Stacy Wolff, an elementary science teacher at Flagstaff Academy Charter School, has been awarded the esteemed Monarch Butterfly Scholarship Grant, presented by Natural Habitat Adventures in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Wolff is one of only four educators nationwide to receive this honor, selected for her commitment to enhancing education on monarch butterflies and their migration.
The Monarch Butterfly Scholarship Grant provides educators with an immersive educational experience to enhance their teaching. As part of the grant, Ms. Wolff had the unique opportunity to travel through Mexico from January 7–12, 2025, to witness the awe-inspiring natural phenomenon of monarch butterfly migration. The all-expenses-paid scholarship included free round-trip airfare and participation in the 2025 Kingdom of the Monarchs adventure.
Ms. Wolff and other scholarship winners spent five days exploring the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in the highlands of Central Mexico. There, they witnessed millions of monarch butterflies clustered on the oyamel fir trees in El Rosario and Chincua sanctuaries, experiencing firsthand the butterflies’ annual migration journey, which spans over 3,000 miles from North America to their winter roosting grounds.
“I’m beyond excited and grateful for this incredible opportunity,” said Ms. Wolff. “This experience will not only enrich my own understanding of this extraordinary natural phenomenon but will also allow me to bring valuable, hands-on learning to my students at Flagstaff Academy.”
Flagstaff Academy’s Executive Principal, Katie Gustafson, expressed immense pride in Wolff’s achievement. "We are thrilled to see Stacy receive this incredible recognition," said Gustafson. "Her commitment to inspiring curiosity about the natural world and her passion for environmental education make her an invaluable asset to our school. This experience will undoubtedly inspire both her and her students to continue exploring and caring for the world around them."
During her travels, Ms. Wolff gained valuable insights into the science behind the monarch butterfly’s migration, including what makes the oyamel forests so ideal for monarch survival. The educational experience also included learning about WWF–Mexico’s conservation efforts, which aim to protect the butterflies’ fragile habitat through sustainable ecotourism practices.
This award is a testament to Ms. Wolff’s dedication to enhancing her students' understanding of the natural world and fostering a passion for science and environmental stewardship. Flagstaff Academy commends Ms. Wolff for her dedication to both her students and the global community’s efforts to protect these extraordinary creatures.