The APHE, which aims to “empower those who promote empathy through education,” has named Mercy the “Humane Educator Rookie of the Year” for her inspiring work since joining Farm Sanctuary in 2025.

Mercy brings over 20 years of experience as an educator to our team, and she is empowering thousands of young people to help build a kinder world for all as we support the next generation of advocates in creating a just and sustainable food system. Read more in this inspiring interview with Mercy.

“I am honored and humbled to receive the 2026 Educator’s Choice Award for Humane Educator Rookie of the Year, and especially grateful to be recognized by my peers. I am proud to represent Farm Sanctuary in this way, especially during our 40th anniversary year,” says Mercy.

Farm Sanctuary has previously received an Educator’s Choice Award for Best Youth Humane Education Program for our work in 2024, and an Excellence Award from the Humane Education Coalition in 2019.

Last year, Farm Sanctuary served 80,000 students worldwide with free educational resources and curricula, and helped 130% more teachers engage with our programs than the previous year. We also celebrated a milestone: 250,000 students reached since our educational programs began in 2017.

Read our 2025 impact report here! If you are inspired by the progress we are making for animals, people, and the planet and our efforts to nurture compassionate young minds, please consider supporting our humane education programs with a donation to Farm Sanctuary.