Amanda Gudmundsson, Government, Economics and History Teacher at Athens High School, and Sara Welcher, Kindergarten Teacher at FAME Academy at Brookhill Elementary, were recently honored as Smart/Mayer VFW National Citizenship Education State Teachers of the Year by the Alabama Veterans of Foreign Wars.

VFW Post 4765 presented Gudmundsson and Welcher with The National Citizenship Education Teacher Post Recognition Award, which honors educators for their efforts in promoting citizenship education within the classroom and school and fostering interest in America’s history, traditions, civic responsibility, patriotism and more.

Gudmundsson also received the Department of Alabama Veterans of Foreign Wars 2024-2025 High School Teacher Award, while Welcher was awarded the Elementary School Teacher Award. Both teachers will advance to the National Competition as Post 4765, district and state winners.

In a press release, the city school system stated, “Congratulations to Mrs. Gudmundsson and Mrs. Welcher! We are #athensproud and wish them the best of luck as they represent ACS and the state of Alabama in the National VFW Teacher of the Year competition. Special thanks to VFW Post 4765 for honoring and celebrating our teachers.”