A local veterans group has announced that two teachers from North Georgia will represent the state in a national awards program.

One of those teachers is Anthony Shawn Higgins, a special education teacher at Black’s Mill Elementary school.

The program is designed to recognize exemplary teachers who promote and teach patriotism and American values in their classrooms.

Higgins is now in the running with a Lumpkin County teacher for the National Citizenship Education Teacher of the Year award, competing against the winners from 49 other states.

The event is hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, department of Georgia.

Winners of the competition will receive the $1,000 past commander-in-chief John Smart Award, their school will receive $1,000. Both the winner and the school will receive a plaque.

The winner will also receive an all-expenses paid trip to attend a VFW and Ladies Auxiliary’s Annual Awards Banquet on Feb. 12 in Macon.