On Saturday, July 27, as part of its 11^th Annual Stem to Stone event, national nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) recognized Michelle Gaspar (formerly, Brezina) of Olmsted Township, Ohio, as the tenth recipient of the organization’s annual TEACH Award. This award is given semi-annually to an individual or group who has significantly contributed to teaching the next generation to Remember and Honor those who serve in our nation’s military.

Gaspar was presented the TEACH Award by Susan Patten, Development and Communications Coordinator for the WAA Teach Program, who chaired the selection committee at the nonprofit’s annual weekend event held in the Downeast region of Maine, where it is headquartered.

“Michelle is an exemplary math teacher who devotes much of her time to teaching her students about the military. Her room is adorned with flags from the military branches, and though her classroom is small, she keeps a place for a ‘Missing Man’ table,” said Susan Patten. “Her dedication to teaching students about the sacrifices of our military and their families aligns well with the Teach aspect of WAA’s mission. We are proud to recognize her in this way.”

Each year, Gaspar, who teaches at St. Columbkille School in Parma, Ohio, organizes a military family appreciation spirit week and leads her school in honoring the military with a ‘Military Day.’ The day begins with breakfast for visiting veterans, continues with a prayer service and flag ceremony with the local VFW, and concludes with the junior high students engaging in a P.T. boot camp with local recruiters. Her students are included in every step of this process.

“My love and devotion to teach, inform, and engage my junior high students and the entire St. Columbkille community stems from many of my family members who served in the United States Military. The biggest influences were both my grandfathers (one served in the Marines and the other in the Navy) and my closest cousin (who served in the Army). My personal mission is to share my passion and love for supporting the Military with my students, even though I teach them math (another passion),” said Gaspar. “I want them to feel proud of what our military does for America and open the door for them to have conversations with their family members who have served to understand better what these men and women do. My students are willing to jump in, coordinate, execute, honor and remember our military friends, both past and present, with love and respect.  We bring smiles and honor to our veterans, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

National Wreaths Across America Day will be held this year on Saturday, December 14, 2024. It is a free event, open to all people. Click here to find a local participating cemetery near you to support. For more information or to find a participating cemetery near you, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.