Wednesday, January 14, 2015 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon VETERANS: Schools host Veterans Day activities in Sisters Continued from page 1 of the Year Award. Greaney placed third in regional VFW District 10 competition for the honor. Principal Joe Hosang (himself a Marine veteran) nominated Greaney for the award, which recog- nizes her as “a teacher who perpetuates patriotism, and excellence in education.” Greaney was surprised by the award, which was presented to her in class on Friday, January 8. In his nomination, Hosang noted that “Gail Greaney fully embraces the school com- munity and works tirelessly to create meaningful experi- ences for our students, both in the classroom and out… Gail Greaney brings intensity and a personal determination to inspire a learning environ- ment that engages and pre- pares students with life skills, civic responsibility and patri- otism that go well beyond the basic curriculum and is cer- tainly deserving of the VFW Teacher of the Year Award.” “I was really honored that he would do that,” Greaney said in reference to Hosang’s nomination. “It was really nice also that the kids were here and could be part of it, ’cause that’s what it’s all about. It’s just really nice also that what we’re doing in Sisters is getting recognized, because I think we’re doing some really great stuff. It really takes the whole school district and community to make that happen.” At Sisters Middle School on Friday, veterans honored sixth-grade student Tatum Sitz, who won the VFW Post’s “Patriots Pen” essay contest. According to Post Commander Bill Anttila, photo by Jerry baldoCk Bill Anttila, lance Trowbridge, John miller and Jack Kinsey honored Teacher of the Year Becky Aylor. there were a record 30 entries this year. Writing on the topic “Why I Appreciate America’s Veterans,” Sitz wrote: “I think we could all learn something from our veter- ans by being more like them — brave, generous, sacrific- ing for others, and loyal. We photo by Jerry baldoCk Gail Greaney received Teacher of the Year honors from local veterans on friday. Save time, money & gas when you shop Sisters! Sisters Saver Look for it the last Wednesday of every month in The Nugget, and online at NuggetNews.com 31 Jeff Jones Principal Broker Owner jeffjoneslcl@ g gmail.com Doug Roberts Principal Broker GRI, CRB dougrobertsMPS @gmail.com Lana Labuda Principal Broker GRI, SFR, MBA lana@sisters properties.com Ross Kennedy Broker CDPE ross@myrk solutions.com can also learn from veterans by listening to their experi- ences.” (See Tatum Sitz’s full essay accompanying the online version of this story at www.nuggetnews.com.) Anttila praised Sitz as he presented her with a check for $100: “She’s an inspiration to talk to and a glimpse of a future leader of this nation,” he said. Sitz told The Nugget that she was honored to receive the first-place award. She noted that her grandfathers and great-grandfathers fought in World War II and other conflicts. “It means extra because I have veterans in my family,” she said. Becky Aylor was honored as Teacher of the Year for the middle school, placing first in District 10 competition. Aylor is a key staff member in put- ting together the Veterans Day activities each year. “It’s an honor, and it’s because of the people I work with,” Aylor said. “They help me to be a better teacher, mentor. I’m surrounded by good role-models.” The recognition of vet- erans’ service is part of a broader curriculum focus. “The teachers spend a lot of time in the classroom teaching citizenship and what freedom means,” she said. Asked why Sisters makes such an effort to honor its veteran community, Aylor said, “I think it’s just because we’re such a tight-knit com- munity. I think we try to take care of each other.” She said that in her lead- ership role, she always seeks “purposeful assemblies,” activities that are fun and engaging, but also have edu- cational value. The annual Veterans Day assemblies fit that bill to a tee, and are broadly supported in the community. “There’s so many people in the community that step up and help with that,” she said. Private Setting ~ Mountain Views ~ Horse Property 16850 Lynwood Ln., Sisters View of the Three Sisters and Broken Top from this beautiful, large country home with gourmet kitchen, in the private setting of Lynwood Acres. Direct access to National Forest open space from this 34 acres of exclusive-use property with 3-stall barn, shop, pad- dock, arena and cross-country riding course. $724,900 Stop by or call to learn more about this property and all our other listings. Suzanne Carvlin Broker We have what you’re looking for! Scan to visit our website! RSPS, E-PRO Suzanne@Home InSisters.com Metolius Property Sales Linda Brooksby Broker lindabrooksbylcl @gmail.com Chuck Harper Broker chuck.harper53 @gmail.com 290 E. 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