Rachel Stuart, a dedicated science teacher at Eastern View High School, has been named the 2024 Conservation Educator of the Year by the Culpeper Soil & Water Conservation District (CSWCD). This prestigious award recognizes educators who excel in teaching students about conserving the Earth and its resources.
Remarkably, this is the second time Stuart has received this honor. In 2021, she was first recognized for her extraordinary work in environmental education, making her the first educator in over 25 years to receive the award twice.
This year’s accolade celebrates Stuart’s exceptional leadership with the Eastern View High School Envirothon team. Under her guidance, the program grew from a small club in 2022 to achieving unprecedented success at the 2024 State Envirothon competition, where the team placed first in presentation and third overall in their first appearance.
Stephanie DeNicola, Education and Information Coordinator for the CSWCD, praised Stuart’s dedication, "Rachel inspires her team to study, practice, and take advantage of additional resources. She develops practice quizzes and lessons so the team can reach their full potential and serves as a guiding force for the students.” She continued, “Students show up when an adult cares about them and meets their interest with opportunities. I am honored to work beside her to develop the Envirothon program."
Reflecting on the award when asked about how she felt about winning a second time, Stuart shared her gratitude, "I was shocked. I couldn't believe they would honor me again. The Culpeper Soil & Water District is such an important resource for me as a science teacher. They are so supportive of my professional and learning goals. It is an honor that they recognized me for the work I have done with Plant the Moon, Agriculture in the Classroom, and the Eastern View Envirothon team. They make me feel like my hard work doesn't go unnoticed."
CCPS Science Curriculum Specialist Renee Wootten highlighted the broader impact of Stuart’s work, "Rachel's passion for environmental education inspires her students to engage deeply with the subject matter. She cultivates an interactive learning environment, where hands-on activities, discussions, and projects bring the concepts to life. Beyond her classroom, Rachel actively collaborates with other educators across the county by sharing resources and knowledge that benefit students beyond her classroom."
Rachel Stuart’s recognition underscores her unwavering commitment to fostering environmental stewardship, innovative learning, and collaborative education. Her work with projects like NASA’s Plant the Moon Challenge, Agriculture in the Classroom, and the Envirothon team continues to inspire her students and colleagues alike.