Ten Local Teachers Honored for Excellence in Teaching
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Annual Golden Apple Award Salutes Commitment to Catholic Education
WASHINGTON – Ten teachers from Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Washington were honored for their excellence in teaching and commitment to Catholic education. They were recognized yesterday evening by Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington at the eighth annual Golden Apple Awards dinner at the Mayflower Hotel in Northwest Washington. Father William Byrne, pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, was the master of ceremonies for the evening.
The teachers 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 received a $5,000 prize along with a golden apple and certificate.
The awards were announced by surprising the teachers at their respective schools. Students, fellow teachers, administrators, parents and family members were on hand as representatives from the Catholic Schools Office of the Archdiocese of Washington came to the schools to personally inform them of their selection.
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 awards were presented by Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington.
The awards were announced in late April by surprising each of the teachers at their respective schools. Students, fellow teachers, administrators, parents and family members were on hand as representatives from the Catholic Schools Office of the Archdiocese of Washington came to the schools to personally inform them of their selection. Footage taken at each of these visits has been produced into a video that was shown at last night’s dinner.
The 2016 Golden Apple Award winners are:
Maureen Mullen Detrick Father Andrew White School, Leonardtown
middle school religion & English teacher
Marianne Green Holy Trinity School, Washington
middle school religion & English teacher
Mark Hammett St. Pius X Regional School, Bowie
middle school religion teacher
Christina Harrington Holy Redeemer School, College Park
fourth grade teacher
Gretchen Hochhausler Our Lady of Victory School, Washington
middle school math & science teacher
Julia Kelly Academy of St. Matthias the Apostle, Lanham
art teacher
Kathy Miller St. Jude Regional Catholic School, Rockville
middle school English teacher
Erin Morris Bright DeMatha Catholic High School, Hyattsville
theology teacher
Tricia Morrison St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
first grade teacher
John Olon St. Mary’s Ryken High School, Leonardtown
theology teacher
For insights into the surprise celebrations at the schools, visit the #GoldenApple Twitter feed by @WashArchdiocese.
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The Archdiocese of Washington is home to over 620,000 Catholics, 139 parishes and 95 Catholic schools, located in Washington, D.C., and five Maryland counties: Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s.
CONTACT:
Lindsey Frechou
301-853-4516
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