The Veteran of Foreign War’s (VFW) Madison Post #2096 kicked off Memorial Day weekend by recognizing local winners in national VFW programs. Honorees included Madison student essayists and statewide teacher of the Year Renee Pardo.

Pardo, a 1st-grade teacher at Island Avenue School, received the honor of the Post #2096 teacher of the year award as well as the Teacher of the Year award at district and state levels. Post Trustee Larry Brundrett and VFW State Commander Gregg Smith served as presenters.

Pardo noted in her acceptance speech that she works with her 1st-grade students to help prepare them for important decision-making—even at such a young age. She often informs them that they could make history themselves.

“My role as an educator is not only to inform my students about historical content,” explained Pardo, “but also to link historical evidence to changes and progress that have developed over time, which helped shape our nation as we see it today.”

She also discussed her support for the VFW’s values as she works to support honoring military services and aims to promote patriotism year-round.

Pardo’s colleagues, according to Island Avenue Principal Doreen O’Leary, were thrilled with Pardo’s recognition.

“She does an extraordinary job helping young students understand the importance of service and patriotism,” said O’Leary. “There are many people at the school that recognize what a special teacher Ms. Pardo is. But we are always delighted to see that others recognize it as well.”

The evening also recognized participants in The Voice of Democracy voice essay program at Daniel Hand High School. The essays submitted are meant for oral presentation, and were spoken at the ceremony.

The first place winner of the Voice of Democracy oral essay contest was Jane Boudreau, who, due to a conflict was unable to attend the ceremony. Boudreau designated her aunt, a veteran of the Iraq War, to receive the award on her behalf. Daniel Weinreb took second place with his essay entitled “What Defines a Hero.” Weinreb described a hero as “someone who goes to unthinkable heights,” later connecting those heights to patriotism as those heights are met “all for the better of the red, white, and blue.”

For the Patriot’s Pen written essay program at Polson Middle School in Madison, the overall winner was Alison Lord. Lord was also honored for her Patriot’s Pen essay at the district and state levels as well, placing second overall in the State of Connecticut.

Her essay reviewed what veterans have faced in combat as well as their lives after war, noting that, “Veterans have experienced events that shape them as people as they continue on.” In her essay, Lord noted that veterans teach other Americans, especially future generations, to be patriots and good citizens.

Following the other, announced awards, Nancy Bastian, a volunteer historian for the town of Madison, received Post #2096’s annual Americanism Award presented by Post Commander Ray Hanley.