Southington Teacher Honored By VFW For Patriotic Lesson Tact

SOUTHINGTON, CT — A local teacher in the school system was recently honored by the school board for a teaching award given to her by the VFW.

The Southington Board of Education opened its regular meeting Jan. 22 with a recognition of a local educator who recently received statewide honors for teaching patriotism and civic responsibility.

Board Chairman Zaya Oshana called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. All nine board members were present, along with Superintendent Steven Madancy, Assistant Superintendent Frank Pepe, Director of Business and Finance Jennifer Mellitt, Interim Pupil Services Director Amy Aresco, and three student board representatives.

During a “Celebration of Excellence” on the board's agenda that night, Madancy recognized Gretchen Yatzook, a teacher at Southington's Flanders Elementary School.

She was named the Wheeler/Young VFW Post #201 Teacher of the Year, VFW District #2 Teacher of the Year, and VFW State Teacher of the Year.

Oshana said the award is part of the national VFW Citizen Education Teacher Award Program, which honors educators who teach patriotism, American history, and civic responsibility.

Criteria include citizenship, innovation, use of outside resources, and passion for teaching.

Oshana presented Yatzook with a certificate of excellence on behalf of the board.

In brief remarks, Yatzook thanked the Southington Board of Education, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and her family, friends, and colleagues.

She credited former Flanders Elementary School educator Dan Murdzek for starting a tradition she continues with the support of her principal, Katie Guerrette.

“Southington is a large town but a small community,” Yatzook said, adding that it is an honor to connect students with local veterans and recognize their service.

For the minutes of the Jan. 22 Southington Board of Education meeting, click on this link.