Maggie Lauder is a senior at Portsmouth High School who is being honored by the R.I. Environmental Education Association.

PORTSMOUTH — A Portsmouth High School senior is one of the four recipients of the R.I. Environmental Education Association’s (RIEEA) 2023 Environmental Education Award.

Maggie Lauder was recognized by RIEEA as the Student/Youth of the Year and will be honored during an awards ceremony from 6:30-8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5, at the Save The Bay Center, 100 Save The Bay Drive, Providence. SouthCoast Wind is sponsoring the event.

Maggie is the 2024 class president and Green Club officer at Portsmouth High School. She has led numerous environmental efforts, including the development of a school-wide composting program. 

She also works and volunteers at many community organizations focused on the environment including Clean Ocean Access, Norman Bird Sanctuary, and FAB Newport. Active in sports, she was a Rhode Island Youth Health Ambassador for the academic year 2022-2023, and a member of the R.I. Department of Education Student Advisory Council for 2023-2024.

After graduation, Maggie hopes to pursue a career in environmental science, environmental economics, or environmental law. 

Each year, RIEEA recognizes educators, youth, organizations, and schools across Rhode Island who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and dedication to help their communities learn about the environment and engage in outdoor learning and recreation. Nominations are solicited from the community and a selection committee chooses the winners.

The other award winners were Adrienne Buckley, Teacher of the Year; Lizz Malloy, Environmental Educator of the Year; and Wild Lives, Organization of the Year.

For more information, visit www.rieea.org.