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Thank You for Helping to Recognize Our Teachers
Citadel Heart of Learning Award
At Citadel Credit Union, we’re committed to serve those who work every day to build a better future for us all. That’s why every year, we honor teachers across the Greater Philadelphia area in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Lancaster and Philadelphia counties with the Citadel Heart of Learning Award. The program was founded over 23 years ago in partnership with the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) and remains one of our longest standing initiatives, which recognizes local teachers who show dedication in and out of the classroom. This year, we're giving a total of $60,000 to some of the best teachers in the region, along with our treasured glass heart award for each winner. The full list of this year's winners will be announced in May 2024..
How to Submit a Nomination:
All too often, teachers are unsung heroes. If you know a teacher who goes above and beyond the call of duty, share their story and how they’ve impacted your life or a student’s life. You can submit a written nomination form online, a video nomination, or email us at CitadelHeartofLearning@CitadelBanking.com. To submit a video nomination you can create a post on TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook and tag us @citadelcreditunion on TikTok or @CitadelBanking on Instagram and Facebook with the hashtag #CitadelHeartofLearning. Just make sure your video shows us exactly why your teacher should be nominated.
Citadel Heart of Learning Award 2022-23 Winners
Grand Prize Winners
William Langhorne - Avon Grove High School
William Langhorne has been a high school mathematics teacher in the Avon Grove school district for over 15 years. He is also the high school cross country coach. Within the classroom, he is an excellent teacher always ready to give up his free periods to help students gain a better understanding of what is being taught. As a cross country coach, he’s always ready, whether it’s a 5am workout, 7pm race, or organizing a team dinner. We received over 30 nominations from students and teachers that spoke of the attentiveness and dedication he gives to his students and athletes. He is an exceptional educator, mentor, and coach who fosters an environment of respect and kindness.
Tanya Prickitt - Colonial Middle School
Tanya Prickitt is a mathematics teacher at Colonial Middle School. She creates lessons that are ever changing and unique. She tries to get her students out of their seats, working in teams, trying new approaches, and finding joy in solving math. She gives up her time endlessly at the end of the day to help kids and never says no when a child needs support. Over the years, she has taken on roles as a team leader and master teacher. Her expertise and approach to learning has helped other teachers grow. She is always the first to help a colleague no matter the concern. We received over 20 nominations for Tanya from parents, fellow teachers, and students.
Annie Marie Hunton - Herbert Hoover Elementary School
Ann Marie Hunton is a special education teacher who has been teaching for over three decades. She is kind, caring, and treats all the students like they are her own children. She helps parents navigate behavioral issues and supports the children along the way. Her students know she cares for them and has an interest in their lives. She’s a model educator who truly has an impact on her students.
High School Winners:
- Gary Schmaltz - Chester Co Technical College HS
- Wendy DiRico - Conestoga High School
- Michael Podlesney - Downingtown STEM Academy
- Fonda Akins - Springfield High School
- Jessica Anderson - Penncrest High school
- Brooke Cox - Solanco High School
- Diane Weintraub - Kohelet Yeshiva High School
- Gianna Lozzi - George Washington High School
- Harold Dietrich - Twin Valley High School
Middle School Winners:
- Christy Marshall Silva - Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center
- Meagan Stolnis - Peirce Middle School
- Michelle Kreger - North Brandywine Middle School
- Colleen DiMaggio - Southeast Delco School District
- Dr. Jason Finn - Haverford Middle School
- Victoria Crawford - Donegal Intermediate School
- Colleen Cerruti - Murray Ave Middle School
- Mary Riisen - St. Norbert Middle School
- Samantha Samuels - West Oak Lane Charter School
Elementary School winners:
- Jenn Krasna - Charlestown Elementary
- Krista Troutman - French Creek
- Kristopher Stevenson - Springton Manor Elementary
- Linda Farren - Uwchlan Hills Elementary
- Dani DiNolfi - St. Joseph Downingtown
- Michele Showalter - Pocopson Elementary
- Brooke Doyle - Ithan Elementary School
- Kelly Reiner - Linwood Elementary
- Megan Hood - Octorara Elementary
Traci Watson Heart Award:
- Beverly Rusoff - Bala Cynwyd Middle School
Meet Last Year's Winners
For the 22nd year in a row, Citadel Credit Union had the honor of recognizing the most impactful teachers in the Greater Philadelphia community. We've seen thousands of heartfelt nominations recognizing their hard work and dedication and we were so excited to add these inspiring teachers to the list.
Learn more about our commitment to the community.
Explore NowThe Role of a Teacher
Over the past few years, we've seen teachers take on many different roles and responsibilities. Hear from a few previous winners about what it's like to be a teacher today and play a role in the lives of local students.
• All nominees must be Pennsylvania-certified active teachers in a Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Lancaster, or Philadelphia county public school or non-public school. Exceptions may include teachers in non-public schools who are not required to be certified, home school teachers, tutors, etc. Retired teachers are eligible as long as retirement date was at max, one year prior to award year.
• For the purpose of the Citadel Heart of Learning Award, a public school shall be defined as a school under the jurisdiction of one of the public school districts listed above and which is publicly funded; employs staff that are required to be certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education; and meet the policies, rules, and regulations of the Pennsylvania School Code.
• For the purpose of the Citadel Heart of Learning Award, Charter schools and home schools are categorized as non-public schools.
• For the purpose of the Citadel Heart of Learning Award, cyber school teachers will be eligible for nomination if the student or parent submitting the nomination resides in one of the aforementioned counties.
• All nominees must provide direct instruction to students in a classroom setting. This includes classroom teachers, subject teachers, certified teaching professionals who provide direct instruction to students, k-12, in a classroom setting, such as a reading specialist, speech therapist, learning support teacher, librarian, etc.
