The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of South Dakota announces Patrick Belling, a 5th grade teacher at Wagner Community School, as the state winner of this year’s Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award. Patrick was selected from entries submitted to VFW Posts across South Dakota. VFW Post 7319 and its Auxiliary at Wagner, SD, sponsored Mr. Belling. He was presented his award in Pierre, SD at a Legislative Luncheon on February 6th by SD VFW Commander Thomas Hafner and VFW State Auxiliary President Patti Mitchell.

The following is the recommendation letter submitted by Middle School Principal, Steve Petry.

I am honored to write this letter of recommendation for Patrick Belling. I have known Mr. Belling for the past seven years. During this time, I have worked with Mr. Belling as a Middle Social Studies Teacher, Middle School Basketball Coach, and High School Track and Cross- Country Coach.

Since day one, Mr. Belling instantly became a favorite teacher of many of his students. This can be attributed to his caring demeanor and high expectations. This exceptional characteristic endeared him to many. Mr.Belling knows many of his students have difficult situations outside of school. He is empathetic and caring, yet he will not let a student use those situations define themselves or be a reason to give up. Mr. Belling has an exceptional way of relating to his students. One example is Mr. Belling has a student who is autistic and has witnessed a very violent crime this past year.At times this young student struggles due to the combination of his disability and the past trauma. Mr. Belling is one of the young student's 'safe people”: He knows he can trust Mr. Belling. Often when he needs help or is troubled, he will go to Mr. Belling.

Mr. Belling is also a perfect teacher. Besides his caring demeanor, he provides engaging lessons that students can relate to. His lessons are both challenging and fun. I enjoy observing his classroom, not only to watch the interactions but to watch lessons such as the Great Wall of China, the Mummy, and Jousting. The Great Wall of China is constructed from many, many cardboard boxes. Mummies are made by wrapping students in toilet paper. My favorite is Jousting. Students construct cardboard helmets, shields, and jousting poles. The horses are office chairs with wheels. One jousting student will sit on the 'horse' and is pushed by another student. I guarantee when these students are 50 years old, they will still remember the concepts being taught about the Great Wall of China, mummies, and jousting in medieval times.

Furthermore, Mr. Belling is a huge proponent for our service men, women, and veterans. For years, he has welcomed veterans to come speak to his students during Veteran's Day week. Mr. Belling is a role model for our students in other capacities as well. He serves our community as a Volunteer Fireman. Mr. Bellings’ dedication I witnessed when the whistle is heard, and he is seen sprinting out of the classroom, across the parking lot, and to the fire hall.

Additionally, Mr. Belling has been an excellent role model and mentor for our young teachers. New staff have learned from watching Mr. Belling's interactions and relationships with students. New staff have also been mentored in lessons and teaching style. Through a little trial and error, Mr. Belling has honed his lessons and style. When assisting new staff, he has a tactful way of sharing those learned lessons and helping them develop themselves.

Mr. Belling is an excellent teacher and outstanding person. Words on a sheet of paper cannot begin to come close to describing what he means and has meant to many, many students in our school. I would highly recommend him for the VFW Teacher of Year Award.