Three Finalists Named for 2013-2014 Lewis Award for Excellence in Teaching

The Lewis Award Committee is pleased to announce the three Finalists for 2013-2014 Award Year. The Finalists are Mrs. Joyce Blum, St. Mary Magdalene School, Apex; Mrs. Lori Haley, Pope John Paul II School, Southern Pines; and Mrs. Toni Justice, St. Egbert School, Morehead City.

2014 Finalist Mrs. Joyce Blum, St. Mary Magdalene School, Apex

2014 Finalist Mrs. Joyce Blum, St. Mary Magdalene School, Apex

Mrs. Blum has been teaching 7th and 8th Grade Religion classes at St. Mary Magdalene School in Apex for 14 of her 19 years of teaching experience. She received a BS degree in Medial Technology from State University of NY, and a Secondary Science Certification from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY. Additionally, Mrs. Blum earned a Master of Pastoral Studies in Youth Ministry from Loyola University, New Orleans. She has been recognized as a Teacher of the Year at St. Mary Magdalene. Her activities include the Monarch Leadership In Service Ministry, which is a youth ministry she began and advises at St. Mary Magdalene. Her students also participate monthly in the Brown Bag Ministry, which involves their making lunches at St. Andrew Church in Apex. Twice a year her students work on food drives for Catholic Parish Outreach. Mrs. Blum lives in Apex.

2014 Finalist Mrs. Lori Haley, Pope John Paul II School, Southern Pines

2014 Finalist Mrs. Lori Haley, Pope John Paul II School, Southern Pines

Mrs. Lori Haley teaches 6th-8th Grade Mathematics and Science at Pope John Paul II School in Southern Pines. She has served on the faculty for 3 years, bringing with her 30+ years of teaching experience. Mrs. Haley holds a BS in Elementary Education from University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and an MS in Middle Grades Mathematics from Fayetteville State University. She was a Teacher of the Year at New Century Middle School in 2007; and is active in her home church, Our Savior Lutheran, serving as lay reader, assisting minister and teaches Sunday School and Faith Formation classes. At Pope John Paul II, Mrs. Haley is Team Advisor to the LEGO Robotics Club; is the Drama Club Advisor; serves as a School Advisory Board member, and is the chairperson for Pope John Paul II AdvancED Reaccreditation Committee. Mrs. Haley lives in Pinehurst.

2014 Finalist Mrs. Toni Justice, St. Egbert School, Morehead City

2014 Finalist Mrs. Toni Justice, St. Egbert School, Morehead City

Mrs. Toni Justice has taught for 36 years, 21 of them in the Diocese of Raleigh School System. For the last 5 years, she has taught the 3rd Grade, in addition to teaching 4th Grade Science at St. Egbert School in Morehead City. She earned her BS in Elementary Education, with a Minor in History, from Barton College, formerly Atlantic Christian College. She has served on the Schools Superintendent’s Advisory Council in Carteret County; on the West Carteret County High School Advisory Council; and is on the St. Egbert School Leadership Team. Other activities include being co-owner of “The Etiquette Company”, which teaches social graces, manners and dance to 3rd–7th graders; plays in golf tournaments benefitting local schools; and is active in the United Methodist Women, and a member of Harlowe Untied Methodist Church. Mrs. Justice lives in Morehead City.