Lewis Award Names Three Finalists for the 2014-2015 Lewis Award for Excellence in Teaching

The Lewis Award Committee has announced the three Finalists for the 2014-2015 Award year. They are Mrs. Karen Clark of Immaculata School, Durham; Mrs. Barbara Lamblin of St. John Paul II School, Southern Pines; and Mrs. Cynthia Messina of St. Raphael School, Raleigh.

Mrs. Karen Clark, Immaculata Catholic School, Durham NC

Mrs. Karen Clark, 6th-8th Grade Science, Immaculata Catholic School, Durham NC

Mrs. Karen Clark has been teaching 6th–8th Grade Science at Immaculata Catholic School in Durham for eleven years. She is very involved as a presenter of workshops in the Diocese of Raleigh and other areas; has had magazine articles published; active in school liturgies, and as advisor to the student yearbook staff and the National Junior Honor Society. Asked about the rewards of teaching in a Catholic school, Mrs. Clark wrote, “Science is used to illuminate the beauty of God’s Creation. Our school strives to find ways for all students to discover their gifts and use them for the benefit of our community.

Mrs. Barbara “Barb” Lamblin, St. John Paul II Catholic School, Southern Pines

Mrs. Barbara “Barb” Lamblin, K-8 Resource and 6th-8th Grade Religion, St. John Paul II Catholic School, Southern Pines

Mrs. Barbara “Barb” Lamblin is the K-8 Resource and 6th–8th Grade Religion teacher at St. John Paul II Catholic School in Southern Pines. All of her eight years of teaching in the Diocese of Raleigh have been in her present position. She holds a M.ED from UVA in Special Education. Asked what was the most valuable thing she has learned in recent years, Mrs. Lamblin replied that after attending seminars on dyslexia, she “committed to helping students, parents, and peer teachers understand the brain science of language disorders. Sharing research and data helps bring about understanding, the first step on the journey.

Mrs. Cynthia "Cindi" Messina, St. Raphael Catholic School, Raleigh

Mrs. Cynthia “Cindi” Messina, K-8 Art, St. Raphael Catholic School, Raleigh


Mrs. Cynthia “Cindi” Messina teaches K–8 Art at St. Raphael Catholic School in Raleigh, and has been in that position for thirteen years. Included among her multiple church and community interests, many with an art focus, are working with the Boy Scout Art Merit Badge; Catholic Schools Live!; Pinwheels for Peace; and volunteering at parish and school functions. In answer to being asked what she wished her students to remember about her as a teacher, Mrs. Messina said, “I want them to keep their eyes open to see the beauty in what God created and what they can create themselves.