James Brown is passionate about science and the environment.

Now he’s passing that enthusiasm along to his Lexington School District 2 high school students.

Brown was recently named the 2019 Outstanding Green Educator of the Year by Keep the Midlands Beautiful Foundation.

The 4th-year AP environmental science teacher at Brookland-Cayce High and his students do projects which benefit local parks and waterways.

“My students’ current community-based initiative involves building an urban garden that will increase access to fresh vegetables for students, families, and the community surrounding Brookland-Cayce High School who experience food insecurity,” Brown said.

“Receiving this award provides me with evidence that the work my students have accomplished in our community matters to others beyond the classroom.

“I plan on increasing student involvement in our community in the coming years, especially involving work with the urban garden.”