MADISON, Wis.—Madeleine Bohn, a senior at the Madison Metropolitan School District’s (MMSD) West High School, has been named the 2026 Student of the Year by the Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education (WAEE) in recognition of her leadership in climate education and academic talent.

Bohn blends science and storytelling to make climate issues more accessible and engaging, using writing, journalism and poetry to connect data with human experience.

“I've always been an outdoorsy kid, so naturally coming with that is the realization that we have to protect the planet and fight for keeping our natural spaces clean,” Bohn said.“I also hope this recognition allows me to uplift all the other people who are doing important sustainability work.”

Bohn serves as co-president of West High’s Green Club, where she collaborates with peers and district staff on sustainability initiatives, including efforts to restore the school’s Regent Street gardens.

Bohn has taken on leadership roles at the local, state and national levels. She serves as the Wisconsin director of the Youth Environmental Press Team, a nationwide platform that publishes climate-focused journalism by high school students. 

Each fall, she helps organize the annual Wisconsin Youth Climate Conference, coordinating speakers and partners for the event. She also co-leads the youth group within the Madison chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby, engaging community members and policymakers in climate solutions.

“Climate action starts with us as individuals, and then we're kind of like drops in the pool, or in the lakes of Madison, if you will,” said Bohn. “The most effective way to fight for the climate is to start something yourself and then make those ripples expand to your community and the people around you.”

One of the ways Bohn expands those ripples is through her writing. 

She was the city of Madison’s inaugural Youth Poet Laureate in 2022–23 and the 2023 Youth Ambassador for Madison Public Library’s We Read: Youth Voices contest. She’s also a published author in the nationwide anthology “The Nature of Our Times: Poems on America’s Lands, Waters, Wildlife, and Other Natural Wonders.”

After graduation, Bohn plans to continue her work in environmental advocacy and writing, with an interest in studying science communication.

“Science tells us what is happening,” Bohn said. “But stories remind us why it matters.”

In addition to Bohn’s recognition, Principal Nkaujnou Vang-Vue of MMSD’s Lake View Elementary School was also honored by the WAEE as the 2026 Administrator of the Year, recognizing her leadership in advancing environmental education at the school.

To view more recognitions that MMSD students and staff have earned, please visit the Awards page of the district’s website.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 7,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.