Prospect Educator Honored by Little Valley VFW

Prospect Elementary Reading Specialist honored by Little Valley VFW as Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Prospect Elementary  school teacher Ms. Melinda Nichols  who was honored this summer by the Little Valley VFW Post 8734 in their Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Nichols was recognized by VFW Post 8734 in Little Valley  and VFW District 6, which covers Cattaraugus, Allegany, Chautauqua and Erie counties.

Ms. Nichols started working in the Salamanca City Central School District in 2010 as a substitue teacher and was hired fulltime in 2016.  During the 6 years of substitute teaching my strength to push forward came from what my high school and elementary teachers had taught me, along with the loving support of my family and friends.  Having a supportive community has allowed me to be the person I am today. In September 2016 I was hired as a full-time reading interventionist at the Salamanca City School District where I continue to work today. As a fulltime employee, I incorporate my love for patriotism and veterans whenever possible.   As an interventionist I only have students in my room for a short time but around the holidays I work my lessons around veterans whenever possible.  Through after school programs such as tutoring and enrichment I also share my love of patriotism and veterans whenever I can.  This happens through stories and activities when time allows.

Outside of education and the regular school day Ms. Nichols loves to support children by attending sporting activities and plays along with participating in special events the school puts on like Santa’s workshop.  She is  also a Volunteer with the Scandia Trailblazers, a 4-H group in Pennsylvania.  Melinda is involved in the Little Valley Riders club, a horse group based in Little Valley as well as  the Auxiliary meetings at her local post and participate in a variety of events that the Auxiliary holds.  In addition, she takes part in planning and hosting a Car and Craft show where all the proceeds of the event are donated to a Cancer Program like Relay for life and Roswell.

Ms. Nichols enjoy being part of a community that helps support each other in a variety of ways. She prides herself in being part of a community that has many patriotic opportunities. Melida grew up in a family where her grandfather was a veteran who helped to form a VFW post and  had a great uncle that was killed in Vietnam. "My families love of patriotism and veterans has allowed me to grow up with the same love which I now pass on to my students when ever I am able. " said Nichols. 

Post and district level winners are in the running to be honored as state teacher of the year. State winners can earn national honors.

Winning teachers are recognized for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students.

CONGRATULATIONS Melinda and thank you for your patriotism and love for reading!