So passionate is Darlene Cantey about bringing America’s history to life that she calls her Camden Elementary School fourth grade class the Patriots.
And when her students study the Revolutionary War in the coming weeks, they’ll take part in colonial re-enactments at Historic Camden as part of those lessons.
Cantey’s commitment to patriotism hasn’t gone unnoticed. The Kershaw County School teacher has been named the S.C. Veterans of Foreign Wars Citizenship Education Teacher of the Year.
Darlene Cantey
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“Every time I’m around a veteran, my heart is just touched,” said Cantey, who was recognized during a surprise ceremony Wednesday at the school. “They are the most humble people I have been around.”
Some of Cantey’s most patriotic endeavors can be seen in the school’s Veterans Wall of Honor, where students and employees for years have brought in photographs of family members currently serving in the military, along with veterans. Her students also have sent care packages and personal notes to soldiers through the Letters to Soldiers Project.
Cantey helps coordinate an annual school-wide Veterans Day program and sponsors the school’s Geography Club.
“Mrs. Cantey has been promoting the values and greatness of our country to her classes for many years,” Camden Elementary principal Ed Yount said. “She is the leader in our school for finding ways to support both veterans and current soldiers.”
Cantey earlier was named VFW Post 8346 Teacher of the Year and will now compete for the national title.
Her father served in Vietnam, but she said more people should learn to appreciate the contributions of the nation’s military service men and women.
“The minute you sign up, you have become a hero,” she said. “And I like for my students to think that.”
New board members tapped
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia has announced its 2012 board officers:
Tina Cundari of Sowell Gray Stepp and Laffitte has been named the new board chairwoman.
Ernest Pringle, vice chancellor for information services and chief information officer for University of South Carolina Aiken, is the chairman-elect.
Andy Lowrey, CEO of AgFirst Farm Credit Bank, is the new board treasurer.
Gerald Patton, regional sales director of Pepsi Bottling Group, is the new secretary.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia serves Richland and Lexington counties and helps children reach their potential through mentoring relationships.
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