MEEA Annual Awards
Celebrating outstanding achievement in environmental education throughout Maine
Every year, MEEA recognizes the excellent environmental educators, programs, schools, students, and environmental education partners in Maine. Nominations open every March and awards are presented during a ceremony at the MEEA Annual Conference every May. Winners receive a $250 honorarium and commemorative plaque at the ceremony. Stay tuned for information Spring 2025 about the next round of nominations.
Photos from the 2024 Annual Awards
2024 Award Recipients
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Yujin Hirada
Student of the Year | Thornton Academy
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Leah Burgess
Student of the Year | Spruce Mountain High School
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Lorna Fake
Eberhard Thiele Environmental Educator Award | Brightfield School
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Patti Bailie
Lifetime Achievement Award | University of Maine at Farmington
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Veazie Pre-K Nature Based Education Program
Excellence in Environmental Education Program
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Portland Public Schools
School of the Year
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Dennis Brackett
Environmental Partner of the Year Award | Katahdin Schools
Eberhard Thiele Environmental Educator Award
The Eberhard Thiele Environmental Educator Award is designed to recognize an environmental education professional who works either outside the formal classroom setting or as a classroom teacher who incorporates environmental education as integral to their pedagogical philosophy and practice. This award honors Eberhard Thiele, the first President of MEEA (1981), who served many years on the board and inspired many students as the Director of Environmental Studies at the University of Maine, Fort Kent.
Student of the Year
The Student of the Year Award is designed to recognize an outstanding Maine student (K-college) who has demonstrated leadership in their school and community by facilitating environmental actions such as spearheading sustainability efforts, environmental education, climate and environmental justice projects, etc. This student is passionate about the natural world and shares this passion with their community.
Excellence in Environmental Education Program Award
The Excellence in Environmental Education Program Award is designed to recognize an outstanding environmental education initiative that is innovative and positively enhances environmental awareness. Such programs include those that center youth engagement, equitable access, and/or expand the field of environmental education. Recipients for this award may include programs within organizations such as schools, nonprofits, land trusts, cities, and others.
School of the Year
The School of the Year Award is designed to recognize an outstanding public or private school that demonstrates an ongoing commitment to delivering environmental education that involves most staff, reaches a majority of students, and takes place year-round.
Environmental Education Partner of the Year Award
The Environmental Education Partner of the Year Award is designed to recognize an outstanding Maine organization or business that is committed to serving their community through prioritizing environmental education, equity, sustainability, and community connections.
2022-2023 Recipients
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Patagonia
Environmental Ally of the Year
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Belfast Area High School Marine Institute
Excellence in Environmental Education Program Award
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Isaac Davis
Eberhard Thiele Environmental Educator Award
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Chloe Blanchard and Audrey Hufnagel
Students of the Year
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Meroby Elementary
School of the Year
2019 Recipients
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Auburn SHARECenter
Environmental Ally of the Year
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Old Orchard Beach Conservation Commission
Excellence in Environmental Education Program Award
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Tammi Matula (East Grand School)
Eberhard Thiele Environmental Educator Award
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Amara Ifeji and Melissa Tian
Students of the Year
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Emily Cohen (Vinalhaven School)
Eberhard Thiele Environmental Educator of the Year
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Anita Smith
The Maine Environmental Education Association Lifetime Achievement Award
2018 Recipients
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Pat Parent
Eberhard Thiele Environmental Educator Award
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St. George School
School of the Year
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Paige Nygaard
Student of the Year
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Ecology of Architecture Team
Environmental Ally of the Year
Previous Recipients Include:
2017
The Dedham School: The Maine Environmental Education Association School of the Year
The Portland Water District: The Excellence in Environmental Education Program Award
Monica Wright: Eberhard Thiele Environmental Educator of the Year
Samar Ahmed: The Maine Environmental Education Association Student of the Year
Dorcas Miller: The Maine Environmental Education Association Lifetime Achievement Award
PREVIOUS STATE WINNERS
ReVision Energy: The Maine Environmental Education Association Business of Year
Bath Middle School: The Maine Environmental Education Association School of the Year
“Youth Programs” Cultivating Community: The Excellence in Environmental Education Program Award
Amanda Ripa and Michelle Broyer: Eberhard Thiele Environmental Educator of the Year
Alexandra Beatrice Trumann: The Maine Environmental Education Association Student of the Year
Peter Zack: The Maine Environmental Education Association Lifetime Achievement Award