2026 WAEE Awardees

Student of the Year Awardee

Madeleine Bohn – Madison East High School

Madeleine Bohn is a powerful youth voice in the climate movement. A published author in The Nature of Our Times anthology, Madeleine blends science, storytelling, and advocacy to inspire action. As Director for the Wisconsin Youth Environmental Press Team and an organizer of the Wisconsin Youth Climate Conference, she helps amplify youth perspectives while building spaces for young leaders to connect and collaborate.

Locally, she leads her school’s Green Club, organizes climate advocacy efforts, and engages in community education around climate justice and policy. Through every effort, Madeleine reminds us that meaningful change often begins with small actions.

“Science tells us what is happening, but stories remind us why it matters.”

Earthguard Awardee

Evansville High School Green Team

The Evansville High School Green Team shows the power of student leadership in action. Over three years, the team planned, fundraised, and helped implement a 32-kW rooftop solar array that now powers their school with clean energy.

Their work didn’t stop there. Students conducted energy audits, removed hundreds of unnecessary fluorescent lights, installed LED upgrades, and launched a Renewable Energy Day to teach middle school students about sustainable technology. Their efforts have reduced the school’s carbon footprint and helped save more than $50,000 in energy costs. Through hands-on learning and collaboration, the Evansville Green Team proves that students can lead meaningful environmental solutions.

“This isn’t just about saving money—it’s about proving students can drive real solutions.”

Eco-Justice Awardee

Wi Gather Outside (WiGO)

Wi Gather Outside (WiGO) is redefining who feels welcome in outdoor spaces. Centered on equity, culture, and community connection, WiGO creates outdoor experiences that celebrate identity while fostering environmental stewardship.

Through Latino Conservation Week events in Milwaukee—such as Trails y Tacos, Biking y Birria, and Fotos y Flan—WiGO blends culture, language, food, and nature to create welcoming and meaningful outdoor experiences. In just a few years, the organization has mobilized dozens of partners and engaged hundreds of participants across Wisconsin. Their work demonstrates that environmental education is strongest when communities see themselves reflected in the outdoors.

“WiGO ensures everyone has a seat at the table and a voice in the conversation.”

Non-Formal Educator of the Year

Amber Rappl

Amber Rappl inspires environmental stewardship through engaging watershed education that connects people directly to their local waterways. Through kayaking programs, macroinvertebrate sampling, and habitat assessments, Amber helps participants of all ages understand how their daily choices affect aquatic ecosystems.

Her programs emphasize accessibility and action, using simple tools and community science to extend learning beyond workshops and into everyday life. Through outreach, resource development, and professional learning opportunities, Amber continues to empower communities to care for Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers.

“Amber helps people see how their everyday actions shape the health of our waters.”

Formal Educator of the Year

David Kruse – Elkhorn Area School District

David Kruse brings environmental education to life through agriculture and natural resource courses that connect students directly with the land. His students study forestry, wildlife, and environmental sustainability while working in outdoor learning spaces that serve as real-world classrooms.

David helped establish three district school forests and manages the 26-acre Market Street School Forest, where students restore habitat, build trails, and lead forestry education for younger learners. His mentorship also helped launch a student-led solar installation that now powers most of his classroom and greenhouse. Through these experiences, David helps students see themselves as environmental problem-solvers and leaders.

“Helping students learn from nature has become one of the most exciting parts of my work.”

Formal Educator of the Year

Ashley Hegewald - Wittenberg-Birnamwood School District

Ashley Hegewald brings environmental education to life through hands-on, place-based learning that empowers students to understand and care for their local ecosystems. Through her work with FIELD Edventures and the Wittenberg-Birnamwood School District, Ashley has guided students in meaningful projects from designing and planting rain gardens that protect local wetlands to cultivating school gardens and pollinator habitats that connect learning with community impact. Her leadership has expanded outdoor learning opportunities across grade levels and helped embed environmental literacy into the daily experience of hundreds of students. Beyond the classroom, Ashley supports educators statewide through professional development, nature journaling workshops, and innovative programs that help teachers bring learning outdoors.

“Among the hundreds of educators I’ve worked with across Wisconsin, Ashley stands out as someone who truly embodies the mission of environmental education,” shared one nominator. “Her work not only builds environmental literacy in students, but also empowers other educators to bring meaningful outdoor learning to their own classrooms.”

Administrator of the Year

Nkauj Nou Vang-Vue – Lake View Elementary School

Principal Nkauj Nou Vang-Vue has transformed Lake View Elementary into a thriving hub for outdoor and environmental learning. Under her leadership, the school has developed gardens, forest spaces, and outdoor learning areas that support hands-on exploration across subjects.

Serving the district’s only Hmong heritage bilingual program, she champions equitable access to outdoor education and ensures that every student can learn and grow through nature-based experiences. Her leadership has inspired educators statewide through the Madison Area Green & Healthy Schools Summit and other collaborations.

“Taking learning outdoors is an equity strategy—students show what they know through exploration.”

Dave Engleson Award

Ginny Carlton

Ginny Carlton’s influence on environmental education in Wisconsin spans decades. As one of the original developers of the K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP), she helped create foundational curriculum and professional learning resources that continue to guide educators across the state.

Ginny has also contributed through leadership with the Wisconsin Environmental Education Board, WAEE, and numerous training programs that have supported teachers and conservation professionals. Her work helped build the infrastructure that allows environmental education to thrive statewide.



“The foundational work continues to support educators across Wisconsin and beyond.”

Aldo Leopold Award

Amy Workman

Amy Workman’s career embodies the spirit of the Aldo Leopold Award through nearly two decades of leadership, mentorship, and innovation in environmental education. As Director of Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center, she has expanded programming that connects students, educators, and communities with Wisconsin’s natural landscapes.

Amy continues to advance the field through new curriculum development, including environmental DNA (eDNA) education and climate change programming that can be used by educators statewide. Her dedication to collaboration extends through community leadership roles and years of service on the WAEE Board.



Through her work, Amy continues to inspire the next generation of environmental educators and strengthen the field across Wisconsin.

“Amy’s commitment to innovation, mentorship, and community continues to move environmental education forward.”