Social studies teacher and Princess Anne High School wrestling coach Marty Erickson is being recognized by the Virginia Beach Freemasons with the Community Service Award, given to people who are dedicated to working with high school kids achieve success in sports and community service.

Erickson started a non-profit (501C3 tax exempt) organization aimed at community outreach via athletics and community service called VB-Town Center Mat Club. They have participated in various community service projects. For example, last January he and the upperclassmen read to third graders at Seatack Elementary School, with a different group of students going each week. In addition, at the end of last school year, Erickson was approached by Seatack teachers when they did not have enough parent volunteers to have their annual field day. The wrestling team stepped up, and all the wrestlers gave up an afternoon of training and made field day happen for those students.

Erickson has also seen that the Princess Anne wrestling team donates a portion of their fundraising dollars to deserving organizations, such as Operation Smile.

Congratulations!