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Celebrating Outstanding Local Teachers
Citadel Heart of Learning Awards
At Citadel Credit Union, we’re committed to serving 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.
We were proud to honor this year’s outstanding teachers with our treasured glass heart award and more than $100,000 in prizes, including $10,000 for each of the six grand prize winners, with $5,000 awarded to the teacher and $5,000 to their school, as well as $1,000 for each of the other winners. In honor of our 25th anniversary, we also awarded a $2,500 prize to three teachers with 25 or more years of experience.
As we celebrate these remarkable educators, we are already looking ahead to our 2026 awards and invite you to nominate one of the area’s best teachers for next year’s recognition.
How to Submit a Nomination:
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
2025-26 Grand Prize Winner: Beth Madden
Science Teacher, Holicong Middle School
Central Bucks School District
Beth Madden is celebrated by her students and colleagues as a supportive, patient, and deeply committed educator who helps every student feel valued and capable of success. Her engaging teaching style brings learning to life through meaningful real-world connections that inspire curiosity and a love of learning. Beth’s impact extends far beyond the classroom, as she regularly volunteers in the community and leads by example with compassion and generosity. A department coordinator, mentor to fellow teachers, and educator with 34 years of service, Beth has inspired generations of students and made an extraordinary difference in her school and community.
Additional Bucks County Winners:
- Michele Cromwell: Joseph Ferderbar Elementary, Fourth Grade Teacher, Neshaminy School District
- Caitlyn Danka: Upper Bucks County Technical School, Veterinary Assisting instructor, Serving Multiple School Districts
- Sheila Minsky: Pennsbury High School, Business Teacher, Pennsbury School District
- Rachael Tubiello: Springfield Elementary School, First Grade Teacher, Palisades School District
Chester County
2025-26 Grand Prize Winner: Matthew Handerhan
Art Teacher, Scott Middle School
Chester County School District
Students, parents, and colleagues describe Mr. Handerhan as a kind, funny, and inspiring art teacher who makes a powerful difference in the lives of his students. Through his creative and engaging teaching style, he helps students grow in their artistic abilities, build confidence, and discover a love for art, even if they did not have one before. His classroom is a safe and welcoming space where students feel supported, understood, and encouraged to keep trying. Beyond the art room, Mr. Handerhan also coaches soccer and lacrosse and plays an active role in strengthening the school community.
Additional Chester County Winners:
- Jeffrey Ferguson: E.N. Peirce Middle School, Seventh Grade Math Teacher, West Chester School District
- Joseph Hawkins: Owen J. Roberts High School, Chemistry Teacher, Owen J. Roberts School District
- Brigid Redmond: Devon Elementary, Autism Support Teacher, Tredyffrin/Easttown School District
- Connor Tabak: Great Valley Middle School, Autistic Support Teacher, Great Valley School District
- Dana Webb: Oxford Area High School, English Teacher, Oxford Area School District
CHOLA 25th Anniversary Winner
Beth Adams: New Eagle Elementary School, First Grade Teacher, Tredyffrin/Easttown School District
Delaware County
2025-26 Grand Prize Winner: Brittany Hagan
7th Grade English Teacher, Garnet Valley Middle School
Garnet Valley School District
Brittany Hagan is celebrated as a passionate, creative, and compassionate educator who transforms learning into an engaging and memorable experience for her students. With her enthusiasm, humor, and innovative teaching style, she makes school exciting while helping students build confidence and a strong academic foundation. She is deeply committed to knowing and supporting each student not only academically, but personally, creating a classroom where everyone feels safe, valued, and inspired. Beyond her classroom, Brittany volunteers for school events, sports, and musicals, supports students in their extracurricular activities, and shares ideas with fellow educators, extending her impact throughout the school community.
