Shields Valley Teacher Honored with VFW Citizenship Award

Debra Johnston recognized for her efforts to instill patriotism and honor veterans in her students.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:05am

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A grid of brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen prints depicting a kindergarten student's hand-drawn American flag, conceptually representing the patriotic activities and student-created tributes that are the centerpiece of the school's annual Veterans Day celebration.A school-wide celebration of patriotism and civic engagement, as seen through the creative lens of young students.Livingston Today

Debra Johnston, a kindergarten teacher at Shields Valley School District in Montana, has been awarded the 2025 Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award for her dedication to helping students learn about and honor American veterans.

Why it matters

Johnston's efforts to incorporate patriotic activities and lessons into her curriculum, including an annual Veterans Day assembly and student-created veteran tribute posters, demonstrate a commitment to civic education that goes beyond the typical classroom experience. Her work helps foster a sense of community pride and appreciation for military service.

The details

As part of the annual Veterans Day assembly she co-chairs, Johnston selects patriotic songs for students to perform and provides 'Dog Tag cards' for them to decorate and hand out to veterans. She also teaches her students to create 'Agamograph' art pieces that feature an American flag and soldier salute. Additionally, Johnston encourages all students from kindergarten through 12th grade to make 'Veteran Star Posters' honoring their family members who have served, with over 200 posters displayed at last year's event.

  • Johnston received the award on March 26, 2025 during the school's monthly Ethos Assembly.
  • The annual Veterans Day Assembly she co-chairs is held at Shields Valley High School in Clyde Park.

The players

Debra Johnston

A kindergarten teacher at Shields Valley School District in Montana who was awarded the 2025 Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award for her efforts to honor veterans and instill patriotism in her students.

Theresa Watts

A teacher who nominated Johnston for the VFW award, praising her passion for teaching students about community values, civic duty, and love of country.

Danny L. Johnston

Debra Johnston's husband, who is the superintendent of Shields Valley Schools and principal of Wilsall Elementary.

John Charles Lamb

Debra Johnston's father, who was a Korean War naval veteran and served as a Chief Petty Officer.

Livingston VFW Post 2154

The local VFW post that attended the school assembly to surprise Johnston with the award.

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What they’re saying

“Mr. Johnston is not only a magical, dedicated, passionate and loving kindergarten teacher, she is passionately patriotic and grows that love of country and patriotism in her students every year.”

— Theresa Watts, Teacher

“Debbie is the patriotic woman and teacher she is today because of the love she has for her own Veteran father, Honorable Korean War Naval Veteran, Chief Petty Officer John Charles Lamb.”

— Theresa Watts, Teacher

What’s next

The school district plans to continue hosting the annual Veterans Day Assembly, where Johnston will lead the patriotic activities and student-created tributes to veterans.

The takeaway

Johnston's dedication to honoring veterans and instilling a sense of civic pride in her students exemplifies the important role teachers can play in shaping the next generation's appreciation for military service and American values.