Teacher Darrin Peters from Fenton, Mo., to Gain 2014 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators

(Lenexa, Kan., Aug.12, 2014) - Darrin Peters, a teacher from Rockwood Summit High School in Fenton, Mo., has been named the recipient of a 2014 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators, E.P.A. Region seven announced today.

The Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE) acknowledges outstanding kindergarten through grade twelve teachers who employ innovative approaches to environmental education and use the environment as a learning context for their students. The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), in partnership with EPA, administers this award to honor educators who incorporate environmental education in their classrooms and teaching methods.

Peters was acknowledged for his efforts in establishing an authentic science lab based learning plan where Organic Chemistry Students learn how to produce biodiesel from waste vegetable oil, test it for purity and quality, fuel 2 test vehicles with their product, and then present their findings to the community.

Up to 2 teachers from each of EPA's ten regions are selected to gain this award. E.P.A. Region 7's other honoree for 2014 is Kristine Denton, from King Science & Technology Magnet Middle School in Omaha, Neb. Nationwide this year, the plan named 17 teachers, including Peters and Denton, as top honorees and acknowledged 15 other teachers for Honorable Mention.

Peters, like all other recipients of the 2014 Presidential Innovation Awards for Environmental Educators, will gain a commemorative plaque and $2,000 to be used to further his professional development in environmental education. Each recipient's school or local education agency also gains $2,000 to fund environmental educational activities and programs.

Applications for the 2015 Presidential Innovation Awards for Environmental Educators will be accepted beginning later this fall. For more information about the award program, visit the PIAEE website.

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