The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5242 in Pella has been working to connect with local schools to continue to share the importance of those who have served our country. Russ Bossard says the local VFW and American Legion have worked to connect with students at Pella and Pella Christian, and educate them about several topics related to patriotism and military service. He presented several awards to individuals in the Pella Community School District, including: a pair of teachers Kristin Schultz and Bryant Hancock, and Patriot’s Pen Awards to Pella Middle School students Sarabeth Decious, Lizzie Neumann, and Hunter Haynes.
Three Pella Middle School students and two teachers from the district received recognition from VFW Post 5242 Wednesday.
Pella Middle School Social Studies teacher Kristin Schulz was named Iowa VFW Teacher of the Year in 2019-20. Schulz leads the middle school student council and in her class, students raise funds throughout the year for various non-profit organizations. She was presented with the VFW Crystal Apple Award by Russell Saffell, the past Iowa State VFW commander.
Pella High School Teacher Bryant Hancock received local recognition from Russ Bossard as Pella’s VFW teacher of the year.
Pella Middle School Students Sarabeth Decious, Lizzie Neumann, and Hunter Haynes were selected as first, second, and third place winners in the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest. Each year more than 165,400 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest nationally.