Elementary school teacher Eugene Struzik III of Dodge City, Kansas, has garnered a 2024 Smart/Maher National Citizenship Education Award from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Photo Credit: VFW

I always enjoy shining a spotlight on an outstanding teacher who has also served our country in the military. Today, I highlight Eugene Struzik III, an elementary school teacher in Dodge City, Kansas. He has garnered a 2024 Smart/Maher National Citizenship Education Award from the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars).

Eugene, a veteran of the United States Air Force, teaches fifth grade at Northwest Elementary School in Dodge City. Sponsored by Howard Gotschall VFW Post 1714 in Dodge City, Eugene was selected for the award because of his passion and dedication towards instilling a sense of appreciation and patriotism among his students and community. For example, he co-ordinated a Veterans Day activity entitled Project Mail Call: Honoring Our Veterans. Through this project, Eugene’s students wrote cards to veterans who were embarking on a Kansas Honor Flight.

Each year, the VFW selects one elementary, one middle school, and one high school teacher to receive the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher award. The honor recognizes outstanding teachers for their exceptional commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students through promoting civic responsibility, flag etiquette, and patriotism in the classroom. The award was established in 1999 and named after former VFW National Commander John Smart and retired VFW Quartermaster General Larry Maher. Eugene will be presented with a check for $1,000 which he can use for professional development and $1,000 for his school during the 125th VFW National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, July 27-Aug. 1, 2024.

To read more, click on this link to VFW website.