Gordon (pictured to the right is Jeff Montavon- EECO President)

Outstanding Volunteer Award

The award is given to a volunteer who has made a significant or outstanding contribution to environmental education in Ohio.

Presented to Kate Peresie

Nominated by Karen Pryor

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 Matty Watkins of Metroparks Toledo (pictured to the right is Jeff Montavon- EECO President)

Nominated by Jennifer Elsworth

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

environmental education in Ohio.

Presented to Miranda Cain of Fairfield County Park District (pictured to the right is Jeff Montavon- EECO President)

Nominated by Marcey Shafer

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

Presented to FLOW- Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed

(pictured left to right Jeff Montavon- EECO President. And accepting the award on behalf of FLOW is Sara Gallaugher and Laura Fay)

Nominated by Jenna Roller-Knapp of MAD Scientist

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

understanding of an environmental issue(s).

Presented Project Wild - Climate and Wildlife Curriculum 

(pictured left to right Abby Ditomassi of Division of Wildlife, Jeff Montavon- EECO President, Jen Dennison, Sarah Schott and Lindsay Rist of the Division of Wildlife)

Ohio Alliance for the Environment Award – given to a business or industry that is dedicated to fostering a climate of cooperation for resolving environmental problems.

Presented to Advance Drainage Systems, Inc. Accepting the award is Heather Schreiber

(pictured to the right is Jeff Montavon- EECO President)

The William David Wright Scholarship -This scholarship was created to keep alive the legacy of David Wright, a former Board Member and friend of EECO.  The scholarship is given to a person of color who is in the environmental education field so that they can attend the EECO Annual Conference and see firsthand what it is like to part of the EECO Family. 

This year given to Nichole Lopez

Dr. Diana Hunn Scholarship -This scholarship was created to keep alive the legacy of Dr. Diana Hunn, a former Board Member and friend of EECO.  The scholarship is given to a Pre-Service Educator who is in the environmental education field so that they can attend the EECO Annual Conference and see firsthand what it is like to part of the EECO Family. 

This year given to Shane Allison

EECO President's Award- Given to Jessica Niemantsverdriet by Amanda Kriner

Lifetime Achievement Award- given to an individual who has made a significant contribution to Environmental Education in Ohio.

Presented to Carolyn Watkins for 2023