Social Studies teacher Edward Graf, a US military veteran, has earned a 2024 Smart/Maher National Citizenship Education Award from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Photo Credit: VFW
It is always a pleasure for me to shine a spotlight on an outstanding classroom teacher who has also served in the United States military. Today, I spotlight Edward M. Graf, a high school teacher in Bridgewater, New Jersey. He has earned a 2024 Smart/Maher National Citizenship Education Award from the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars).
Edward, a veteran of the US Army, teaches social studies teacher at Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School (SCVTHS) in Bridgewater, New Jersey. His candidacy for the VFW honor was sponsored by Bernardsville Memorial VFW Post 7858 in Bernardsville, New Jersey. The outstanding educator was chosen for the continued passion and energy he brings to his classroom, and for the dedication he shows with regards to honoring America’s service members, veterans, and Gold Star families. He does this through multiple student-led community events, including the organizing of Proud to be an American Day, an event which honors the service and ultimate sacrifice paid by our nation’s armed forces.
The Proud to be an American Day, which is celebrating its 10th year at SCVTHS, and its 17th year overall, was inaugurated by Edward as a way to reinforce his classroom curriculum about citizenship. Over the almost two decades that he has run the program, Edward and his students have raised over $170,000 from local businesses and community groups to sponsor this event. Last year, the event featured representatives from almost every branch of the military, five military aircraft, Civil War cannon demonstrations, performances of patriotic music, memorial presentations, and a variety of speakers, including generals and admirals. The event was attended by students from 13 schools from five counties.
While he was in the service, Edward served as a radio operator and Infantry Team Leader in the US Army, 25th Infantry Division. He served from 1997 through 1999. While there, he earned an Army Achievement Medal and Army Service Ribbon.
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. Edward will receive a check for $1,000 which he can use for professional development and another $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.
