Coventry Elementary educator recognized by Crystal Lake VFW

Jennifer Weichle, a library information specialist at Coventry Elementary School, was recognized by the Crystal Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post 12014 at 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.

Weichle was nominated by the local VFW 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 will now be considered for the national Smart/Maher VFW Citizenship Education Teacher Awards 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 Crystal Lake Memorial Post 12014. "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 was also 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," Ward said.

To learn more about the Crystal Lake school, visit www.d47.org/cov or www.facebook.com/CoventryD47/.