ST. GEORGE — Even when Washington County School District teachers are invited to relax and celebrate their contributions, their attention is seemingly focused on being the best they can be for their students.
The Teacher Appreciation Dinner on Wednesday at the Southern Utah Veterans Home was designed to honor middle school English and history teachers, as well as fifth-grade teachers for “their contributions to educating the next generation about America’s foundational history,” a press release said.
Cafe Rio catered to the two dozen or so teachers and their families in attendance. Local estate planning attorney and author Jeff McKenna then took to the podium along with two Washington County School District teachers to discuss their experience integrating McKenna’s historical fiction novel “Saving Dr. Warren…’ A True Patriot'” into the classroom curriculum.
Fifth grade teachers Kristie Rindlisbacher of South Mesa Elementary School and Christin Olson of Paradise Canyon Elementary School were the featured speakers at the dinner. Rindlisbacher and Olson have used McKenna’s book as educational material in the classroom, doing read-along or group reading nearly every day.
Rindlisbacher said the book challenged her students to read at a higher level, making them become better readers and made no mention of pushback or prohibiting difficulties from the kids.
“It moved mountains in my classroom,” Rindlisbacher said. “My students came in and were some of the lowest readers in fifth grade. I attribute much of their academic growth to this book.”
She said because it was so much harder than what they were used to yet intriguing for the students, it made them improve. Olson, in her first year teaching fifth grade, echoed that sentiment.
“Every single one of my students made huge growth in their writing and in their literacy,” Olson said. “If you get a chance to read it with your students, I highly recommend it.”
Before dinner was served, guest speaker Anthony Moore’s opening address reviewed last month’s “Help Patriotism Prevail” program and essay contest, with both he and McKenna calling it a success.
“It’s very important to teach our youth today,” Moore said. “And you guys are on the frontlines with them.”
“Help Patriotism Prevail” is McKenna’s foundation, which, among other things, donates free classroom sets of his book to schools and funds patriotic essay contests, hoping to inspire a love of American history among students.
Before introducing the two teachers, McKenna reminisced about his early teaching experiences as a substitute teacher in Las Vegas, where he developed a passion for teaching and reading aloud to students. McKenna acknowledged the lasting impact of these experiences on his career and personal fulfillment.
Heather Lindsey, education manager at United We Pledge, provided an overview of the program’s components, including the Liberty Bus, historical reenactments and the planned Liberty Village.
The ceremony concluded with McKenna, who was on the Southern Utah Veterans Home’s board for some time, passing the microphone to Jerry Olson, one of its administrators, to speak about its commitment to supporting patriotic initiatives.
“Part of our mission at the veterans home is to support our community and all things patriotic,” he said.
Moore then invited attendees to explore the Liberty Bus before returning home.
About the book
“Saving Dr. Warren…’ A True Patriot'” is a historical fiction novel that follows the adventure of eighth grader Steve O’Dell. O’Dell is transported back to 1770s Boston, where he meets and interacts with significant figures of the American Revolution, including Dr. Joseph Warren.
“Twenty-four years ago, I had never heard of Dr. Joseph Warren,” McKenna said. “He was a Boston patriot who called Paul Revere to his house on April 18, 1775. That night changed the world.”
The narrative bridges the past and the present, connecting the sacrifices of American heroes from different eras—9/11, World War II and the American Revolution. Throughout the book, O’Dell gains an understanding of patriotism and its role in shaping the United States.
“More geographical landmarks are named after Joseph than any founding father except George Washington,” McKenna said. “He was our founding fathers’ hero.”
The May 15 event marked the 250th anniversary of Dr. Joseph Warren’s sending Paul Revere on his “legendary” ride.
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