2015 Educator of the Year

Jennifer Brooks has been named Wildlife Forever’s State-Fish Art 2015 Educator of the Year. A pre-Kindergarten through Grade 5 Art Specialist at Felix G. Botello Elementary in Dallas, Texas, she is being recognized for her significant contribution to youth conservation education. She receives a $500 Gift Card, for classroom art supplies, from the award’s sponsor, Triarco Arts & Crafts, “One of the aspects I love most about the State Fish Art Contest is making the connection between art and enjoying the outdoors while helping to take care of our natural resources.” relates Jennifer. “For my family, hunting and fishing is just a natural part of our lives. Many of my students have never gone fishing or even seen a real fish, so this lesson is an opportunity to not only introduce fishing, but maybe, just maybe, get them ‘hooked’!”

Mrs. Brooks will be honored at the 17th annual State-Fish Art EXPO on August 22 along with winning young artists from across America. This year’s EXPO is hosted by title sponsor FLW at the FLW CUP in Hot Springs, Arkansas. “Jennifer was nominated by ZoeAnn Stinchcomb, Education Director at Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center and the Texas State-Fish Art Coordinator.” remarked Karen R. Hollingsworth, Manager, State-Fish Art. “Jennifer has gone above and beyond each year by getting the entire student body of her school, whenever possible, to participate in State-Fish Art. She and her daughter Raygan also volunteer in the State-Fish Art Tent during the Toyota Texas Bass Classic. They encourage, teach and facilitate kids painting fish on large canvases representing underwater scenes.”

Brooks joins past winners of the Educator of the Year Award – Scott Cummings, 2014 from Indiana; Ashley Berdeau, 2013 from North Carolina; Dr. Helen Loughner, 2012 from Pennsylvania; Lila Jenkins, 2011 from Missouri; Michelle Daberkow, 2010 from Nebraska; Dawn Cook, 2009 from Arkansas and Zoe Ann Stinchcomb, 2008 from Texas.