VAEE’s Excellence in EE Awards
Each year, the Virginia Association for Environmental Education (VAEE) recognizes and honors individuals and organizations from across Virginia for their innovation and dedication to the field.
Join us in congratulating our 2025 award winners who were honored in February at our 2026 Conference!
Environmental Education Program of Excellence Award
This award recognizes outstanding and innovative environmental education programs, organizations, centers, etc., in both formal and non-formal settings over the course of the last year that have demonstrated consistent excellence in educational programming and that incorporate EE best practices.
Page Hutchinson Outstanding Environmental Educator of the Year Award
Named after past VAEE Board Member and former Virginia Project Learning Tree State Coordinator Page Hutchinson, this award recognizes the exceptional achievements and contributions made by an individual in environmental education over the course of the last year. All educators, including school-based and community-based, are eligible for this award.
Exemplary Service to EE Award
This Award recognizes exemplary leadership within the field of environmental education that increases the strength of the field and encourages long-term growth and sustainability. Both individuals and organizations are eligible for this award
VAEE Young Professionals Award
This Award recognizes a young leader for their exceptional contributions to the field of environmental education. The award recipient must demonstrate capabilities in leadership, service, or innovation in environmental education and be early in their career.
VAEE Legacy Award
This Award recognizes a leader who has demonstrated a sustained commitment and made significant contributions to environmental education in Virginia. The award recipient must demonstrate a record of leadership, service, mentorship, or innovation and have approximately 20 or more years of service to the environmental education field.