—Daily Freeman-Journal photo by Anne Blankenship Webster City High School Ag Instructor Kurt Veldhuizen, center, receives the 2017 District Educator of the Year award Thursday from American Legion Post 191 Commander Dale Caquelin. Looking on are 8th District Commander Marvin Carr and Legion members Lee Ayers, Bruce Johnston, Galord Paine and Leo Lanctot.

Webster City High School Ag Instructor Kurt Veldhuizen was surprised with a special honor Thursday morning as the American Legion presented him with an District Educator of the Year award for 2017.

The award was presented as the high school staff and teachers gathered in the media center.

In announcing the award, Eighth District American Legion Commander Marvin Carr explained that,” Our department is the only one to do the Educator of the Year Award. It doesn’t go national, it just stays right here in the state.”

There were three nominees this year out of nine districts. Carr said that his district alone has 86 American Legion Posts.

Carr said he met with the high school administration and Principal Brent Jorth.

“And we agreed that this teacher should be the first one for this post,” he said.

Veldhuizen, who also serves as the Webster City FFA advisor, thanked the Carr and the other Legionnaires present for the honor.

The post also presented Veldhuizen with a check for $100.