Crystal Lake VFW recognizes Coventry Elementary School educator

Coventry Elementary School library information specialist Jennifer Weichle was recognized by the Crystal Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12014 during the school’s Veterans Day assembly Nov. 12.

Weichle received $200 through the VFW’s Smart/Maher National Citizenship Education Teacher Award, which recognizes educators who stimulate student interest in America’s history, traditions, Americanism and civic responsibility.

The VFW nominated Weichle for her outstanding efforts in organizing Coventry’s annual Veterans Day assembly, a patriotic event that highlights veterans who are family members of current students.

She now will be considered for the national Smart/Maher VFW Citizenship Education Teacher Award and has an opportunity to win $1,000 in cash, a commemorative plaque and an all-expenses-paid trip to the VFW national convention.

“Our VFW Color Guard has been honored to be part of the Coventry Elementary Veterans Day assembly,” said Quartermaster Jerry Ward of the VFW. “As we reminded students of the sacrifices of veterans for our country, we were impressed by Ms. Weichle’s enthusiastic support for this program, as attested by the students’ flag drawings and other patriotic displays in the library.”

Ward said the VFW also was impressed by the warmth and appreciation displayed at the assembly by Coventry students, staff and administration.

“The VFW honors veterans, and we are proud to honor Ms. Weichle for her efforts to recognize veterans and their patriotism,” he said.