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Chesapeake Bay Trust Awards: Recognizing Outstanding Students and Teachers

by
Bill Whorton

Every day the Chesapeake Bay Trust works with students, teachers, volunteers and community leaders who are trying to make a difference in their communities. From organizing stream clean ups, to installing rain gardens, to taking students on once-in-a lifetime field trips on the Chesapeake Bay, we see what motivated and passionate individuals can accomplish. Since 1998, the Chesapeake Bay Trust has sought to recognize these individuals for their great work, and we need your help.

Do you know a student or teacher who is going above and beyond inside and outside the classroom? Do you want to recognize someone who is working to better their community and local environment? The Chesapeake Bay Trust is seeking nominations for its 2014 Awards and Scholarship Program which honors students, teachers and volunteers who are making a difference in their neighborhoods and for the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Currently the Trust is soliciting applications and/or nominations for five awards: Teacher of the Year, Student of the Year, Honorable Arthur Dorman Scholarship, Ellen Fraites Wagner Award and Melanie Teems Award. The winners of the Honorable Arthur Dorman and Student of the Year awards will receive $5,000 scholarships and the Teacher of the Year will be awarded a $2,500 grant to support environmental education.

Recipients for each will be announced during the Trust’s Legislative Reception in January 2014, where they will have an opportunity to present their exceptional work to their legislators, local leaders and supporters. We want to celebrate the good work being done here in Maryland and around the Chesapeake Bay watershed and hope that you will help identify candidates who should be recognized for their contributions. All applicants can complete the online application or be nominated by someone other than a family member. The deadline to apply is December 2, 2013 at 5:00 pm and more information can be found on our website, cbtrust.org.

Help us showcase all the good work being done to restore and protect the Chesapeake Bay.

Chesapeake Bay Trust Award Descriptions:

  • Teacher of the Year Award: Awarded to a Maryland or Chesapeake Bay watershed educator who has shown an outstanding commitment to environmental education, who motivates and inspires students, and serves as a respected resource to colleagues and community leaders. The winner will receive a $2,500 grant to support their environmental education work.
  • Student of the Year Award: Awarded to a high school or college student attending school within Maryland or the Chesapeake Bay watershed who motivates and inspires others and participates in efforts to improve the local environment and/or community. The winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship award.
  • Honorable Arthur Dorman Scholarship: Recognizes a Maryland or Chesapeake Bay watershed high school or college student of color who motivates and inspires other students through their actions in their school and/or community and participates in efforts to improve their local environment and/or their community. The winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship award.
  • Melanie Teems Award: Honors efforts that engages citizens in efforts to improve the environment and/or Chesapeake Bay through demonstration-based projects or programs, serves as a model for other organizations to exemplify, and utilizes the resources of the Chesapeake Bay Trust.
  • Ellen Fraites Wagner Award: Recognizes an individual who works to improve the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, motivates and inspires others by promoting environmental awareness throughout the community, exhibits a long-term commitment to the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay, and leads successful restoration efforts.