Fairlawn Receives National Recognition

Fairlawn Elementary School received a $1000.00 check from the National VFW.  The State Commander,  T. Wayne Makham, presented the check to Principal Jennifer Hedeen at a faculty meeting with Superintendent Genelle Yost, Dr. Kevin Perry, and Lydia Martin in attendance.   This donation to Fairlawn Elementary was a result of Shirley Helton (retired 5th grade teacher) receiving the national honor of VFW Teacher of the Year 2014.  Mrs. Helton graciously accepted this award recently in St. Louis, Missouri.  Mrs. Helton was nominated by Nell Moyers to the local chapter and then continued on to win at the state and national levels.    Shirley Helton encouraged her students to show patriotism.  This award was granted for her extensive citizenship activities, including patriotic studies, the constitution, and the continuous support her students gave to the soldiers and the military medics in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Sue Keller, Allison Smith from the local VFW and Dr. Rosemary Ayers, VFW Ladies Auxiliary District 11 President, were also present as the donation was presented to the school principal.