The Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary annually recognize the nation’s top classroom elementary, junior high and high school teachers who teach citizenship education topics regularly and promote America’s history and traditions effectively. Teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism are prime candidates for this award.
The local VFW’s of Martin County, St Lucie County, Indian River County, Okeechobee County, Glades, and Hendry County are proud to elect Michelle Smith, second grade teacher at Mariposa Elementary School in St Lucie County, this year for the elementary award.
Michelle was first nominated by Rosemary Ayers, Veterans and Support Director of the LAVFW, and Post 10132 in Hobe Sound. Her application, biography and recommendations from her Principal, Craig Logue, and Asst Principal, Sandra Bushy, showed her to be an excellent candidate for her work. Her “Heroes Breakfast” that she does each year for first responders swayed the election committee in her favor. Her application then went before the District 11 VFW Posts in the counties and she was elected again. The next step for Michelle is the judging at the Department of Florida VFW. There she will be up against 21 other teachers with similar backgrounds that do fantastic activities in their classrooms. If she meets that standard she could be eligible for the National Teacher of the Year where she will travel to Pittsburg, PA this summer to be recognized at the National Convention.
