Awards

These awards were given in April 2024

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

Nominated by Lynn White, Alli Shaw, 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 Jeff Baker     

Nominated by Lindsay Rist, Denise Natoli Brooks and Jen Dennison (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 Erin Rowekamp

Nominated by Joshua York (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 Joli and Rudy Reising

Nominated by Jennifer Bucheit

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

Nominated by Lara D. Roketenetz, Ph.D and Carrie Elvey

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

environmental education in Ohio.

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

Nominated by Mary Gordon

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

Presented to Columbus State Community College Sustainability Group

(And accepting the award on behalf of CSCCSG is Jennifer McCord and pictured to the right is Jeff Montavon- EECO President.)

Nominated by Lisa Huelskamp, PhD in STEM

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

understanding of an environmental issue(s).

Presented Project Learning Tree - Black Faces in Green Spaces 

(Pictured left to right on behalf of PLT are Gia Giammarinaro, Linda Pettit and Jennifer Elsworth. On the right is Jeff Montavon- EECO President)

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 Eastgate Regional Council of Governments. Accepting the award are Stephanie Dyer (middle of picture) and Justin Mondok (left in picture) (pictured to the right is Jeff Montavon- EECO President)

EECO President's Award- Given to Gia Giammarinaro by Jeff Montavon