Elise Middle School sixth-grade social studies teacher Crystal Vaughn is the recipient of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) National Citizenship Education Teacher Recognition Award at both the local VFW Post and N.C. District 9 levels.

In a ceremony at the John Boyd VFW Post No. 7318 in Southern Pines recently, VFW Junior Vice-Commander Isaac Laudenslager and Ladies Auxiliary President Pamela Laudenslager presented Vaughn with the annual award in recognition for promoting citizenship education in the classroom and school. Along with the recognition as "Middle School Teacher of the Year," she received certificates and monetary awards. She will also be considered in the competition at the N.C. department level later in the school year.

Vaughn started the "Kindness Club" at Elise Middle in which the importance of citizenship is emphasized. Students are engaged in a variety of lessons and activities in order to help them become contributing members of society.