Kara Hawkins, a fifth grade teacher at Kiroli Elementary School, was named the VFW District 11 Teacher of the Year, hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
She will now advance to compete at the state level in the Patriotism Contest. Sterlington Middle School teacher Tabatha DeShazo placed second and was also recognized for her patriotism and community service.
Hawkins has been an educator for the past 10 years, spending the last seven years at Kiroli Elementary as a social studies teacher.
“I take pride in my students’ successes,” Hawkins wrote in her essay for the contest. “I want them to think back on their elementary years with a love of learning history, and the principles in which our country was founded. I want to help set the foundation for respect for our country and how to honor those currently and previously serving, as well as their families.”
Hawkins served as a Blue Star Mother in the local NELA6 Chapter while her son served in the United States Marine Corps from 2018-2022. He was deployed twice and earned the rank of Corporal. For the past two years, on Memorial Day, Hawkins reads the names of the fallen men and women for the Gold Star Mothers and sets up the display of flags and wreaths in the Blue Star Mothers Memorial Gardens.
“I want to instill the value of pride in our country by honoring those who have previously served, or are currently serving,” Hawkins wrote. “I believe that is important to teach students how to stand at attention and salute in order to recognize the sacrifices behind the stars and stripes.”
Hawkins served in various roles in the Boy Scouts of America while raising her three sons and is certified in Owl Baloo and Woodbadge, which is equivalent to a Masters in Scouting. All three of her sons went on to become Eagle Scouts. Hawkins has taught flag etiquette to many students over the years, including how to properly retire a flag.
“By modeling patriotic behavior, involving our youth, and teaching how and why we should honor our country, we are ensuring the morals and values will be carried on to future generations,” Hawkins wrote. “This great country, and all the men and women who fought to defend it and still serve, sacrificed for future generations. It is our responsibility to teach our children the how and why we respect the flag and our brave service members.”
Hawkins carries her passion into her classroom every year. Her students write letters to service members for Veteran’s Day and Christmas. Her Sunday School class makes cards and care packages for service members as well.
Two years ago, she had her students enter the “How I Honor Veterans” writing contest and had nine students receive awards for their essays. You can find Hawkins and other Kiroli faculty members wearing red every Friday to display their support for the military.
“We are able to explain why this simple gesture is so important in supporting our deployed military and their families,” Hawkins wrote. “It is easy to create many different types of lessons and activities when you are passionate about what you do.
“Since I was young, I knew I wanted to make a difference in the world. A teacher is truly able to change our world, one student at a time.”
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