Kristine Denton, a teacher from King Science & Technology Magnet Middle School in Omaha, Neb., has been named the recipient of a 2014 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators, EPA Region 7 announced today.

The Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE) recognizes outstanding kindergarten through grade 12 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.

Denton was recognized for her efforts with King Science & Technology’s students to build indoor aquaponics farming systems, and to use those systems to raise, harvest, test and donate produce to a local homeless shelter.

Up to two teachers from each of EPA’s 10 regions were selected to receive this award. EPA Region 7’s other top honoree for 2014 is Darrin Peters, from Rockwood Summit High School in Fenton, Mo. Nationwide this year, the program named 17 teachers, including Denton and Peters, as top honorees and recognized 15 other teachers for Honorable Mention.

Denton, like all other recipients of the 2014 Presidential Innovation Awards for Environmental Educators, will receive a commemorative plaque and $2,000 to be used to further her professional development in environmental education. Each recipient’s school or local education agency also receives $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.