School District Five educator named 2025 Environmental Educator of the Year

For Immediate Release – July 14, 2025

School District Five educator named 2025 Environmental Educator of the Year

IRMO – Dutch Fork Elementary School Academy of Environmental Sciences Resident Scientist Amy Umberger has been named the 2025 Environmental Educator of the Year from the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina (EEASC).

This award recognizes a formal or informal educator who has made significant contributions by facilitating the development of knowledge, skills and passion in environmental education. As the driving force behind Dutch Fork Elementary’s pioneering “Crumbs to Compost” initiative, Umberger has transformed everyday school lunches into powerful lessons in sustainability. Under her leadership since 2016, over 485 students have learned to sort compostable waste, diverting an impressive 30+ tons of food scraps from the landfill each year. 

"Winning this award from EEASC means so much to me,” Umberger said. “There are so many other environmental educators across this state at our local parks, forests, organizations, non-profits, municipalities, etc...doing amazing work and for me to get this award humbles me greatly. I am so grateful for the projects I have been able to do in collaboration with amazing faculty and staff at Dutch Fork Elementary School! Our school is making a difference in our community and I am so honored to be a part of it. Thank you EEASC for noticing our school and for choosing me as your environmental educator of the year!"

Umberger’s vision has inspired students to adopt greener habits beyond the cafeteria and helped secure a $1,000 conservation mini‑grant to expand the program further. By weaving real‑world impact into the curriculum, she empowers children to see themselves as environmental caretakers, building a culture of ecological responsibility that reaches schoolwide and beyond. Umberger is also a SC Project Learning Tree Facilitator. 

“Mrs. Umberger is one of the most passionate educators I have ever known,” Dutch Fork Elementary School Principal Rebecca Dilley said. “Not only is she passionate about the world we live in, she is also passionate about our students and school family. Mrs. Umberger is an integral part of the development and growth of Dutch Fork Elementary, The Academy of Environmental Sciences. She is often seen working endlessly to ensure our students have the best experiences while at school. She provides endless opportunities for our students to make memories that last a lifetime, while simultaneously changing the way we view the world we live in for the better. There is simply no one more deserving for this award. We are so proud to know her, to work alongside her and to learn from her each and every day. The Fox Family is proud of you Mrs. Umberger!” 

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