Ten teachers from Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Washington have been named as 2016 Golden Apple Award recipients, in recognition of their excellence in teaching and commitment to Catholic education. They will be recognized by Cardinal Donald Wuerl on May 11 at the eighth annual Golden Apple Awards dinner at the Mayflower Hotel in 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. 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 Golden Apple Award winning teachers are profiled in the May 5 edition of Catholic Standard on pages 9-16.