LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI)-- A school where learning looks like digging in the mud, climbing trees, and building forts is shaping the next generation in a unique and powerful way. Forest Academy in Lafayette takes an unconventional approach to education—teaching kids through exploring nature—and the woman behind that mission is this week’s Hometown Hero .

For founder and executive director Gretchen Shissler every day in the woods reaffirms why she started Forest Academy.

“Every time I get to go out in the woods with the kids, I sit back and I think, wow, this is really all worth it. You just see the joy on the face of the kids, and watch their little brains work in a way that you don't see often in today's world. It’s so incredibly rewarding,” Shissler said.

Shissler was honored with a

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