Vallye Blanton, Valwood Middle School Co-Dean and eighth grade American Studies teacher  has been selected as the Georgia State Society winner of the 2011-2012 Daughter of the American Revolution(DAR) Outstanding Teacher of American History .

The General James Jackson Chapter, the oldest DAR chapter in Valdosta, proposed Ms. Blanton for the state competition. This competition recognizes a history teacher who has shown impressive and creative ways to teach children.  The competition, held annually, requires letters of recommendation from students, teaching peers and supervisors.

"We were impressed with Ms. Blanton's ability to make the study of our nation's history come alive through integrating the study of literature with history and planning field trips and guest speakers to enhance the students' experience," said Beulah Hennly, the chapter regent. One of Ms. Blanton's many history teaching activities is the Valwood Middle School Veterans Day Tribute, which began in 2007 and has grown with over 100 veterans representing all branches of our nation's armed forces attending the event.  The eighth grade students write letters to veterans inviting them to attend the program and a brunch. The program includes music and words of appreciation offered by the students. The students spend time with their guests after the program and then write stories about the experiences shared by the veterans.

Ms. Blanton has been teaching history at Valwood since 2007.  The University of Georgia graduate began her career in 1975 and has taught Reading, Language Arts, Social Studies, Science and Math at the elementary, middle and high school levels.  In 1994, Ms. Blanton was named Georgia Teacher of the Year. That same year, she was the recipient of the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award.  She has presented many professional workshops at the local and state levels, written grants and has traveled extensively with students on trips related to American History.

Ms. Blanton's dossier has been sent to the Historian General to be nominated in the Outstanding Teacher of American History Contest for the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

Ms. Blanton will be presented a State Certificate at the Opening Night Banquet at the Georgia State Conference in Augusta later this month.