- Home
- Grants & Awards
- J.B. Butler Science Grant
J.B. Butler Science Grants
In 1992, AWRA Florida created the J.B. Butler Science Grants in honor of our colleague and former Section President, J.B. Butler, to provide educational materials to environmental education centers and educators that teach grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12. The money is awarded to educators to promote water resources educational units. Each year, approximately six (6) $1,000-$2,000 grants are awarded. 2027 Application submittal deadline is TBD (likely mid-April 2027).
2027 Application forms are not yet available.
2026 Recipients
Nataliya Fletcher - Millennium Collegiate Academy, TamaracNataliya holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and a master's degree in Instructional Design and Technology. As a AP Environmental Science, Chemistry, and Physics science teacher, Nataliya is always looking for ways to get students actively involved in learning. She believes students learn science best when they can see it, test it, and experience it for themselves. Whether they are conducting laboratory investigations, collecting environmental data, or exploring science outside the classroom, her goal is to help students make meaningful connections between scientific concepts and the world around them. Grant funds will be used to purchase equipment and supplies that will allow students to participate in hands-on environmental investigations, water quality testing, and field-based learning experiences. These opportunities will give students practical experience using scientific tools, analyzing real data, and developing a deeper understanding of environmental issues affecting their local community. IMPACT: 170 students per year
Sonia Wilson - Potentia Academy, GreenacresFunds will be used to purchase water quality test kits, thermometers, and rain gauges to increase our neurodivergent learners' understanding of Florida's water systems, water quality control, human impacts, and the role of water stewardship. The project will incorporate reusable materials and adapted instructional support to suit their unique learning styles. IMPACT: Up to 45 students (grades 5-12) per year
Saba Moin - Lloyd Estates Elementary School, Oakland ParkA certified Gifted and ESOL science educator at a Title 1 elementary school in Broward County, Saba is a Fulbright Teacher for Global Classrooms Awardee by the U.S. Department of State and participated in the NEA Global Learning Fellowship in Costa Rica and the Transatlantic Outreach Program in Germany. Exploring biodiversity in rainforests, sustainability, renewable energy, and urban gardening during these fellowships has shaped her teaching and strengthened her commitment to global learning. This project will establish a sustainable outdoor learning garden with 10-11 raised beds to support hands-on science instruction focused on water resources, ecosystems, and environmental sustainability. As a fifth-grade science teacher at a Title 1 school, Saba serves a highly diverse population of students, many of whom have limited access to outdoor learning experiences. IMPACT: Up to 400 students per year
Peggy Morgan Venuti - Floranada Elementary School, Fort LauderdaleFunds will be used to purchase native plants, rain barrels, solar fountains to irrigate new native plant gardens. Lesson plans include water cycle, water conservation, native plants, and migratory birds. IMPACT: Up to 750 students (grades Pre-K-8) per year for 8 years
Jovana Maximillien – Cutler Bay Middle School, Cutler BayGrant will support the COAST Marine Science Program by providing water quality testing equipment and a rain barrel system to enhance hands-on environmental learning. Students will conduct real-world water quality assessments in local waterways, analyze data, and compare their findings with statewide monitoring results. The rain barrel will help conserve water for a native garden while teaching students about sustainability and responsible resource management. These experiences will provide authentic scientific investigations that foster environmental stewardship, conservation awareness, and career-ready STEM skills. IMPACT: Up to 200 students per year
Ghadeer Alshawabkeh – Coconut Creek K–8 Academy of Excellence, Coconut CreekGhadeer is a Middle school Science Teacher who is passionate about hands-on stem learning, environmental education, water conservation, and recycling. Grant funds will be used to purchase durable, reusable water‑quality testing equipment and instructional materials to support a school‑wide Water Science and Stewardship Program. These materials will allow students to conduct hands‑on investigations of water quality, water use, and conservation through science classes, extracurricular programs, and student‑led outreach activities. IMPACT: Approximately 600 students per year
Katarina Lafortune Malatova - Westminster Academy, Fort LauderdaleGrant funds will be used to purchase environmental monitoring equipment and digital curriculum that will enable students to conduct hands-on water quality investigations in AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, and the Environmental Club. Students will collect and analyze data from local water systems while connecting findings to real-world water resource challenges in Florida. The equipment will allow students to engage in scientific inquiry process through fieldwork, laboratory testing and data analysis. Additionally, students will develop environmental stewardship while using scientific instruments and apply data-driven decision-making to protect local water resources. IMPACT: Up to 130 students (Year 1); 500+ students (Years 2-5)
