What would life be without teachers who went the distance, those who encouraged students to dig into their studies with activities that connected them in meaningful ways to our big blue-and-green world? To mark its 10th year of educating Hampton Roads residents about all things green, askHRgreen.org is accepting nominations for its Green Star Teachers educator recognition program.

Nominations are now open at www.askHRgreen.org/GreenStars and will be accepted through Dec.15, 2021. A regional steering committee will select 10 educators from those nominated, and each will receive an award of $1,000. The awards may be used to cover needs such as supplies, classroom resources or funding to underwrite a dynamic “green” student-driven initiative.

The public is encouraged to nominate a special educator who has gone above and beyond to promote environmental stewardship in their schools and communities. This could be a teacher who created a learning garden on school grounds, a civic-minded resident who led an ecology club in their community, or anyone who has developed creative and innovative ways to connect students to the natural world around them.

To view details of the Green Star Teachers recognition program and nominate your favorite eco-educator, visit www.askHRgreen.org/GreenStars. Nominations are open to any educator working with youth K-12 in Hampton Roads and will be accepted through Dec. 15, 2021. The awards will be announced in early 2022.