WASHINGTON – 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, on Wednesday, May 11 at the eighth annual Golden Apple Awards dinner at the Mayflower 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 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.

The awards will be presented by Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington.

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