Richard M. (Dick) Hart was a successful businessman and family man who had a passion for fishing and conservation. Mr. Hart’s belief in youth education spilled over into the Wildlife Forever Fish Art Program and expansion of the Texas Fish Art division. Recognizing his contributions and legacy impact on the program, The Richard M. Hart Educator of the Year Award shall be a National Fish Art Contest Award to honor educators from across the nation. It was Mr. Hart’s belief that educators are the key to encourage and inspire youth conservation education. This award shall recognize the educators who participate in the Fish Art Contest and actively strive to expose youth to nature and the joys of fishing.
The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, where Mr. Hart’s passion of supporting the arts, educators and providing opportunities to connect youth to conservation culminated, shall serve as official home of the Richard M. Hart Educator of the Year Award. The Center will be home to a permanent display for this award highlighting the annual award winner and sharing Mr. Hart’s story.