KEARNEY, Neb. — Social studies teacher Brooke Boroff always has her family members with military experience in the back of her mind when instructing students.

The teacher at the Hanny Arram Center for Success in Kearney was rewarded for her veteran-conscious teaching on Friday. She thought the school was gathering to honor a student, then the local Nebraska Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter announced her as the VFW’s state teacher of the year.

“Brooke has done a fabulous job here at the school," VFW Chapter 759 quartermaster Jim Lutz said. "She promotes all of the things the VFW believes in for our communities and our kids: patriotism, Americanism, citizenship.”

“I have a couple members in my family who are veterans," Boroff said. "Hearing some of their stories or just understanding that they sacrificed so much so that we can have the rights we have today. The ability to come to school and go to work, I think it’s important to recognize them for that.”

Boroff received $100 for herself and $100 for her classroom from the local chapter and will receive more prizes from the state. She plans to use the classroom money to take her class on a field trip.

A fellow teacher nominated Boroff for the award. She will be honored at a state convention in two weeks.