Inspiring Georgia Students – One Leaf at a Time

Did you ever have a teacher who made a lasting impact on your life? Kasey Bozeman did and she’s spent a number of decades since then “paying it forward.” Bozeman has been named 2024 Georgia Project Learning Tree Outstanding Facilitator of the Year. Bozeman is a 4-H Science Specialist for the University of Georgia’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Science.

“For me as a young child, my participation in 4-H and Girl Scouts gave me the opportunity to interact with adults about the natural world,” Bozeman said. “It was so much fun and now it’s my job to empower others.”

Project Learning Tree is an award-winning environmental education program designed for teachers and other educators, parents, and community leaders working with youth from Pre-K through 12^th grade. Its mission is to advance sustainability through forest-focused collaborations that support sustainably-managed forests. Bozeman became PLT-certified more than ten years ago. Georgia PLT’s Facilitator of the Year award recognizes the work and dedication of the top facilitator who has excelled in creating hands-on learning experiences that deepen understanding about natural resources.

Bozeman was recognized for leading an outstanding number of trainings by spearheading 18 professional development opportunities, reaching more than 180 educators across the state. She has utilized PLT resources about a wide variety of topics from trees to climate change, partnered with numerous other agencies, and brought extraordinary enthusiasm to every encounter. The award credits Bozeman with sparking an interest in the environment in the hearts of countless youth, teachers, and citizens.

“Project Learning Tree teaches students how to think, not what to think,” Bozeman said. “I am humbled and honored to receive this award.”

Find out more at georgiaplt.org and GaTrees.org.