ST. GEORGE — Just before teachers reported to classrooms for the 2023-24 academic school year, a special dinner was held in their honor, sponsored by Avalon Healthcare and held at the Southern Utah Veterans Home.
Amy Christiansen and Robert Profitt from the Washington County School District office helped coordinate the Aug. 8 America 250-Teachers Appreciation event.
Art, English and history teachers from various local schools, 20 in total, accepted the invitation, according to a news release. Schools represented included Three Falls Elementary, Crimson Cliffs, Desert Hills, Hurricane, Pine View, and Snow Canyon middle schools, and Crimson Cliffs, Dixie, Hurricane, and Snow Canyon high schools.
Included was a catered dinner and presentation of patriotic gifts, including a signed copy of Jeff McKenna’s novel titled “Saving Dr. Warren … A True Patriot.”
Guest speaker, former state Rep. Lowry Snow, addressed Utah’s recent legislative initiatives that focus on civics education for youth. He concluded by thanking all teachers for their endeavors in educating today’s youth on the importance of learning American history, the nation’s founding principles and the core values that shaped it.
McKenna highlighted his novel, his purpose for writing it and how it could be utilized in classrooms to help illustrate, in a fun and engaging way, the meaning of true patriotism and how it played a vital role in shaping the nation. He provided information on how teachers can obtain a free set of books and lesson plans through his foundation, Help Patriotism Prevail, and the annual essay contest offered by the foundation.
Before concluding his presentation, he shared excerpts from a few winning essays to illustrate how his book inspired student writers to engage and reflect, in their own words, what patriotism meant to them in the most profound ways.
Shaunna Pederson, a history teacher from Crimson Cliffs Middle School, was one of the attendees. Weeks earlier, she had received a complimentary copy of McKenna’s novel, which she read before attending the event. The concept of using this novel as an educational tool in her classroom was eagerly shared with her school colleagues, encouraging three of them to come to the dinner to hear more.
One of them, Tessa Moore, head of the language arts department,expressed excitement about engaging in the program McKenna has offered. In fact, as a result, McKenna may speak to students on Sept. 11. Since McKenna’s novel is about a 14-year-old middle school student who lived through the aftermath of 9/11, the author’s visit would be appropriate and timely.
Jerry Olson, Avalon Healthcare administrator for the Southern Utah Veterans Home, gave the closing remarks and encouraged teachers to invite their students to participate in Help Patriotism Prevail’s annual essay contest. He extended his appreciation to those in attendance and vowed to make this dinner for local teachers a yearly event.
Also in attendance were members from the Color Country Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution and Red Cliffs of Zion Sons of the American Revolution, who supported the event dressed in colonial attire.
Photo Gallery
(L-R) Jeff McKenna, Lowry Snow and Anthony Moore, guest speakers at the America 250-Teachers Appreciation event at Southern Utah Veterans Home, Aug. 8, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Valerie King, Color Country Chapter DAR, St. George News
Author Jeff McKenna discusses his novel with teachers at the America 250-Teachers Appreciation event held at Southern Utah Veterans Home, Aug. 8, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Valerie King, Color Country Chapter DAR, St. George News
Former Utah State Representative Lowry Snow addressing teachers at the America 250-Teachers Appreciation event at Southern Utah Veterans Home, Aug. 8, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Valerie King, Color Country Chapter DAR, St. George News
Teachers attend the America 250 -Teachers Appreciation event held at Southern Utah Veterans Home, Aug. 8, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Valerie King, Color Country Chapter DAR, St. George News
Avalon Healthcare administrator Jerry Olson thanking teachers for attending the America 250-Teachers Appreciation event at Southern Utah Veterans Home, Aug. 8, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Valerie King, Color Country Chapter DAR, St. George News
(L-R) Amy Christiansen, Valerie King and Meghan Truman smile in support of the America 250-Teachers Appreciation event at Southern Utah Veterans Home, Aug. 8, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Valerie King, Color Country Chapter DAR, St. George News
(L-R) Mark Woodbury, Anthony Moore, Valerie King and Jeff McKenna pose for a photo during the America 250-Teachers Appreciation event at Southern Utah Veterans Home, Aug. 8, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Valerie King, Color Country Chapter DAR, St. George News