CHESAPEAKE — A local principal has been honored by a state veterans’ organization for his work in the community.

Chesapeake Elementary Principal Jack Finch received the American Legion’s Educator of the Year award.

Chesapeake American Legion Post 640 Commander Larry Sumpter recommended Finch for the award. Each legion in the state can submit an educator’s name for the award. One is chosen from each legion district. Finch won the honors from the district that encompasses most of southern Ohio.

Sumpter said selecting Finch for the award was an easy decision. He said the principal has been a valuable asset to the school and the community.

Finch has been principal for more than a decade at the school and he also serves as district transportation director. He also served assistant principal.

“He has been good for the kids,” Sumpter said. “Chesapeake is a small community and he has done so much in helping the youth and other people here.”

The principal said he was honored to receive the award, but gave most of the credit others.

“I credit this recognition to the teachers, those servicing in our military and our veterans,” he said.

Finch also said that he feels it is a privilege to “live in a country of freedom to teach and develop our youth in church and school.”

Finch will be presented the award July 8 at the Dayton Convention Center.

State Legion awards are also given to other members in the community like firefighters and police officers, though the Chesapeake legion did not submit any names for those awards this year. Sumpter said he hopes to recommend locals for those honors next year.