Round Rock Teacher Garners Prestigious Environmentalism Award

ROUND ROCK, TX -- Laurel Mountain Elementary School teacher Trevor Hance was recently awarded a prestigious award promoting environmentalism.

The Texas Commission on Enviromental Quality named Hance as one of the winners of the 24th annual Texas Environmental Excellence Awards, Round Rock ISD officials said.

“Mr. Hance is a dedicated educator who shares his passion for protecting environmental resources with his students each day,” Laurel Mountain Principal Jan Richards said.

The award recognizes innovative and effective projects that protect the state’s natural resources. Hance was selected as the 2016 award winner in the individual category "...for inspiring a legacy of environmental protection throughout Laurel Mountain by fostering an understanding of personal environmental responsibility," district officials said.

“It is overwhelming and an incredible honor,” Hance said in a prepared statement. ”To me, this isn’t an individual award. It’s an award for the kids that do the work; our supportive administration and the parents who help us provide opportunities for students to participate. I’m grateful to work with people who are excited to do good work.”

Hance has created projects and lessons that increase environmental responsibility for the past few years in his classroom. His lessons also met three points of personal criteria that include addressing TEKS standards, relating back to sustainability and allowing students to participate in a service component, officials noted.

This year's project centered on rebuilding 50 bicycles and giving them to participating students other young people in need. The refurbished bikes helped promote the idea of a healthy lifestyle while encouraging sustainable transportation methods.

“By sharing his passion, he not only informs our students but inspires them to take environmental responsibility, Richards said of the teachers work with his students. "We are so proud of his work and continued accomplishments.”

Hance along with other winners across the state will be recognized during the Texas Environmental Excellence Awards Banquet on May 4. The banquet occurs on the last day of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Conference.