Guernsey – Many around Guernsey know him as the music teacher who not only instructs and guides students to musical excellence, but also accompanies his students in song and even pregame renditions of the national anthem.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Wyoming is proud to announce Matthew G. “Matt” Hebbert, the vocal music teacher at Guernsey-Sunrise School, as a winner of the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award. Matt was selected from entries submitted to VFW Posts across the state.

Sponsored by Lake Guernsey VFW Post 4471 and its Auxiliary in Guernsey, Hebert will receive a plaque and a national citation, along with one for his school.

“We are so appreciative of Matt and every other teacher who participated in this year’s program. Their commitment to teach the value of citizenship and patriotism to their students will greatly benefit our communities as these students grow into involved adults,” said VFW Department of Wyoming Commander Danielle Smith.

The VFW Teacher of the Year award program was enacted in 1999 as a way to identify and recognize America’s best educators who instill a sense of national pride in students by teaching citizenship education topics regularly and promoting America’s history and traditions effectively. The program continues to exceed expectations and program administrators expect the number of participants will continue to grow each year. For more information on the program, visit vfw.org/TeacheroftheYear.