Mahoning SWCD Congratulates Local Teacher on Statewide Environmental Award
The Mahoning Soil & Water Conservation District is pleased to congratulate Heather Moran, a biology teacher at Boardman High School, for receiving the Ohio Federation of Soil & Water Conservation Districts’ statewide “Teacher of the Year” award.
The Mahoning SWCD staff joined Moran at the federation’s annual conference in Columbus, where she received the award.
Kathleen Vrable-Bryan, Mahoning SWCD district administrator, nominated Ms. Moran for the award as part of the district office’s work to encourage local efforts to educate young people about conservation.
The federation presents the award to teachers who demonstrate excellence in teaching students about soil and water conservation, as well as other environmental topics.
“Heather goes above and beyond for her students, providing them with unique educational opportunities that spark their interest in the environment,” Vrable-Bryan said. “She teaches her students about diverse environmental topics, including water quality, food sustainability, wildlife management, forestry, soil assessments and other current environmental issues.”
Vrable has worked for nearly a decade with Moran, who serves as the advisor for Boardman’s Envirothon teams. The Envirothon is a high school competition designed to stimulate, reinforce and enhance interest in the environment and natural resources. Students are tested on their knowledge of soils and land use, forestry, wildlife, aquatic ecology and environmental issues. Last year, Moran led her team to first place at the Northeast Ohio Area 2 Envirothon competition.
“Out of 88 counties, and the numerous schools within those counties, Ms. Moran was appropriately singled out as the ‘Teacher of the Year’,” Vrable-Bryan said. “She devotes herself to making sure her students fully understand and appreciate our environment.”
To learn more, visit this news item from the Vindicator. Read Boardman High School’s news post here.
The Ohio Federation of Soil & Water Conservation Districts supports the work of the 88 soil and water conservation districts in Ohio through legislative advocacy, public outreach, grant support, training and development programs.
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Pictured above: Heather Moran, Boardman high school teacher, receives the Ohio Federation of Soil & Water Conservation Districts’ “Teacher of the Year Award” from Rob Hamilton, Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Division of Soil and Water Conservation assistant chief of SWCDs, at the federation’s annual conference in Columbus.
