Outward Bound USA is thrilled to announce the launch of its inaugural Blue Heron Educator Awards — a new, nationwide celebration honoring bold, compassionate educators who bring the Outward Bound spirit into their classrooms, communities, and beyond.
Every year, Outward Bound works with thousands of incredible educators across the country. In 2024 alone, 2,213 educators joined their students on Outward Bound courses, stepping outside the classroom walls to experience challenge, growth, and connection — together. These shared adventures highlight just how vital educators are in helping young people develop resilience, leadership, and compassion.
The Blue Heron Award was originally dreamed up by the Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School and has since taken flight. Now, six Outward Bound Schools nationwide have come together to recognize educators who reflect Outward Bound’s mission to change lives through challenge and discovery.
The 2025 Blue Heron Educator Award recipients represent a dynamic group of changemakers who lead with purpose, spark powerful relationships with students, and create transformational learning experiences both in and out of the classroom. Nominated by peers, students, and local champions — and selected by their Outward Bound School communities — these educators are making a real and lasting impact on education.
Meet the 2025 Blue Heron Educators
California Outward Bound
Diane Kimiko Sasaki, Special Education Teacher, Los Altos School District
Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School
Jackie LaMonica, Programs Director, Genesee Valley Outdoor Learning Center (Baltimore)
Dr. Tyecia “Ty” Powell, Wellness Coordinator, The Soujourner Truth School (Washington, DC)
Hurricane Island Outward Bound School (Maine)
Jessie Odgren, 7th Grade ELA Teacher, Camden Rockport Middle School
Linda Wiewel, Scholarship Coordinator, Kennebunk High School
North Carolina Outward Bound School
Forrest Johnson, 7th and 8th grade English Teacher, Creative Learning Academy
Nixaliz Rose, SEL Teacher, Glendale Kenly Elementary School
Philadelphia Outward Bound School
Andrew Adams, Natural Resource Management Teacher and Director of Project SPARC,
School District of Philadelphia, Northeast High School
Liz Bagioli, Discovery Teacher, Wissahickon Charter School-Awbury
Voyageur Outward Bound School (Minnesota)
James Hagg, English Teacher, Gordon Parks High School
Outward Bound USA
Michele Timothy, Out of Door Academy, Upper School History Educator & Dean (Class of 2027)
Why the Blue Heron? This remarkable bird symbolizes resilience, adaptability, and vision — qualities that shine through in each of these educators. They embrace challenges and guide students through their own learning journeys with clarity, care, and purpose.
“This campaign is about honoring educators who lead with the same spirit we foster in the field — courage, compassion, and a deep belief in the potential of every student,” said Ben Worden, Chief Marketing Officer at Outward Bound USA. “We’re excited to take what began in Baltimore and Washington, DC, and elevate it into a national celebration of the educators who inspire us all.”
Together, through the Blue Heron Educator Awards, Outward Bound USA celebrates the extraordinary educators who soar beyond boundaries, helping shape the future through their dedication, creativity, and leadership.
