Fairborn Digital Academy Teacher Shari Little Honored with OUTstanding Teacher Award

As a digital hybrid school, you might not often think about how the hallways of our physical campus look, but around every corner, is a glimpse at the whimsy, pride, positivity and joy that make our school so special. A crucial part of this experience is School Pride Officer Shari Little, who leads Fairborn Digital Academy’s gardening, art, and leadership programs. Every day, Shari finds new ways to inspire our students, staff and school community with love, art, plants and, perhaps most importantly, confidence. While we have always considered ourselves fortunate to have Shari as a major part of what makes Fairborn Digital Academy so special, we are thrilled to announce that Shari has now also been recognized as a winner of the 2025 OUTstanding Teacher Award by Five Rivers MetroParks.

Little, affectionately referred to as Ms. Shari by staff and students, received the award in the Rising Star category, which honors K–12 educators with fewer than 10 years of teaching experience who are inspiring the next generation through outdoor, environmental education.

At an online school where in-person attendance is not required, Little’s hands-on gardening class has become one of the strongest incentives drawing students into the building. Her “farm-to-table” program teaches students everything from planning and planting to harvesting, cooking, and composting. Even in a school facility with little green space, Little’s creativity turned a parking lot into a thriving garden with raised beds.

She also goes above and beyond to keep the program running year-round, spending evenings and summer months tending to the gardens and encouraging students, families, and staff to join in.

“Shari’s gardening class isn’t just about growing plants—it’s about growing confidence, connection, and lifelong skills,” said FDA Executive Director Erik Tritsch. “She has transformed what outdoor learning looks like at our school. And her compassion and care with the students make all the difference in empowering our students on their path to graduation.”

The OUTstanding Teacher Awards, now in their ninth year, are funded by the James M. Cox Jr. Arboretum Foundation and celebrate teachers who connect students to nature through outdoor education and sustainability. In addition to receiving educational materials and resources, winners are honored for integrating nature into the curriculum, motivating others to get outdoors, and creating a positive attitude toward the environment.

Fairborn Digital Academy is honored to celebrate Shari Little and her commitment to growing a culture of environmental learning.