By By Lee “Lavan” Martin
As a function of their Veterans in School Program, Atmore area veterans of VFW Post 7016, Veterans of Foreign Wars, were in area schools the last two weeks of May 2007 honoring and paying tribute faculty and students of area public schools.
NJROTC Medals for leadership and academic achievements were presented to Northview High School Cadets John Harrell and Jessica Bloodsworth, and to Escambia County High School Cadets Holly Dortch and Andrea Ashby.
Teacher awards were presented to Elaine Holk, Northview High School, Kay Vickrey, A.C. Moore Elementary, and to Gayle Hanks, Earnest Ward Middle School. In addition, Citizenship Education Awards certificates were presented to military veterans who now serve as faculty and staff at Ernest Ward Middle School to Arthur Johnson, Mary Johnson, James Moretz, Paul Tubley, and Ronald Wark.
A Student Award of Honor was presented to Elizabeth Wright, Ernest Ward Middle School, and Certificates of Award for the VFW Post Coloring Contest were presented to Amber Russell, Austin Conway, and Daquantis Simmons, Rachel Patterson Elementary School.
Finally, as a step to achieving their objectives to place classroom flags in all area schools, classrooms flags were presented to David Nolin, Principal of A.C. Moore Elementary. Atmore area veterans of VFW Post 7016 will continue this project until all classrooms have flags.
VFW Post participants in school award ceremonies were Mike Hanks, Jim Ross, Lee Coleman, Joel Day, Grady Slay, Frank Moxness, Jerry Mock, John Sweeting, John Shiver, Jimmy Beck, Byard Swift, and Lee "Lavan" Martin.
Last but not least we thank Robert Faircloth of David's Catfish House for donating gift certificates that were presented to teachers and students. Many thanks, Robert, for your continued support of Atmore area veterans! May God continue to bless you and yours, and the United States of America.
Lee "Lavan" Martin is commander of the Atmore Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7016.