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To celebrate a decade of educating Hampton Roads, AskHRgreen.org is helping teachers with their classrooms.

AskHRgreen.org wants to acknowledge Green Star teachers in Hampton Roads who go above and beyond to connect their students with the world around them. This year, the organization is giving out 10 awards of $1,000 to teachers who work with kindergarten through 12th grade to cover the cost of supplies, classroom resources or funding for a green, student-driven initiative. All nominations will be examined by a regional committee that will choose the 10 winners.

“We want people to nominate a special teacher who has gone above and beyond to promote environmental stewardship in their schools and communities,” said Katie Cullipher, askHRgreen.org team leader, in a press release. “This could be a teacher who created a learning garden on school grounds, a civic-minded resident who led an ecology club in their community or anyone who has developed creative and innovative ways to connect students to the natural world around them.”

AskHRgreen.org has hosted many initiatives throughout the years, from doing clean-ups to hosting awareness events. Each year, they have an Environmental Education Mini-Grant Program that has funded over 220 green-themed projects. This grant is for $500 for projects that are tied explicitly to suggested environmental topics.

The organization launched its website in 2011 to be a central resource to the Hampton Roads area to help folks learn more about recycling, water use and keeping waterways clean. AskHRgreen.org is now recognized as a unique environmental collaboration and partnership not seen in other parts of the country.

Teacher nominations are due by Dec. 15 and can be submitted at askhrgreen.org/programs/greenstars.