Washington, DC — Ten 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, this evening at the seventh annual Golden Apple Awards dinner at the Renaissance Hotel in Northwest Washington.

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 in April. 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 will be presented by Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington.

The 2014-2015 Golden Apple Award winners are:

• John Boldt                                              Elizabeth Seton High School, Bladensburg
religion studies teacher                                           
• Jennifer Collier                                       St. John’s Catholic School, Hollywood
pre-kindergarten teacher                             
• Leanne Emmerich                                  Little Flower School, Great Mills
fourth and fifth grade teacher
• Jane M. Johnson                                    St. Mary School, Bryantown
resource teacher
• Meghan Meyer                                       Our Lady of Victory School, Washington
middle school religion & social studies teacher
• Monica Moyer                                         St. Mary of the Mills School, Laurel
physical education teacher              
• Elizabeth  Orlandi                                   St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
middle school science teacher         
• Julie Southern Penndorf                         DeMatha Catholic High School, Hyattsville
religion teacher                                
• Jennifer Rison                                         Archbishop Neale School, LaPlata
second grade teacher
• Elizabeth Wathen                                    St. Michael School, Ridge
fifth grade teacher