VFW District Educator Wins Department Award

10 January it was learned that top honors for HS Educator sponsored by All American Post 1337's Ms. Stephanie Kezios was honored prestigious Teacher of the Year Award VFW Department of Illinois (State) competition.

Stephanie has awoken the patriotic spirit in thousands of students at Elk Grove High School (EGHS) in Elk Grove Village, IL. Since 2014, she has organized the annual Veterans Day assembly that brings together all EGHS students, faculty and staff in a school-wide effort. Each year, Stephanie harnesses the boundless energy of 2,000+ high school students toward understanding and recognizing the contributions of our Nation’s veterans. Each year’s assembly includes outstanding keynote speakers ranging for Flag Rank officers and Gold Star families to a WWII veteran who was a member of Easy Company, 506^th PIR ("Band of Brothers”). Each year’s assembly leaves a lasting impression on students, faculty, staff and invited guests. Please see below for documents, photos, videos, etc that show just how exceptional these events have been.

The 2021 Veterans Day assembly at EGHS offered something special. Stephanie arranged for the exhibit of "Portrait of a Soldier”. For four days prior to the Veterans Day assembly, EGHS students viewed the portraits of the 330 Illinois service people who have died for our Freedoms - from 9/11/2001 to the Fall of Afghanistan. In their Social Science classes afterwards, students discussed the exhibit and their impressions of these Fallen Heroes. As a capstone, the EGHS Veterans Day keynote speaker was Patrick Quinn – Illinois governor from 2009 to 2015 and founder of the Portrait of a Soldier project. Student heard his profoundly moving thoughts on the importance of valuing the sacrifice of these Fallen Heroes – now and in the future. 

We Thank Stephanie  for her countless hours helping educating students on Americanism, patriotism and the role of veterans in our Nation’s history

Through her tireless efforts, Stephanie Kezios has energized the hearts of students and our community in the areas of patriotism, Americanism and commitment to our veterans. The impact of her continuous efforts has changed the lives of thousands of students and many, many veterans.