Conservation educator Jennifer Mancke is known by her colleagues for having a classroom that’s a “model of sustainability.” Now, she’ll also be known for being the Richland County Conservation Teacher of the Year.

Mancke teaches first through fifth grade at Harmony School, a non-profit school in Forest Acres where she enforces the concepts of reuse, reduce, recycle and compost. Students also get in touch with nature by growing herbs and vegetables and raising chickens.

“Jennifer Mancke is an outstanding role model for conservation education in Richland County,” said Jane Hiller, education coordinator at Sonoco Recycling and director of the SC Green Steps School program. Hiller nominated Mancke for the recognition.

Mancke received a cash reward, $500 Conservation Education Mini-Grant, and will progress to the statewide Conservation Teacher of the Year competition.

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