Additional Delaware County Winners:
- Shannon DaMico: Chester Charter Scholars Academy, Math Lab Teacher & Coach, Chester-Upland School District
- Emily Kelley: Penncrest High School, Fine Arts Teacher, Rose Tree Media School District
- Jessica Smith: Bethel Springs Elementary School, Third Grade Teacher, Garnet Valley School District
- Lindsay Toriello-Uliasz: Paxon Hollow Middle School, Life Skills Teacher, Marple Newtown School District
Lancaster County
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2025-26 Grand Prize Winner: Kimberly McFadden
Science Teacher, McCaskey High School
School District of Lancaster
Kimberly McFadden is a dedicated and compassionate educator who makes a life-changing difference for refugees and newly arrived students as they adjust to a new country, language, and school system. Through patient, hands-on STEM instruction and a deeply supportive classroom environment, she helps students build essential academic and life skills while restoring their confidence and belief in their potential. Kimberly creates a safe, welcoming space where students feel secure, motivated, and capable of success. Her impact extends beyond the classroom as she guides families, mentors colleagues, and serves as a steady, trusted presence in her school community.
Additional Lancaster County Winners:
- Lauren Ciemiewicz: Penn Manor Hight School, Music Teacher, Penn Manor School District
- Karla Honeywell: Price Elementary School, Fifth Grade Teacher, School District of Lancaster
- Justine Lemon: New Story School, Special Education Teacher, School District of Lancaster
- Charity Wheeler: Donegal Junior High School, Seventh Grade Science Teacher, Donegal School District
CHOLA 25th Anniversary Winner
Arlene Gibble: Park Elementary School, First Grade Teacher, Columbia Borough School District
Montgomery County
2025-26 Grand Prize Winner: Betina Roher
Social Studies Teacher, Abington High School
Abington School District
Bentina Roher is widely recognized as an extraordinary educator whose impact reaches far beyond academics. Students consistently describe her as a trusted mentor who listens, encourages, and helps them grow into confident, thoughtful young adults, often remaining a source of guidance long after graduation. Her classroom is a place students want to be, shaped by her passion, positivity, humor, and high expectations. Through real-world experiences, meaningful conversations, and engaging lessons, she inspires students to think critically, act compassionately, and find their voices. Hardworking, ethical, and deeply invested in others, Mrs. Roher is a leader whose influence strengthens her school community every day.
Additional Montgomery County Winners:
- Lisa Antinucci: The Pathway School, Special Education Teacher, Non-Profit Special Education School
- Joe D'Orazio: Spring-Ford Middle School, 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher & Coach, Spring-Ford Area School District
- Gina Federinko: Lower Moreland Middle School, Emotional Support Teacher, Lower Moreland Township School District
- Amy Venkus: Colonial Middle School, Music Teacher- Chorus & Musical Theatre, Colonial 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.
- Meghan Cicchino: Eastern Center for Arts and Technology, Welding Technology Teacher, Serving Nine Eastern Montgomery County School Districts
Philadelphia County
2025-26 Grand Prize Winner: Brittanie Speirs
Special Education Teacher, Autistic Support, Laura W. Waring Elementary School
School District of Philadelphia
Brittanie Speirs is celebrated by students, families, and colleagues as an extraordinary educator whose compassion, dedication, and belief in every child truly change lives. As an autistic support teacher, she creates a safe, structured, and welcoming classroom where students feel understood, valued, and capable of success. Through her individualized approach, she helps students build academic skills, confidence, independence, and important life skills, often guiding them toward remarkable personal and academic growth. Beyond the classroom, Brittanie is a mentor, coach, and fierce advocate for students with autism and diverse learning needs. Her tireless commitment and heart-centered teaching make a lasting impact on her entire school community.
Additional Philadelphia County Winners:
- Michael Andrews: General George A. McCall School, First Grade Teacher, School District of Philadelphia
- Janel Moore-Almond: George Washington Carver High School of Engineering & Science, Eight Grade History, AP US History, and Sociology Teacher, School District of Philadelphia
- Angela Pelosi: Eliza B. Kirkbride Elementary School, Fourth & Fifth Grade ESL Teacher, School District of Philadelphia
- Thuy Ta: Saint Malachy School, Second Grade Teacher, An Independence Mission School
CHOLA 25th Anniversary Winner
Nancy Cubano: Independence Charter School, Grades Sixth – Eighth Spanish Content Lead, School District of Philadelphia
Learn more about our commitment to the community.
Explore NowCitadel Heart of Learning 2026
The Citadel Heart of Learning Awards celebrate extraordinary educators who go above and beyond to inspire students, strengthen communities, and shape the future through education. Join us as we recognize this year’s Grand Prize Winners and honor the passion, dedication, and impact they bring to their schools and classrooms every day. At Citadel, we’re proud to support the educators who make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
• 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.
