WASHINGTON (April 27, 2016)—Three southern Maryland-based teachers from Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Washington are being honored for their excellence in teaching and commitment to Catholic education. They will be recognized by Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington, on Wednesday, May 11 at the eighth annual Golden Apple Awards dinner at the Mayflower Hotel in Northwest Washington.
The local 2016 Golden Apple Award winners are:
• Maureen Mullen Detrick, Father Andrew White School, Leonardtown, middle school religion & English teacher;
• Tricia Morrison, St. Mary's School, Bryantown, first grade teacher; and
• John Olon, St. Mary's Ryken High School, Leonardtown, theology teacher.
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 receive a $5,000 prize along with a golden apple and certificate.
The awards were announced by surprising the teachers at their respective schools this last week. 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.