Middle Gate Elementary School held its end of the year fourth grade awards assembly on the last day of the 2017-18 school year, June 26. The event highlighted student achievement from the year, and representatives of American Legion Post 202 honored one of its two Community Americanism Awardees at the assembly.More information about American Legion Post 202 is available on its Facebook page, American Legion Post 202 of Newtown CT.

From reading Nutmeg Book Award winning books to participating in the school's Recorder Karate program, Middle Gate students were honored at the assembly as educators took turns announcing the names of students who participated in programs or earned honors. Nearly all of the students were recognized as helping to report for the school's newspaper, The Middle Gate Bee, this school year.

Members of the Newtown High School Class of 2018, Silas Decker and Emily King, who earned Middle Gate PTA Scholarships, were invited back to the school to speak at the event. While Silas could not attend, Emily told the fourth graders that she once sat where they were.

"I will never forget my time here at Middle Gate," said Emily, who was the Class of 2018 salutatorian.

American Legion Post 202 Commander Nick Cabral and Senior Vice Commander for the American Legion's Department of Connecticut Tom Flowers then surprised Middle Gate fourth grade teacher Linda Baron with a Community Americanism Award. The day before, June 25, Reed Intermediate School sixth grade teacher Petrice DiVanno was honored at her school's awards assembly with the Community Americanism Award.

At Middle Gate, Mr Flowers said the award represents the ideals of Americanism and is given to those who show dedication and passion in teaching those ideals.

According to a release from the American Legion Post 202, Ms DiVanno exemplifies all that a teacher should be.

"She is passionate about teaching and inspiring her students as well as imparting the importance of civic responsibility and patriotism. Her cluster has participated in many veteran organization-based essay competitions over the years," the release reads.

"She plans Veterans Day events for parents in addition to teaching respect for our flag, our veterans, and our nation."

A separate release for Ms Baron reads, "[Ms Baron] has worked tirelessly year after year on Veterans Day, welcoming veteran parents, adorning the school with patriotic decorations, and serving breakfast. She has each student walk the halls, 'slapping hands' and thanking veterans for their service. Her Constitution Day assembly emphasizes the rights and responsibilities we have as citizens. She invites special guests for all her events. A citizenship museum display is also available for all to see. [Ms Baron] believes that in order to be a good citizen, you must be kind and empathetic to everyone. [Ms Baron] is the model of a patriotic American."