Dublin High School graduate Stephanie Keith has been busy since walking across the stage in 2002 making education a top priority, especially when it comes to water and conservation.
For the past five years, Keith has served as the Education and Public Relations Coordinator for Middle Trinity Groundwater Conservation District.
Recently, her position with MTGCD has allowed her to spread her wings as project manager for an outdoor learning project.
The project is located next to the MTGCD office on Wolfe Nursery Road in Stephenville and expected to open in December. The outdoor learning space will feature native landscapes, conservation efforts and harvested rainwater.
“It’s a living, breathing classroom,” she said.
Keith’s own educational achievements after DHS include a bachelor’s degree from Tarleton State University in animal science and wildlife management in 2007. She later went back to school and earned her master’s of education in curriculum and instruction.
Teaching in a classroom for four year, both as a fifth and third grade teacher, she loved the experience of being an educator.
When a friend sent her the job posting for the MTGCD education coordinator, Keith’s interest was piqued.
“The position allows me to use my degrees and combines my love for nature and conservation,” she said.
Her background also allowed her to build an educational conservation program from the ground up since MTGCD did not have an educational coordinator before she filled the role.
Growing up, Keith was always taught conservation and to leave things better than she found them.
“It’s one emphasis I have carried into this conservation program,” she said.
This month, the program will bring her to the Dublin Public Library on June 30 where she will share a story about Ditchwater Sal, a gal that was taught by her family in the 1800s how to witch water and found favor with Native Americans.
“It really fits with the water scope and it’s a fun way to bring something different to storytime,” she said.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Brian Keith and their two daughters, Tilly, 8, and Pacey, 4.
Their family enjoys life on acreage with horses, mules, cows and recently the addition of chickens. Both daughters received awards this year with mules.
Recently, Stephanie was certified in a Master Naturalist and previously certified as a Master Gardener adding beautiful flower and veggie beds that she can hopefully learn how to keep the newly acquired chickens away from.
The family also attends the Double N Cowboy Church.
Editor’s Note: This column chronicles what Dublin graduates have done since high school. If you have any suggestions