VFW Announces Teacher of the Year

Thirty years of hard work and dedication were rewarded for one area teacher on Wednesday afternoon, when VFW Commander Wayne McShan declared Laura Arthur Teacher of the Year.

The third grade teacher was chosen by principal Matt Fore, who said it was the level of dedication she has continually shown over the years that led to her nomination.

“She gets here early in the morning and she stays here late in the afternoon and she grades papers, and really, she’s one of the craziest basketball fans I’ve ever seen,” Fore told the students gathered in the school cafeteria.

To the chorus of little voices echoing through the cafeteria, McShan introduced the reason Mrs. Arthur was chosen by way of comparison.

“Mrs. Arthur goes above and beyond the call of duty, which is not unlike what those of us—the members of the VFW—have done in our past,” he said. “We’ve been called, too, at a time when our nation needed us most. And we know that Mrs. Arthur goes above and beyond in her call of duty to each and every one of you.”

Quartermaster John Muckleroy took over the proceedings after McShan awarded Arthur with the plaque, drawing the children’s attention to the first word inscribed on the front.

“The first word on her is citizenship,” he said. “So, it’s not just a teaching award, it’s an award for citizenship, patriotism and education, and she embodies the three of them.”

Pulling out an envelope Muckleroy suggested could be used to take her family to Red Lobster, the Quartermaster presented Mrs. Arthur with a monetary award for her achievement, which was met with a round of applause.

Mrs. Arthur has been teaching at Wall Elementary for 30 years now, and said the reward of the job is watching the children grow in their education.

“I enjoy watching children light up and learn and become good citizens and good community members,” she said. “I enjoy my job very much and plan to do it for a few more years.”

Arthur could not put a definitive time stamp on how long she plans to continue teaching, but said she anticipates she won’t retire until her youngest son has graduated college, so at least three to four more years.

The Teacher of the Year recognition given to Mrs. Arthur is awarded each year by VFW post. Locally, the post covers all schools in the Concho Valley in their search for the award’s recipient. This was the first time a teacher from Wall Elementary has been selected for the award. The last two awards went to teachers at Holiman Elementary.

Posts then submit their selections to district and then state for teachers of the year, and Mrs. Arthur won the title for the entire district, which includes teachers from 13 districts.

“We just mainly, what the VFW wants to do is recognize the good people,” McShan said. He explained that the VFW also recognizes children and high school students throughout the year, offering scholarships to teens as well.

Mrs. Arthur was excited to receive the awards on Wednesday afternoon, explaining how she applies herself to make sure her students are prepared for the fourth grade.

“You know, it’s pretty cool when the kids love you, but when somebody else recognizes your hard work, it makes you feel good about what you do,” she said. “It’s such an honor.”