The VFW awarded Ornes and Marianas High School certificates and a $100 check each on Friday.
VFW district commander Mariano Fajardo and Post Commander Larry Guerrero said Ornes competed against the nominees from Saipan and Guam schools.
Ornes said winning the award was a pleasant surprise.
“I did not expect if but it feels great and I thank all the students and the school for giving me a chance to do my best,” she said.
MHS principal Karen Borja said they will use the money to buy chairs and other classroom necessities.
“We are very proud of having a teacher like Mrs. Ornes who has accomplished much,” Borja said.
Every year, over a thousand teachers from the nation’s top elementary, junior high and high schools are nominated for the VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award.
The award is to recognize teachers who teach citizenship education topics regularly and promote America’s history and traditions.
