Gloucester High School teacher James Eccleston, a member of the school’s faculty for more than 30 years, was named the Virginia Veterans of Foreign Wars’ High School Teacher of the Year for 2018.

Eccleston, a member of the school’s social studies department, received the honor at the Virginia VFW Winter Conference on Jan. 12 in Portsmouth. The presentation was made at a dinner singling out youth achievement and the teachers who “make it happen,” a release stated. Eccleston also received a $500 check.

He was recommended by Melissa Larsen from the GHS English Department in October. His nomination packet was given to Gloucester VFW Post 8252 and submitted by Post Commander Chris Emanus for First District judging. His nomination won at the VFW District level in early December. The state judging was completed later that month.

Eccleston’s nomination is now at the national level for consideration for the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Te...