NANTUCKET – The Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) Director of Education Kim Botelho and community partner Annie Mendelsohn received recognition from the State House of Representatives and a Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Education at the State House.
The honor acknowledged the 5th grade Trees and the Community Program and was presented by Secretary Matthew Beaton, State Rep. Dylan Fernandes, and Kris Scopinich, chair of the Secretary’s Advisory Group for Energy and Environmental Education.
In 2010, Mendelsohn approached the MMA with an idea to provide island children with trees in partnership with the Rotary Club.
MMA formed a partnership with local public and private schools for the initiative.
After learning about native tree species, children selected their choice of tree and then MMA delivered them and led a planting demonstration.
This year, the 5th grade Trees and the Community Program was funded in part by a grant from The Ocean Spray Community Fund.
In 2014, Botelho joined the staff at MMA and expanded the program to include a one-hour classroom program covering tree biology and morphology and benefits of trees for the community.
The MMA is one of six non-profits from across the Commonwealth acknowledged at the 23rd annual awards ceremony.
Founded in 1902, the MMA works to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, librarian and educator Maria Mitchell.
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