GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Gridley’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5731 recently honored two locals for their dedication and hard work – one an educator and one a student.

On behalf of the VFW, Commander Mike Farr recognized Julie Busch with the “Teacher of the Year” award and a plaque for her outstanding work with the youth of the community. Busch teaches kindergarten at McKinley Primary School and said her room 5 students would be so excited to see her sparkling award, featuring a golden apple.

Teacher Julie Busch receives multiple awards, seen here being recognized by VFW Commander Mike Farr as “Teacher of the Year.” 

Farr was joined by Butte County Supervisor Todd Kimmelshue and Teri Dubois from Congressman Doug LaMalfa’s office. Both bestowed awards on the educator.

Kimmelshue presented Busch a certificate on behalf of the Board of Supervisors, reading aloud, “The Board of Supervisors presents the certificate of appreciation to Julie Bush, the service to the people of Butte County, the efforts to which you contribute to a better way of life for the citizens of the community are acknowledged …through this official recognition.”

Dubois would add to Kimmelshue’s statements, also awarding a certificate to the teacher and thanking her for her contributions and passion for educating children about our nation.

Busch took a moment to speak to those in attendance, expressing her love of our country and how she felt it was important to instill that passion in our youth. The educator shares how she has invited VFW members to visit her classrooms to speak to the children, how she encourages the singing of patriotic songs, and continues to practice the flag salute in her classroom.

Another outstanding community member was recognized the same evening, Live Oak student Kathrine Hutchison.

Live Oak’s Katherin Hutchison was recognized by Gridley VFW, Butte County Supervisors, and Congressman Doug LaMalfa’s office. She is pictured here receiving a certificate from Butte County Supervisor Tod Kimmelshue. 

Hutchison penned a powerful essay for the nation VFW Voice of Democracy contest entitled “We the People.” Commander Farr said that when he read her essay, he was so impressed he “couldn’t believe it.” With Hutchisons permission, Farr read the essay aloud to the crowd. She would join Farr at the podium to be acknowledged as the contest’s winner and awarded a certificate for her efforts by Gridley VFW.

Afterwards, Dubois presented Hutchison with a congressional recognition certificate on behalf of Congressman LaMalfa, followed by Tod Kimmelshue who also recognizing the youth’s work with a certificate from the Butte County Board of Supervisors, saying “those are beautiful words, and you should be very proud…This is the kind of thing we need in America.”