The Lewis Award

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Thank You For Your Leadership, Dr. Grochowski!

Thank You For Your Leadership, Dr. Grochowski!

by | May 1, 2020 | Uncategorized

Dr. Colleen GrochowskiDr. Colleen Grochowski, the Chair of the Lewis Award, will relinquish the position in May. Dr. Grochowski, the Associate Dean for Curricular Affairs for Duke University School of Medicine, has been offered and accepted an excellent job opportunity in another state. Colleen has served on the Lewis Award Committee since 2005, as Vice Chair from 2010 to 2017, and as Chair from 2017 to the present.

In 2017, when asked to reflect on her role on the Lewis Award Committee she responded:

“I was honored when Anne (Stahel) asked me to join the committee, but I had no idea just how special this experience would be! … The Lewis Award has humbled me in so many ways. I am inspired by Anne Stahel’s passion for Catholic education and her devotion to Monsignor Lewis. Monsignor Lewis is completely amazing himself! And the committee members are remarkable — each with busy lives yet so generous in giving their time to the Lewis Award. I can’t tell you what an honor it is to be allowed into teachers’ classrooms to observe them. I’m touched by their commitment to their students, their energy, and their creativity. Their love for their students is palpable. I also am impressed by the leadership and support provided to the teachers by the principals. I’ve had the opportunity to travel from ‘coast to coast’ in the diocese, observe educators, and honor them. What could be more extraordinary?”

The Committee has been so fortunate to be led by Dr. Grochowski. She has been an integral part of the Committee through her unwavering commitment and support. Colleen will be sorely missed. Through her leadership, the purpose and the goals of the Lewis Award continue to encourage and recognize excellence in teaching in our Catholic schools. Thank you, Colleen!

Congratulations and best wishes as she begins a new life journey.

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Lewis Award Announcement 2019-2020

Lewis Award Announcement 2019-2020

by | Mar 13, 2020 | Excellence in Teaching, News

Ms. Tina Isenbarger

St. Ann Catholic School, Fayetteville

The Lewis Award Committee is pleased to announce that Ms.Tina Isenbarger has been selected as the 2019-2020 Recipient of the Monsignor Gerald Lawrence Lewis Award for Excellence in Teaching. Ms. Isenbarger, who currently teaches Fifth Grade, is in her nineteenth year of teaching with the last ten years at St. Ann Catholic School.

Ms. Isenbarger feels that teachers striving for excellence in Catholic schools
2019-2020 Lewis Award Recipient, Tina Isenbarger, St. Ann Catholic School, Fayetteville

“need an appreciation for the Catholic Faith. Their role as a Catholic School teacher is to continually prepare students in attaining the sacraments. Embrace the parish resources and support that are provided to teach in a Catholic School. [Teachers] need to enhance personal knowledge by attending Catechist classes so they can build a solid moral foundation for their students.”

Ms. Rene Corders, Principal of St. Ann’s, wrote in a letter of recommendation for the Award:

“In addition to her effectiveness in the classroom Ms. Isenbarger distinguishes herself by her involvement in the total school experience… and is involved in every school activity to some degree. She makes a difference on a daily basis.

Although Ms. Isenbarger is a member of another parish, her loyalty to the school’s mission and her understanding of the obvious connections between our church and school compel her to be visible and engaged in St. Ann parish activities.”

Ms. Isenbarger received a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and a Reading Validation from Ohio University, and a Masters degree in Special Education from Fayetteville State University.

The Lewis Award will be presented to Ms. Isenbarger at a special Liturgy on April 22 at St. Ann Catholic Church.

Congratulations, Ms. Isenbarger!

Meet the Finalists: David Ratte

Meet the Finalists:
David Ratte

by | Feb 25, 2020 | Excellence in Teaching, News

David Ratte, Infant of Prague Catholic School, JacksonvilleIn January the Lewis Award Committee announced the Finalists for the 2019-2020 Monsignor Gerald L. Lewis Award for Excellence in Teaching. During the month of February, the Lewis Award Committee will observe the three Finalists in their classrooms and each of them will be featured on this website. If you would like to read more about these exceptional teachers click here.

Mr. David Ratte

Infant of Prague Catholic School, Jacksonville

Eighth Grade Religion & Middle School Science

In the first set of pictures, Mr. Ratte’s Fifth Grade class is in the Computer Lab researching climate. The second set of pictures are the Sixth Grade class is in the Science Lab studying and discussing the properties of waves.

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Meet the Finalists: Nicole Adkins

Meet the Finalists:
Nicole Adkins

by | Feb 18, 2020 | Excellence in Teaching, News

Nicole Adkins, St. Raphael Catholic School, RaleighIn January the Lewis Award Committee announced the Finalists for the 2019-2020 Monsignor Gerald L. Lewis Award for Excellence in Teaching. During the month of February, the Lewis Award Committee will observe the three Finalists in their classrooms and each of them will be featured on this website. If you would like to read more about these exceptional teachers click here.

Ms. Nicole Adkins

St. Raphael Catholic School, Raleigh

Middle School Language Arts

Ms. Adkins’ 6th grade students, after finishing Carl Hiaasen literature circles, were working cooperatively on an eco research project that affected the characters in their books. Students read Hoot, Chomp, Flush or Scat. The final product will showcase the habitat, eco problem affecting their character, and the solutions.

Teams of students in Ms. Adkins’ class are engaged in reading All Summer in a Day, by Ray Bradbury. The teams then responded to the meaning of empathy and how it affected the characters in the book.

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