A few Northern Virginia teachers and students have been recognized by a non-profit that seeks to serve veterans.
Earlier this month, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) announced the winners of the Teacher of the Year competition, a Patriots’ Pen essay contest, and the Voice of Democracy essay and oral presentation.
On March 18, District 10 Commander Chuck Wilson and District Auxiliary President Regena Meehan presented the awards at a ceremony in McLean.
“Our judges, from our VFW Posts and District 10, reviewed over 200 entries from schools in the Northern Virginia area,” Wilson said in a release. “This year the competition for all three categories was keen. The spirit of Americanism was prevalent in all of the essays.”
The Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award acknowledges teachers who demonstrate a commitment to teaching patriotism.
The Voice of Democracy essay and speaking competition is offered to high school students. This year, the theme was “American History: Our Hope for the Future.”
“America’s Gift to My Generation” was the theme for the Patriots’ Pen essay contest, which middle school students compete in.
Below, are the winners of each competition:
Teacher of the Year:
- Darin M. Ott, Mountain View High School
- Thomas X. Annunziata, Woodbridge Middle School
- Kathleen M. Norton, Waynewood Elementary School
Voice of Democracy
- 1st place: Victoria Revollo, Bishop Dennis J. O’Connell High School in Arlington
- 2nd place: Grace Salmons, TC Williams High School in Alexandria
- 3rd place: Anistasia Carvallias, Paul VI Catholic High School in Fairfax
Patriots Pen:
- 1st place: Anya Ambarish, Stone Hill Middle School in Ashburn
- 2nd place: Suraya Suleman, Silverbrook Elementary School in Fairfax Station
- 3rd place: Bridget Rothwell, Saint Ann School in Arlington