Past Recipients
2025
Katherine Bero - Bishop Kenny High School, Jacksonville
David Croll - Seminole Ridge High School, Loxahatchee
Honor Edmands - Marine Resources Council, Palm Bay
Emily Howard - The Pine School, Hobe Sound
Friends of Palm Beach County Pollution Prevention Coalition, Boynton Beach
Dr. Brian Ogle - Brevard County Zoo, Melbourne
Shannon Rivard - Sanibel Sea School, Sanibel
2024
Shannon Dack - Florida Oceanographic Society, Stuart
Jimmy Waldron - Dinosaurs Will Always Be Awesome, Orlando
Heidi Alves - Flagler County Education Foundation, Bunnell
2023
Leif Mieras - Indian River Charter High School, Vero Beach
Gloria Del Gaudio - Biscayne Nature Center for Environmental Education, Key Biscayne
Lance Cutrer and Hailey Miller - Museum of Discovery and Science, Ft. Lauderdale
2022
Lisa Andrews - Big Cypress National Preserve, Ochopee
Rebekah Jenkins - Starkey Environmental Education Center, Land O' Lakes
Jennifer Bachtel - Buckhorn Elementary School, Valrico
Louise Kowitch - Friends of Lover’s Key, Inc., Ft. Myers Beach
2021
Allison Mesang - Forest Hill High School, West Palm Beach
Erin Nocera - Forest Hill High School, West Palm Beach
Matthew Tye - PSI High at Seminole High School, Sanford
Rita Velasquez - Independence Classical Academy, Fort Pierce
2020
Lisa Andrews - Big Cypress National Preserve, Ochopee
Jerome Delacruz - Episcopal Day School of Christ Church Parish, Pensacola
Zoe Morales - Wesley Matthews Elementary School, Miami
Julie Ross - Lehigh Senior High School, Lehigh Acres
Chris Rusnak - Nature's Classroom, Thonotosassa
Somer Sutton - University High School, Orlando
2019
Tonya Belvin - Anderson Middle School, Stuart
Emily Floore - St. Johns Riverkeeper, Jacksonville
Chris Rusnak - Nature’s Classroom, Thonotosassa
Lori Shaw - Cape Coral High School, Cape Coral
2018
Lisa Andrews - Big Cypress National Preserve, Ochopee
Rae Burch - Sebastian Charter Junior High, Sebastian
Marsha Ellis - Varsity Lakes Middle School, Lehigh Acres
Stacy Graison - Naples Zoo, Naples
Scott Keddy - South Fork High School, Stuart
Greta Owens - Ambleside School of Ocala, Ocala
Chris Rusnak - Nature's Classroom, Thonotosassa
2017
Jessica Arnold - James A. Long Elementary School, Palatka
Megan Baker - Jacksonville Museum of Science and History, Jacksonville
Anne-Marie Davis - Oasis Elementary School, Cape Coral
Chris Rusnak - Nature's Classroom, Thonotosassa
Somer Sutton - University High School, Orlando
2016
Lisa Andrews - Big Cypress National Preserve, Ochopee
Heather Culp - Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute, High Springs
Jessi Drummond - CREW Land and Water Trust, Estero
Katherine Roberts - Palm Beach Gardens High School, Palm Beach Gardens
Christopher Rusnak - Nature's Classroom, Thonotosassa
Somer Sutton - University High School, Orlando
2015
Marilyn Pedek-Howard - Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. School of the Arts, West Palm Beach
Susan R. Shepard - Jupiter Community High School, Jupiter
Lisa Andrews - Big Cypress National Preserve, Ochopee
Elizabeth Fahy - New River Middle School, Fort Lauderdale
Jessi Drummond - CREW Land and Water Trust, Estero
Dustin Angell - Archbold Biological Station, Venus
2014
Patsy Howell - Engineering is Elementary Program, Three Oaks Elementary School, Fort Myers
Harbordale School Association - Harbordale Elementary, Fort Lauderdale
Janet Nadolna - Flagler Montessori, West Palm Beach
William Bianco - Rymfire Elementary School, Palm Bay
2013
Victoria Menszak - The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, Fort Myers
Lisa Andrews - Big Cypress National Preserve, Ochopee
Christine Voigt - J.D. Floyd K-8 School of Environmental Science, Spring Hill
Judith Weaver - High Springs Community School, High Springs
2012
Jessica Butts - Daniel Jenkins Academy, Haines City
Rachael Nicholson - Frostproof Middle/Senior High School, Frostproof
Victoria Schmitt - Bishop Kenny High School, Jacksonville
Somer Sutton - Heritage High School, Palm Bay
Sara Chang - Pineview Elementary, Tallahassee
Janet Sweat - Richardson Middle School, Lake City
Lisa Andrews - Big Cypress National Preserve, Ochopee
2011
Philip Gravinese - Heritage High School, Palm Bay
Adrienne Thieke - Lincoln Middle School, Gainesville
Somer Sutton - Heritage High School, Palm Bay
Sara Chang - Pineview Elementary School, Tallahassee
Harry Rotter - Pace Secondary School, Tallahassee
Lisa Andrews - Big Cypress National Preserve, Ochopee
2010
Cheryl Paradis - Springs Coast Environmental Education Center, Weeki Wachee
Vickie Ressel - Southwest Florida Christian Academy, Fort Myers
Les Ogden - Pasco High School, Dade City
Gevonne Blum - Sabal Elementary, Melbourne
Shawn Walker - Gulf Coast Academy of Science and Technology, Brooksville
Christy Mauer - Jacksonville Country Day School, Jacksonville
2009
Laura Sessions - South Florida Science Museum
Brenda Thomas - Corkscrew
Lisa Andrews - Big Cypress National Preserve
William Keele - Kinnan Elementary School
2008
Christine Voight
Debbie Medellin
Deborah McGuire
Jan Pearce
Joceyln O'Neil
Jonathan Benskin
Judy Black
Ashley McElligot
Cheryl Smith
2007
Richard Thomas
Lisa Andrews
Suzy Williams
James Barella
Cynthia Sepulueda
Jessica Goodman
Bryce Forrester
James Lis
Sarah Charbonnet
Sidonia Todd
2006
Sarah Charbonnet
Melissa Henkel
Allan Phipps
Suzanne Hall
Big Cypress National Preserve
ZoEllen Warren
2005
Carolyn Schultz
Martin C. Roberts
Tina Sargent
2004
Sherri Henley
Art Wyckoff
Michael Malinka
Cathy Hagberg
NOTE: The award amount was increased from $1,000 to $2,000 in 2026.