VFW Announce Voice of Democracy, Teacher of the Year Awards

From VFW Post 308: Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 308, Newtown Connecticut is pleased to announce their Voice of Democracy and Teacher of the Year Awards Ceremony on Friday, March 31 at 4pm at Newtown High School, Sandy Hook. Ceremony will be in the “new wing” cafetorium.

The Voice of Democracy Audio-Essay competition is for students in grades 9 – 12. Essay must be written and recorded by the student reciting the essay. The theme for 2016-2017 was: "My Responsibility to America".

A panel of judges selected the winner based upon the following criteria: Originality, worth 30 points; Content, worth 35 points and Delivery, worth 35 points. .

We are proud of our post winner who is a 10th grade student from Newtown HS. He also went on to place 3rd in district competition.

This year, Post 308 held their first VFW Smart/Maher National Citizenship Education Teacher Award, also known as the "Teacher of the Year" award. This competition recognizes three exceptional teachers for their outstanding commitment to teaching America’s history, traditions, Americanism, civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism.

The three grade categories are K - 5; 6 - 8 and 9 - 12.

We had nominations from all eight schools in the Newtown district with some schools nominating multiple teachers. In all, there were more than 35 nominations from parents, fellow teachers, staff, alumni and town residents throughout the school district. Like Voice of Democracy, the teachers nominated in each category were considered by a panel of judges.

The three winning Newtown teachers from Post level competition went on to compete at District level. District One winners, representing Fairfield County, went on to state level competition. Connecticut has 6 VFW districts.

We are proud to announce that one Newtown teacher has earned the honor of representing Connecticut in national competition!

Please come join us Friday to find out who this teacher is!

Photo courtesy of VFW Post 308