Tim Smiddy, a fifth grade teacher at Staunton Elementary School in Staunton, Illinois, has been selected to receive its 2025 Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award at the elementary school level. Sponsored by VFW Post 1241 in Staunton, Tim was chosen for his passion and work promoting patriotism and a respect for our nation’s veterans and military service shown through his annual hourly program called the Patriot Club. He spends months organizing the program, training his students to aptly perform the responsibilities of a color guard, every year growing and expanding the program to ensure the service and sacrifice of all local military members and veterans are remembered and honored.