Somerset County Vocational & Technical Schools Instructor Ed Graf Named VFW Teacher of the Year for Grades 9-12

BRIDGEWATER – The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of New Jersey and Auxiliary, has named Ed Graf as its 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year for Grades 9-12. Mr. Graf teaches Social Studies at Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School (SCVTHS).

The award is presented annually in recognition of educators who provide “enduring service and extraordinary dedication to the citizen education of our students.” Mr. Graf has more than fulfilled the requirements of this honor by working with his students in both the classroom and on a variety of school and community projects that focus on honoring patriots and their service.

Mr. Graf’s supervisor, Jaime Morales, offered his congratulations. “Ed is very patriotic,” he said, adding that his influence “extends far beyond the classroom. His students are fortunate to have such a dedicated teacher.”

As a veteran who served as a radio operator and Infantry Team Leader in the U.S. Army, 25th Infantry Division, Mr. Graf understands the sacrifices made by members of the military and their families. He passes along his respect for their service through his teaching and by his example. As a result, SCVTHS students have, under his guidance, run events for Gold Star families and have organized donation drives to benefit active service members. However, the event that Mr. Graf is proudest of, and which his students look forward to the most, is the annual “Proud to Be and American Day,” which honors the service of the nation’s armed forces. The event, which is celebrating its 10th year at SCVTHS, and its 17th year overall, was started by Mr. Graf as a way to reinforce the lessons of citizenship he teaches in the classroom. Over the almost two decades that the program has been running, Mr. Graf and his students have raised over $170,000 from local businesses and community groups to run this event. Last year, “Proud to Be and American Day” featured representatives from almost every branch of the military, five military aircraft, Civil War cannon demonstrations, performances of patriotic music, memorial presentations, and a variety of speakers, including Generals and Admirals. The event was attended by students from thirteen schools from five counties.

Mr. Graf is deeply honored to have been selected as the VFW’s 2023-2024 New Jersey Teacher of the Year for Grades 9-12. “This award brings recognition” he said, “which helps us to develop and maintain programs to assist and honor active service members and Gold Star families while promoting citizenship and pride in our country among students.” He is looking forward to continuing to work on these programs at SCVTHS, and to representing New Jersey in the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award competition.

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