2025 Recipients: Rebecca Lacau and Rachael Peterson (Willow), Julie Lovie (Valley Oak), Bridget Caldwell (Donaldson Way) and Chris Hattich (Stone Bridge School).
Established in 2022, the Erin S. Soper Award provides stipends to teachers who sustain thriving school gardens.
Erin loved sunflowers. A plant’s version of a smile, what else symbolizes friendship and optimism better than a radiant sunflower? Just like Erin, a sunflower is pretty special.
What does in a world of roses, be a sunflower mean to you?
About Erin.
Erin Sawyer Soper spent more than two decades teaching in Napa. For much of that time, she engaged her kindergarten and first grade students in the garden that she nurtured at Willow Magnet School (formerly El Centro).
Erin and her husband, Jon, became friends working in the McPherson School garden when they both taught there. While married, they both cultivated a love of garden-based teaching and learning. They believed that gardening not only delivers tasty and nutritious food, but also promotes a love for the planet.
2024 Recipients: Marisol Angel (NVLA), Jennifer Strommen (Silverado), Caitlin Pramuk (Willow) and Teresa Novarro (Shearer).
Inaugural Recipients (2023): Liz Corey (Canyon Oaks), Adrienne Boudreaux (Alta Heights), and Lea Ortiz (Willow).
Contribute to the Erin S. Soper Memorial Fund
“Erin was a wonderful sister, mother, friend and a fantastic teacher who made a positive impact on countless students. We are happy to support your program and help keep her memory alive.”
–Brad Bleichner, Donor
Make a one-time donation
Make a monthly donation
Make a yearly donation
Please select an amount
Or enter a custom amount
Your contribution is greatly appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly
Sponsor Shout Out!
Thank you to B Cellars! A Reason for Rosé raised $2,886! During May and June, B Cellars $2 of every bottle sold supports the Erin S. Soper Memorial Fund, which provides stipends to local teachers who maintain flourishing school gardens in Napa.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I donate to the Erin S. Soper Memorial Fund?
You can send a check to The School Garden Doctor (140 Fairview Dr., Napa, CA 94559), make an online donation using the secure payment processor on our website (above), or make a contribution through Napa Valley CanDo’s Give!Guide (December 1-31st). All donations are tax deductible.
How much is each award?
$500
Who is eligible?
Any teacher or garden educator who is new to garden-based learning, teaches at Willow Magnet School, or has nurtured a garden for at least five years is eligible.
What is the application process?
The window for nominations was from March 4 -April 4, 2025. After the nomination window closes, nominees are reviewed and contacted for a site visit. Awards are distributed during Teacher Appreciation Week in May.
How many awards will be given?
Three (3) awards will be given in the inaugural year. Thereafter, the number of awards will depend on the amount raised for the Erin S. Soper Memorial Fund. In 2024, we awarded four educators.
Can I apply or nominate someone more than once?
Yes! If the nominee is still eligible, they may apply or be nominated annually. However, award is contingent on funding availability and new nominees will be prioritized first.
What can the funding be used for?
Awards can be used to offset the out-of-pocket costs incurred from maintaining a school garden. We encourage teachers to use this funding to enhance their professional learning or purchase curriculum or materials to be used with students. It can buy plants, seeds, or soil but not permanent infrastructure for a school site. Unfortunately, it cannot pay for a substitute teacher.
What are the requirements after receiving an award?
It was important to Erin’s family that this award have “few strings attached.” Therefore, we do not require a report or collect receipts. We do love to get updates, especially photos! We greatly appreciate if awardees provide a testimonial or comment to share with prospective donors.
schoolgardendoctor.org 
Our students at Silverado Middle School are thrilled to be the recipient of this year’s award! We are looking forward to finishing off the decorative red rock and freshening up our garden pathways. This opportunity will offer a fresh look for our school garden for years to come! Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person