Teacher Spotlight: Jeff Daughtry

As a veteran, Sarasota Military Academy algebra and geometry teacher Jeff Daughtry knows the meaning of sacrifice.

Daughtry and his students are giving back to his fellow veterans through the Wounded Warrior Project’s Student Ambassadors program, which raises awareness and funds to help injured service members.

More than 200 students attended the program’s first meeting in January. At the second meeting in February, Daughtry was surprised to see even more students in attendance.

“It was pretty great,” he says.

As an alumnus of the Wounded Warrior Project, working with veterans is close to the Virginia Beach, Va., native’s heart. Daughtry served in the Army from 1992 to 1996 and again after 9/11, from 2001 to 2005. He received help from the Wounded Warrior Project when he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after returning from serving overseas.

“There’s just that camaraderie that is synonymous with military service,” he says. “It’s an opportunity to work collaboratively with those who have suffered from similar situations.”

Daughtry and his students are organizing fundraisers, such as golf tournaments, raffles and silent auctions, as well as volunteering at hospitals.

“All of these kids signed up to volunteer over the summer,” says Daughtry. “This has reinstated my faith in humanity, especially our youth.”

Contact Harriet Sokmensuer at [email protected]