The American Legion, Department of Indiana, held its State Convention recently, and several Switzerland County residents received District and State honors.
Three members of the Switzerland County School staff were honored, led by Switzerland County Middle School teacher Paul Hewitt, who was honored as the Educator of the Year for the State of Indiana for grades seven and eight. He was sponsored by the Vevay American Legion Post #185 in Vevay; and also by the Ninth District of Indiana.
“American Legion officers selected Hewitt because of his continued work to educate the future of our state,” said 9th District Commander Thomas Frederick.
Hewitt started his teaching career at Switzerland County Schools teaching 8th grade Health and Physical Education and High School History. He says that teaching physical education highlighted his love of teaching sports.
Hewitt has coached multiple sports at Switzerland County Schools including: 8th Grade Boys Basketball, Junior High Track and Cross Country, Junior Varsity Basketball, and Varsity Baseball; and he also served as the Athletic Director.
Hewitt says that one of the biggest rewards of his teaching career has been the opportunity to take 8th graders to Gettysburg and Washington D.C. He said, “This is the chance of a lifetime for some of our students. Most won’t admit it, but I think this is a part of their life they will never forget”.
Hewitt is currently teaching Health and Physical Education and Social Studies at Switzerland County Schools.
Other teachers honored as the winners in the Ninth District of the American Legion were Kathy Daugherty, elementary teacher at Jefferson-Craig Elementary School; and Adam Dennis, math teacher at Switzerland County High School.
*
Also honored by the Ninth District of the American Legion was Christopher See, who earned not only the “Firefighter of the Year” award in the Ninth District; but also the “EMS Member of the Year” for the District.
Indiana Conservation Officer Steve Kinne was honored by the Ninth District as its “Law Enforcement Officer of the Year”.
Congratulations to all of these outstanding members of the Switzerland County community.