School News

Last Updated on Monday, 28 December 2015 17:36

By Michael P. Mauer

West Mifflin Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 914 Intrepid has selected a Mon Valley educator with more than two decades of experience as its nominee for VFW Voice of Democracy Teacher of the Year.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 914 Intrepid West Mifflin Commander Jake Bradich, left, presents the post’s VFW VOD Teacher of the Year award to Melissa L. Fulmer.

Melissa L. Fulmer, an English teacher at West Mifflin Area High School, earned VFW Post 914’s support for encouraging more than 30 of her students to participate in this year’s VOD program. She received a $100 award and a certificate on Dec. 12 during the post’s annual Christmas party and recognition banquet at the Thompson Run Athletic Association on Ball Avenue, West Mifflin.

Her nomination will be forwarded for consideration to VFW District 29 in Pittsburgh, and if successful, to further competition at the VFW state and national levels.

According to VFW Post 914 Intrepid Commander Jake Bradich, a solid partnership with West Mifflin Area School District contributes to the veterans organization’s success.

“Our outreach activities through the VOD and Walt Kuczma scholarship programs - and our strong partnership with the West Mifflin Air Force JROTC - show that the VFW has a place is our schools, and in supporting the faculty, staff and students,” said Bradich in presenting the award.. “At West Mifflin, the school district fully cooperates with annual Veterans Day lunches, Veterans Day ceremonies, the Pearl Harbor and 9/11 remembrance events, as well as Memorial Day activities and marching in Pittsburgh’s Veterans Day parade.”

Originally from Duquesne, Fulmer holds a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh. A graduate of West Mifflin Area High School, she earned her undergraduate degrees in teaching and English from Duquesne University and the Community College of Allegheny County.

If successful in further competition at the state level, Fulmer could receive hotel accommodations to attend a VFW conference to receive her award, a plaque and a large flag set.

For more information about VFW Post 914 and its activities, contact Commander Bradich at 412-464-9838.