Del Val history teacher and Supervisor of World Languages James Kluska was named the Veterans of Foreign Wars Teacher of the Year on Nov. 26. Kluska received this award on behalf of the veterans at Post 7857.
In his time teaching at Del Val, Kluska has been involved with the VFW, specifically with their Voice of Democracy contest. Each year, students from his classes are invited to enter the contest with an essay and voice recording based on a set prompt.
“It [the Voice of Democracy] is an award for freedom of expression, but it also delves into patriotism, and I think those are values that we have here,” Kluska said.
Due to his hard work as an educator and dedication to the program, Kluska was nominated and chosen as Teacher of the Year by the VFW.
“I’m very humbled by it,” Kluska said. “To be given an award from people who have sacrificed their time in the service of our country is a great honor.”
The award was presented at Del Val by Robert Looby, Post 7857’s Benefit Advisor. Looby has been a member of the VFW for 15 years.
(Photo via Robert Looby)
“I’ve known Mr. Kluska since 2000, when he taught my two daughters,” Looby said. “He noticed that I was stationed at Ft. Bliss in Texas in one of their homework assignments, as he also spent training time there. Since that time, he’s been very active with the Frenchtown American Legion and VFW, obtaining students for various awards, Boys State and much more.”
In addition to the Teacher of the Year award, Looby also presented Kluska with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
“It’s to recognize his many years of service to students and veterans,” Looby said.
These awards showcase the diligence of Kluska’s work as a teacher and mentor, as well as the effort he has put into serving the community.
Meredith Levy, a senior at Del Val, has had a firsthand experience with the dedication and time that Kluska puts into his work.
“He always has a plan and schedule and always has a purpose for what he’s doing,” Levy said. “He is extremely supportive and good at making sure everyone is going at the pace that is right for them.”
Throughout his time teaching at Del Val, Kluska has left a long lasting impact on students, Levy noted.
“He taught me a lot of good habits and he always provided us with good resources,” Levy said. “He’s very interested in making sure that you succeed both inside and outside the classroom, so I think this award is very deserved.”
