VFW Post 4090 Presents Teacher of the Year and Voice of Democracy Winners

On Monday, March 11, VFW Post 4090 presented awards to two teachers from the Portland Public Schools. The presentation took part at the March meeting of the Board of Education.

Commander Bill Almy was assisted by Senior Vice-Commander Dave Reed and Teacher of the year chairperson Mike Meyers

Senior Vice-Commander Dave Reed did a short introduction for each teacher and then Commander Almy presented a plaque to each teacher as they came forward.

From Westwood Elementary School Post 4090 chose Jeanne Bauer as their K-5 “Teacher of the Year.” Mrs. Bauer stated on her nomination form, “Teachers should be accountable first for providing a safe and consistent learning environment. The students should know what to expect from me, and what is expected for them. I believe I am responsible for teaching the skills and behaviors that will allow the student to be successful, both in school and in life.”

From Portland, Middle School Post 4090 chose Brenda Merrifield as their 6-8 “Teacher of the year.” Mrs. Merrifield stated, “I was inspired to be a teacher by my high school Home Economics teacher.” She goes on to state that “her teacher had a passion to teach her students the basic life skills we needed to live on our own, but also a passion for making us feel important as individuals.”

After the teachers were introduced, Post 4090 introduced the Voice of Democracy winners to the school board.

Post 4090 Comrade Mike Meyers introduced the VOD winners to the Board of education.

From Portland High School the VOD winners are – Adam Foote, Ethan Getchell, Kassandra Hengesbach, Jenasen Moffatt, and Quinn Volk.

Pictured in the photos are Portland Middle School Principal Leanna Davis, High School Principal Kristine Rocky, and Westwood Elementary Principal Chris Kenroy, Post commander Bill Almy, Sr. Vice-Commander Dave Reed and Post 4090 “Teacher of the Year” chairperson Mike Meyers.

Students not present for photos are Adam Foote, Kassandra Hengesbach, and Quinn Volk.

Post 4090 closed out the awards presentation with, “On behalf of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Post 4090 we thank the Portland Board of Education for your support and look forward to this opportunity again next year.”