The VFW of Iowa announced honors for two Knoxville residents. The VFW has recognized Middle School Math Teacher Jim Uitermarkt as Iowa’s Teacher of the Year for 2021-22 for all grade levels. VFW State of Iowa Commander Michael Braman tells KNIA/KRLS News that Uitermarkt was well deserving of the honor.

“A lot of its to do with his ongoing support for our students and teaching them patriotism and Americanism, 15 years of doing the Washington D.C. trip, having the kids write essays. They were there (Washington D.C) this past year and I saw on Facebook them sharing the World War II Dream Flights coming in while they were there and I saw how respectful they were … That teacher right there is a prime example of what a teacher of the year should be and I’m glad my chairman picked Jim.”

Over 1000 teacher of year nominations were submitted. Uitermarkt is also in the running for the National VFW Teacher of the Year.

Braman also tells KNIA/KRLS News Knoxville Senior Hayden Hudson finished in the top five in the VFW Voice of Democracy audio essay competition and received a scholarship. Hudson’s essay and speech placed 4th out of 1,200 that the VFW received this year.