Before students left for the winter holiday last month, some students from Lake Linden Hubbell schools earned awards for essays they wrote as a part of the VFW patriots pen, and voice of democracy programs. While students earned their recognition from the local VFW, the class made sure to recognize their English teacher, Heather French.
It is pretty touching. I know I said it was humbling last time, but it is, especially to have it in my hands. My dad is a proud Marine veteran, as are my grandpa Bill French and Grandpa Wally Bennett. So, I’m just really close to home and sweet and cheering on the Sunday of my teaching career. It’s wonderful. I appreciate it so much. – Heather French, K-12 Art and High School English Teacher, Lake Linden – Hubbell Schools
District 15 of the VFW includes many area school districts, covering a region that includes the entire Upper Peninsula and a small portion of northern Wisconsin. Hubbell VFW post commander Frank Ozanich says it was very special to hear from students how much of an impact Ms. French’s tutelage has taught them. CLK VFW 3900 post commander Arthur Kreivi agrees.
Well, this is the first time that we had a teacher that was nominated by her class. So that right there just told us what a great job she does with her students in promoting veterans and also the organizations that veterans belong to. – Arthur Kreivi, Post Commander, CLK 3900, VFW
But yeah, the letter was just amazing. For the kids just to sit and talk about their teacher like this means she was a heck of an influence on them. – Frank Ozanich, Post Commander, Hubbell VFW Post 4624
French adds that it is great to see her students use skills taught in the classroom while working on essays for Patriots’ Pen or The Voice of Democracy. But it’s better to see her students want to get involved in their community and use their own voice.
The skills that the students take from this entire process and everything that we do with the VFW, making things for Veterans Day, posters, cards, mailing them out. It makes the kids feel not just involved, but it kind of prompts them to be more active, and they want to volunteer, so that’s great to get them out there and participate. – Heather French, K-12 Art and High School English Teacher, Lake Linden – Hubbell Schools
Heather French is the first teacher nominated by her students to earn the District 15 Teacher of the Year award. She will proudly display the crystal apple as she continues her career working with students and encouraging them.
