By Sara Feld
Calendar Editor
The National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution, el Redondo Chapter, awarded American history teacher and Model United Nations advisor Wayne Knutson the Outstanding Teacher of American History Award on Jan. 11 for his service to Mira Costa.
DAR is a volunteer service organization that is dedicated to promoting patriotism and preserving American history. This honor is awarded to teachers who show support for American patriotism, the country and the Constitution.
“I think it’s always great whenever history is recognized as an important subject, and I am always pleased with anything that values history.” Knutson said.
Jed Rucker, American history teacher at the Manhattan Beach Middle School, also received the Outstanding Teacher of American History Award. Rucker has been teaching early American history for the past 15 years at MBMS. Knutson has been teaching for 11 years.
“I am humbled to receive such recognition because the Daughters of the American Revolution is a revered organization with a rich history,” Rucker said. “Moreover, the outstanding work that is done on a daily basis by teachers in the Manhattan Beach Unified School District is often overlooked or undervalued.”
Members of DAR must trace their lineage to someone who fought in the American Revolution. Current or past students that are related to members nominated Knutson and Rucker, anonymously.
“I love that Knutson doesn’t just teach solely from the book,” junior Matteo Carella said. “He does activities to really make you understand what you are learning,”
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