The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP)’s Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan (REAP) is now accepting nominations for the 2018 Make-It-Shine Environmental Teacher of the Year Award.

Award recipients will be honored at the West Virginia Solid Waste Authority’s Annual Awards Banquet on Oct. 29 at Stonewall Jackson State Park. Applications are due Sept. 15.

Winners will be chosen in the elementary, middle and high school levels, with each winner receiving a $500 personal award, a $1,000 award to be used in promoting STEM programs and a one-night stay at Stonewall Jackson Resort to receive their award.

“Many educators across the state regularly incorporate issues such as environmental sustainability and stewardship into their lessons and classroom activities,” said Make-It-Shine Coordinator Terry Carrington. “This can promote a sense of volunteerism and community in students that will carry into adulthood, and we would like to recognize these efforts.”

For eligibility requirements, or to nominate yourself or a fellow educator, applications are available at https://dep.wv.gov/environmental-advocate/reap/wvmis/Pages/default.aspx or by contacting Carrington at Terry.R.Carrington@wv.gov or 304-926-0499 ext. 1359.

For more WVDEP news and information, go to www.dep.wv.gov. Also, connect with the agency on all social media platforms. Follow @DEPWV on Twitter, Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/depwv/, and find us on YouTube by searching “Environment Matters.”