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Emily Gough, a Warsaw Community High School science teacher, earlier this week received the Joe Wright Recognition of Excellence Award from the Environmental Education Association of Indiana for outstanding achievement in environmental education.
Friday morning, WCHS Principal Troy Akers recognized Gough for receiving the award in front of her class and guests in the main lobby of the school.
“You guys know that you’re with a special teacher. We want to honor her today because she received a huge honor this week,” Akers said.
He said they acknowledged Gough earlier this year “for Tiger Tuesday because of everything that she’s done, especially the Environthon, and just her love of science and how that infiltrates all the kids that have her as a teacher.”
The recipients of the EEAI award have been teachers, naturalists, education project coordinators and natural resource agency personnel.
In 1995, Akers said, the name of the award was changed to the Joe Wright Recognition of Excellence Award, in honor of retiring Department of Education Science Consultant Joe Wright. Wright was the first recipient of this award.
Wright began his duties with the Indiana Department of Education (then the Department of Public Instruction) in 1968, and from that time on began stimulating interest and enthusiasm in teachers for conservation education, according to information provided by Warsaw Community Schools. He was quick to offer encouragement and provide educational resources and expertise whenever asked. Recipients of this award are recognized for current achievements in environmental education.
“Some day, they’ll probably name this award after her (Gough),” Akers said Friday.
Each year, an award recipient is selected for the award from across the state of Indiana.
“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Gough on this tremendous award. We’re so proud of her. She’s absolutely at the top of her craft. Her love of science, her love of students is a great recipe for success and I think you all agree with that,” Akers stated. “Her success with the Environmental Club demonstrates how she always goes the extra mile for her students. Trips to state and national competitions have been a pinnacle of success for Warsaw, Mrs. Gough and the students that have been able to contribute.”
He thanked Gough on behalf of himself and the Warsaw Community School Corporation.
“There couldn’t be a better teacher in Indiana to receive this prestigious award. We’re very proud of you,” Akers told her, followed by a round of applause.
