Ten Catholic School Teachers Honored as Golden Apple Winners

Award Recipients will receive $5,000 prize

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ten local Catholic school teachers of the Archdiocese of Washington were honored as Golden Apple winners because of their excellence in teaching and commitment to a quality Catholic education. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the teachers were surprised with the news during virtual announcements. Award celebrations will be held at the local schools when appropriate, rather than the traditional awards dinner.

“It is an honor to recognize these teachers for their outstanding service to our schools,” Washington Archbishop Wilton Gregory said in a congratulatory video to the award recipients.  “Our Catholic school tradition is built upon unity. We are one family, one family united under one God who loves and cherishes each one of us. Congratulations to the 2020 Golden Apple Award recipients.”

The Golden Apple Award was created by the Pittsburgh-based Donahue Family Foundation whose founders, Jack and Rhodora Donahue, sent their 13 children to Catholic schools. Eager to express their deep appreciation to Catholic school teachers, the award was created to honor teachers for providing a quality academic and faith-filled education.

The teachers honored were nominated by their colleagues, students, and school parents for exemplifying the best in instructional strategies, Catholic identity, and knowledge of curriculum. The award recipients will receive a $5,000 prize along with a golden apple and certificate.

Tricia Hancock, seventh grade teacher at Little Flower School, Great Mills

Gregory Landrigan, middle school social studies teacher and language acquisition coach at Sacred Heart Bilingual School, Washington, D.C.

Germania Rebaudengo, fifth through eighth grade religion teacher and second grade math teacher at St. Bartholomew School, Bethesda

Jill Rison, instructional specialist and art teacher at St. Mary School, Bryantown

Harry Rissetto, theology teacher at Gonzaga College High School, Washington, D.C

Margaret Rodriguez, fifth grade teacher at St. Bernadette School, Silver Spring

Susan Scott, middle school math and religion teacher at Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings

Susan Kelly Sweet, kindergarten teacher at St. Mary School, Rockville

Kathleen Trees, second grade teacher at Saint Raphael School, Rockville

Luke Young, theology teacher at St. Mary’s Ryken High School, Leonardtown

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