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Celebrating Outstanding Local Teachers
Citadel Heart of Learning Awards
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 outstanding teachers across the Greater Philadelphia area in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Lancaster and Philadelphia counties with the Citadel Heart of Learning Award. This year's winners each received our treasured glass heart award and a total of over $85,000 in prizes, including $10,000 for each grand prize winner ($5,000 for the teacher and $5,000 for their school) and $1,000 for each of the other winners.
How to Submit a Nomination:
We accept nominations all year long, so your favorite teacher could be selected next! 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.
Bucks County
Grand Prize Winner: Justin Fachet
3rd Grade Teacher, Tinicum Elementary School
Palisades School District
Mr. Fachet’s students describe him as an amazing academic teacher but also an amazing role model. Nominators praised him for his unique teaching style, his ability to connect with students, and his unwavering passion for helping every child thrive. One parent shared, “My son was so inspired by Mr. Fachet that he used a 3D printer to make a ‘Best Teacher Ever’ award to give to him!” It’s clear that Mr. Fachet is an educator who goes above and beyond to inspire and uplift his students, both academically and personally. His approach to education ensures that every student feels seen, heard, and valued.
Additional Bucks County Winners:
- Janet Richard: Willow Dale Elementary School, Literacy Boost Aide, Centennial School District
- Kurt Amen: Quakertown Community High School, Science Teacher, Quakertown Community School District
- Tom Mellon: Charles Boehm Middle School, Science Teacher, Pennsbury School District
- Gene Talarico: Bucks County Technical High School, Technical Teacher, Multiple Districts
Chester County
Grand Prize Winner: Jackie Mavrelos
Gifted Support Teacher, Oxford Area High School
Oxford Area School District
“Mrs. Mav”, as her students call her, was described by her nominators as an educator whose kindness and support never wavers. One student shared, “The moment any student enters Mrs. Mav’s classroom, the positivity is palpable, and learning thrives. She pushes me out of my comfort zone and encourages me to have difficult conversations that are necessary for my growth. Mrs. Mav always puts her students before herself.” She is known to support students both in and out of the classroom, helping to lead the Student Assistance Team and frequently attending her students’ extracurricular events.
Additional Chester County Winners:
- Chris Palochak: East Vincent Elementary School, Math & Science Teacher, Owen J. Roberts School District
- Nini McGlinchey: Greystone Elementary School, Kindergarten Teacher, West Chester Area School District
- Christi Barton: Brandywine Wallace Elementary School, 1st Grade Teacher, Downingtown Area School District
- Brittney Ehrenzeller: Phoenixville High School, Spanish & Educators Rising Teacher, Phoenixville School District
- David Maicher: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary School, 7th Grade Teacher, Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Delaware County
Grand Prize Winner: Stacey Kucera
3rd Grade Teacher, Chester Charter Scholars Academy
Chester-Upland School District
Mrs. Kucera’s students and their families described her as a “true role model,” with many sharing how she goes above and beyond to support her students. As one nominator said, “She is the definition of an outstanding teacher” and she’s been at it for over 20 years. Whether it's providing meals, clothing, school supplies, or addressing social and emotional needs, she teaches the whole child with unwavering compassion. Her annual classroom award ceremony helps students to identify the qualities that make them unique and special to ensure students see the best in themselves when others may not.
Additional Delaware County Winners:
- Kimberly Riviere: Penncrest High School, French Teacher, Rose Tree Media School District
- Christina Rainville: Paxon Hollow Middle School, History Teacher, Newtown School District
- Gregory Moore: Radnor Elementary School, 3rd Grade Teacher, Radnor Township School District
- Colleen Bray: Pennell Elementary School, 4th Grade Teacher, Penn Delco School District
Lancaster County
Grand Prize Winner: Teresa Ashby
Kindergarten Teacher, Lafayette Elementary
Lancaster School District
Mrs. Ashby received heartfelt nominations from her students and their families. Described as a mentor, a role model, and a teacher who empowers her students, Mrs. Ashby’s influence reaches far beyond the classroom. One student shared, “She’s like family to us—her love for us is unwavering.” She doesn’t just teach; she inspires, uplifts, and gives her students the tools and confidence they need to succeed. Her encouragement and belief in her students’ potential inspires them to reach new heights, instilling confidence that lasts a lifetime.
Additional Lancaster County Winners:
- Melissa Weaver: Lampeter Elementary School, Health & PE Teacher, Lampeter-Strasburg School District
- Courtney Knapp: Salisbury Elementary School, Kindergarten Teacher, Pequea Valley School District
- Damian Hondares: Linden Hall School, English Teacher, Non-Public Charter
- Courtney Harting: Penn Manor High School, English Teacher, Penn Manor School District
Montgomery County
Grand Prize Winner: Teresa Straffin
Autistic Support Teacher (K-2), Enfield Elementary School
Springfield Township School District
Teresa’s nominations included support from over 15 fellow teachers, one of whom said she is “the most selfless amazing, and hard-working teacher I know.” Her dedication to her students, their families and her Special Education team is clear, and she often acts as a mentor to her colleagues, always taking the time to support a teacher in need. With her students, she advocates for each of them and finds ways for them to shine in front of their peers. Her classroom is a sanctuary of inclusion where every student feels seen and celebrated.
Additional Montgomery County Winners:
- Wayne Stratz: The Pathway School, Science Teacher, Non-Public Charter
- James Muscarella: Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, Science Teacher, Colonial School District
- Michelle Johnson: Woodland Elementary School, 2nd Grade Teacher, Methacton School District
- Samhita Basuthakur: Spring Ford 7th & 8th Grade Centers, English Teacher, Spring Ford Area School District
Traci Watson Heart Award:
This award recognizes an outstanding fine arts teacher each year. It’s named in honor of an employee of Citadel’s creative team who is sadly no longer with us. Traci had a deep respect for the arts and felt that art & music programs were integral to a student’s overall education.
- Charlie Speicher: Cole Manor Elementary School, Music Teacher, Norristown School District
Philadelphia County
Grand Prize Winner: Erica DeVose
7th & 8th Grade ELA Teacher, Eliza B Kirkbride School
The School District of Philadelphia
Mrs. DeVose is described as a consistent, passionate, and loving educator. Her nominators say she goes to great lengths to make her projects fun, relatable, and meaningful for all her students. She’s patient, pushing past language barriers so her students are ready for high school. And she cares for the holistic child, making sure to support them even beyond her classroom. It was said that “she truly carries the heart to teach.” Outside of her classroom, she supports the success of her students by helping them obtain summer jobs and prepare for the transition to high school. Her ability to connect with each child on a personal level has made her a true asset to her school community.
Additional Philadelphia County Winners:
- Rashida Stamps: The Academy at Palumbo, Health & PE Teacher, The School District of Philadelphia
- Bernadette Ruch: Resurrection Regional Catholic School, 8th Grade Teacher, Archdiocese of Philadelphia
- Judith Grant: Spring Garden School, Math & Science Teacher, The School District of Philadelphia
- Winnie Danford: Anne Frank Elementary School, 3rd Grade Teacher, The School District of Philadelphia
Learn more about our commitment to the community.
Explore NowWatch Our Short Documentary
In this documentary, we take you behind the scenes to celebrate the dedicated teachers who make a difference every day. Watch as we surprise some previous winners and hear from them 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.
