Franklin Lakes Educator Wins
VFW Citizenship Education Award
By
Doug Neralich 
“It is with a great deal of pride that we announce that Mrs. Nina Landgraf, a school media specialist/ librarian at the Franklin Avenue Middle School in Franklin Lakes, NJ, is the winner of the VFW National Citizenship Education Award for VFW Post 5702, and for VFW NJ State District 2 (Bergen County) as well,” stated Steve Vreeland, Franklin Lakes VFW Post 5702 Commander. “We are honored that someone so qualified and who is such a role model for citizenship education was chosen by District 2 to represent us in the NJ State VFW Citizenship Education Award competition. Should she win the NJ competition, Nina will compete in the National VFW competition in Washington, D.C.”
Instituted by the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary, the National Citizenship Education Teacher Award is designed to stimulate interest in America’s history, traditions, institutions, civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism. It is a way for the VFW to identify and recognize American educators who instill a sense of national pride in students.
“I was overwhelmed when I was told of this award. I found it hard to believe that I was to be honored in this way,” stated Nina Landgraf. “As a person who has been involved with the military my entire life, it was important to me that our students become involved in support of our institutions and military. I think it is very important to have students realize that there is value in serving your country, and it is important to say ‘thank you’ to those who do serve. To me, what we do at FAMS helps build values and helps the students develop an appreciation of the country they live in that will last a lifetime.”
Nina may have been surprised to receive this award, but her colleagues at the Franklin Avenue Middle School where she has been the Librarian/ Media Specialist for the past ten years were not surprised. “To say that Nina is a role model for citizenship education is an understatement,” affirmed Bill Gorton, Guidance Counselor and Director of the Peer Leadership Corps. “She’s constantly involving students in projects that develop student appreciation and awareness of their responsibilities as citizens, especially projects that support our military. Whether it is a letter writing campaign for the troops, sending packages, generating support for The Wounded Warrior Project or a number of other things, what Nina does develops values and contributes to the development of the total child.” Those sentiments are shared by Mrs. Gongora, Principal of FAMS. “Giving back and community service – all the things that Nina and the students do – develops character and leads to the growth of a positive school atmosphere. I think that this award is a wonderful thing for Nina and for our school. It is always a very positive thing when an agency from outside the school comes in and presents an award. It validates what we are doing. Institutions, values, and traditions will be maintained by future generations only if they are taught to love, appreciate, and understand those concepts,” Gongora continued. “Nina encourages kids to do community service, and working with kids, especially in projects involving the military, is her love and joy. Because she does so many things for our school and students, I am sure the children will be delighted and very happy for her.”
“We extend our congratulations to Nina, her family and the staff and students at FAMS,” added Commander Steve Vreeland. “We are extremely proud of what Nina and the students have done. Their accomplishments bring great credit to themselves, their school, and the community of Franklin Lakes.” |
