Every year, through the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award, the VFW recognizes America's best educators who instill a sense of national pride in students," said Craig Fisher, commander of the Manheim Veterans of Foreign Wars Cyrus R. Peters Memorial Post 5956. "VFW Post 5956 wants to recognize those teachers who stimulate interest in America's history, civic responsibility and patriotism."

The post honored two Manheim Central School District teachers with certificates of achievement and monetary awards at its March 18 meeting.

Dillan J. Enck, an eighth-grade history teacher at Manheim Central Middle School, was selected for first place at the middle school level by Post 5956 and the regional district. Enck's history curriculum spans the formative years of American history, from the colonial era through the country's founding, up to the American Civil War. The year's instruction culminates in a field trip to Gettysburg, which Enck plans and directs. Regarding his approach to history, he stated, "I am intentional about teaching the fundamental characteristics of civic virtue, both what it is and why it is essential in a free society."

Tyler Shull, a social sciences teacher at Manheim Central High School, was the first-place candidate at that level for Post 5956. Shull has developed and instructed various courses on America's history and conflicts, including a "History of America at War" course that focuses on the causes, battles and effects of U.S. conflicts from the Civil War through the War on Terror.

Both teachers were nominated by VFW members, Fisher said, noting that post members had children who had taken classes with both of the instructors.

Supporting education for America's youths is a major tenet of the national VFW organization. The VFW and its auxiliary have developed a slate of programs dedicated to helping America's educators. A nonprofit veterans service organization, the VFW is made up of veterans and military service members from active, guard and reserved forces.

The Manheim post, located at 149 S. Charlotte St., is open to the community for breakfast every Sunday from 8 a.m. to noon until Memorial Day weekend. VFW Post 5956 also organizes Memorial Day observances annually, with a parade beginning at 10 a.m., followed by a service, featuring a guest speaker, music by the Manheim Central High School band and honors to America's fallen. For more information about the post, search for "Manheim VFW Post 5956 - Cyrus R. Peters Memorial Post" on Facebook.