Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars selects teachers to participate in the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher program. In May 2023 the local VFW Post 12041 presented four deserving teachers with recognition for their dedication to civic responsibility, good citizenship and innovative teaching. Lytle is proud of these remarkable teachers; Rebecca Kalish at Lytle Primary School, Ashtyn Dougherty at Lytle Elementary School, Allie Dawson at Lytle Junior High and Melissa Gomez at Lytle High School.
Shavan Galindo, Lytle Primary Principal Stated,
“It is a great honor to announce Mrs. Rebecca Kalish as our VFW Primary Teacher of the Year! Mrs. Kalish is an exceptional teacher that has demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to the profession, and she has positively impacted the lives of all on our campus.
Mrs. Kalish, your inspirational and effective teaching methods promote learning and engagement amongst students as well as your positive relationships with students, parents and colleagues. Your ongoing dedication to growing and learning in your profession shows your constant commitment to striving for the best for your students.
Mrs. Kalish, you truly have a heart the size of Texas and it shows daily through all your interactions. We here at the Primary are so blessed to have you and know you. Thank you for being exactly who you are and loving all kids for exactly who they are.”
Wendy Conover, Lytle Elementary Principal, shared,
“Ashtyn Dougherty is a valuable team member of the Lytle Elementary School campus. Ashtyn is a second-grade teacher on a team of six. Ashtyn collaborates with the grade level teachers to design and plan lessons using the HQIM curriculum.
Ashtyn is a team player and always works to put “what’s best” for students first. Ashtyn has a gift for teaching. Combine that gift with her passion for education, and she is unstoppable.
Ashtyn is organized, reliable and takes great pride in her work. She will help any time she is asked and always has a smile on her face. Our campus would struggle if we did not have Ashtyn’s loving and kind heart.
Ashtyn’s dedication to her students and their families goes beyond the school day. She highlights students on her classroom Facebook page, giving parents, grandparents, and friends a glimpse into their children’s lives here at school. Ashtyn always celebrates important life events with her students.
It brought great honor to nominate Ashtyn Dougherty for the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award for Lytle Elementary School. Congratulations!”
Junior high school Principal, Mark Raygosa announced,
“I am delighted to share the exciting news; Mrs. Allie Dawson has been awarded the VFW Teacher of the Year Award for the junior high campus. This prestigious award recognizes exceptional educators who have gone above and beyond in their dedication to teaching and have made a significant impact on their students' lives.
We know that Mrs. Dawson truly embodies the qualities of an excellent teacher - from her creativity and enthusiasm in the classroom to her tireless efforts to support and mentor her students. Her contributions to our school have been immeasurable, and we are grateful for all that she has done to make Lytle Junior High a better place.
Please join me in congratulating Mrs. Dawson on this well-deserved honor. We are proud to have her as a member of our team, and we look forward to her continued success as an educator.”
Lytle High School Principal, Elizabeth Stewart stated, “The Lytle VFW presented the honor of High School Teacher of the Year to our own Ms. Melissa Gomez. Ms. Gomez serves as our Algebra I teacher and also as the assistant Power Lifting Coach. She is loved by both students and staff and is very deserving of this great honor. Please help me congratulate her on this accolade! Go Pirates!”
