by Kaela Williams
Dennis Stanton, an art teacher at Delaware Ridge Elementary School, has been named the VFW Elementary Teacher of the Year for the state of Kansas.
Staff members at Delaware Ridge, 1601 N. 130th St. Kansas City, Kan., in the Bonner Springs-Edwardsville School District, nominated Stanton for the local award. After winning that award he went on to win both the regional and state levels. He is now in the running for the VFW National Citizen Education Teacher Award.
Last school year, Stanton helped students create a mural dedicated to veterans. The mural has become a focal point for visitors to the building.
He is also a leader of the school’s Flag Crew, guiding students as they learn about the importance of the American flag. Each day, he helps groups of kids raise and lower the flag, teaching them how to properly fold and take care of it.
Stanton’s colleagues say he is a role model for both students and teachers.
“Dennis collaborates with teachers to integrate their classroom content into his art lessons, including history and government standards,” one colleague said. “He teaches students about historical events and symbols as they create incredible works of art. His passion for teaching radiates through the halls of Delaware Ridge.”
The VFW Teacher of the Year award contest recognizes three teachers for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students. Each year, a classroom elementary, junior high and high school teacher whose curriculum focuses on citizenship education topics is awarded the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award.
Winners receive a $1,000 award for professional development expenses, a $1,000 award for his or her school and an all-expenses-paid trip to attend a VFW conference to receive their award.
Kaela Williams is the communications coordinator for the Bonner Springs-Edwardsville school district.