VFW Honors Teacher of the Year, Essay Students

At its November meeting, DS VFW Post 2933 presented its Teacher of the Year Award to DSHS history teacher Angela Tennison, as well as awards to student winners of the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay contest winners.

“I think it’s very appropriate that this year’s award goes to Angela Tennison, a history teacher, and a veteran herself,” VFW Commander Robert Dejong said. “With her experiences as a veteran, she is uniquely qualified to teach our high school students not just about dates and places, but about the rich history, traditions, and roles of veterans in creating and shaping America. Recognizing the excellence of teachers like Angela, and the student winners of our essay contests, gives me and my fellow VFW post members great joy. Our Dripping Springs community is truly blessed to have people like her and the students we honored with these awards.”

While thanking the VFW for her award, Tennison noted she shared the VFW award stage with some of her former students who had won prizes for their essays. ‘I want to thank the VFW for this Teacher of Year Award. I’m also pleased to see that all three winners of this year’s Voice of Democracy were students of mine for AP U.S. History last year. All three are great young men and excellent students,” Tennison said.

Tennison is an Army Veteran. During Desert Storm, she took part in loading Patriot Missile systems for deployment to the Middle East (she did not deploy). For her efforts, she was awarded an Army Commendation Medal.

With her award certificate, Tennison received $300 cash from VFW Post 2933, and her packet also won at the next level, which is district, and will now head to state level competition.

Five DSHS students were also recognized at the November meeting.

Voice of Democracy Essay Contest first place was awarded to Matthew Shin; with second place being a tie with Collin Heape and Logan Englehart. Shin’s essay also won district and will now head to state level competition. Shin took home $300 for his first-place win, and Englehart and Heape each received $200 for their second place tie.

Patriot Pen’s Essay Contest first place was awarded to Theodore Black; with second place going to Hudson Debish. Black won $300, and Debish won $200.

Two of the essay winners shared a familial connection with the military.

Voice of Democracy second-place winner Logan Englehart said, “I am especially honored to receive this award because both of my grandfathers served in the Armed Forces. I am grateful for all those whose service helps ensure we live in a free country.' He is the son of Peter and Janice Englehart.

Patriot Pen’s secondplace winner, Hudson Debish, is the son of Lieutenant Colonel Darrell Debish U.S. Army retired, and Sara Debish. Colonel Debish is a member of VFW Post 2933.

For more information on Dripping Springs VFW Post 2933, visit VFW2933. com