VFW Presents Awards at BOE Meeting

Andrew Dodd with his parents and VFW representatives. (Photo courtesy Manchester Township School District)
Andrew Dodd with his parents and VFW representatives. (Photo courtesy Manchester Township School District)

MANCHESTER – Representatives of VFW Post 10061 presented awards to national Voice of Democracy winner Andrew Dodd and the VFW Teachers of the Year at the March 20, 2019 Board of Education meeting.

Post Commander Joe Whelan congratulated Manchester Township High School senior, Andrew Dodd, for taking 3rd place out of 54 entries in the national Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy essay contest and scholarship program. Andrew recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to present his essay at the national competition after winning at both the local and state level. Andrew won a $10,000 scholarship at the national level and $5,000 at the state level. This year’s theme was “Why My Vote Matters.” Superintendent of Schools, David Trethaway, congratulated Andrew and asked him to present his essay for those in attendance. The audience was clearly moved by his words. Listen to Andrew’s winning entry here.

Manchester's VFW Teachers of Year Dana Civile and Nicole Raia with VFW Representatives Charles Phillips, Ray Gibson and Joe Whelan. MTHS Teacher of the Year Joe Gawlik was not present at the meeting. (Photo courtesy Manchester Township School District)
Manchester’s VFW Teachers of Year Dana Civile and Nicole Raia with VFW Representatives Charles Phillips, Ray Gibson and Joe Whelan. MTHS Teacher of the Year Joe Gawlik was not present at the meeting. (Photo courtesy Manchester Township School District)

Whelan also congratulated VFW Post 100061 Teachers of the Year, Nicole Raia (elementary), Dana Civile (middle school), and Joe Gawlik (high school). He announced that Dana Civile was also named VFW County Teacher of the Year. He thanked the teachers for their dedication to their students, remarking, “Without you, our future leaders wouldn’t have the guidance they need.”