MONROE, CT — A beautiful poppy display adorns the front lawn of Monroe Elementary School every Memorial Day. The flower symbolizes those who sacrificed their lives fighting for freedom in U.S. military conflicts over the years.
Monroe Elementary’s display is dedicated in memory of William Ayles, a Monroe resident who served as past commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10059.
Traci Sacco, a school counselor at Monroe Elementary School, who established the annual display with assistance from art teacher, Megan Anderson, was recently honored by the post through the Smart/Maher National Citizenship Education Teacher program.
Sacco is a Teacher of the Year at the VFW’s district and state levels and is currently in the running for the national honor.
While speaking at Monday’s Board of Education meeting, VFW Post 10059 Commander Graham Bisset said this honor is bestowed upon teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism.
“Traci exemplifies all of these,” Bisset said of the criteria, while noting Sacco is the granddaughter of a World War II veteran, daughter of a Vietnam veteran and had an uncle who was killed in World War II.
Sacco’s children have participated in the VFW’s Patriot Pen and Voice of Democracy programs, and donated money raised from their lemonade stand to VFW Post 10059.
“That’s real patriotism,” Bisset said. “We are honored to have Traci represent Post 10059.”
Superintendent of Schools Joseph Kobza said Bisset and Auxiliary Treasurer Dona-Lyn Wales, who is a Town Council member in town, brought the VFW’s recognition of Sacco to his attention.
He said the poppies in the school display are removed after the national holiday, saved, and added to the next year’s display, allowing the program to continue to grow.
“I know VFW Post 10059 is very proud to sponsor her and I know that we’re very lucky to have her at Monroe Elementary School,” Kobza said of Sacco.
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