2014 Distinguished Catholic School Educator Awards
Congratulations to the finalists and winners of the 2014 Distinguished Catholic School Educator Awards in the Diocese of Orlando.
Award Recipients and Finalists
Administrator of the Year
Finalists: Mrs. Geraldine Gendall, Principal of St. James Cathedral School in Orlando and Mrs. Kathleen Walsh, Principal of St. Margaret Mary Catholic School in Winter Park
Winner: Dr. Kathleen Kiley, Principal of St. Andrew Catholic School in Orlando
High School Teacher of the Year
Finalists: Mrs. Mary Byrnes, Central Catholic High School in Melbourne and Mrs. Leyzia Maisonave, Santa Fe Catholic High School in Lakeland
Winner: Mr. Vince Balaguer, Bishop Moore Catholic High School in Orlando
Elementary School Teacher of the Year
Finalists: Mrs. Beth Hamby, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School in Indiatlantic and Mrs. Carol Polkowski, St. Joseph Catholic School in Winter Haven
Winner: Mrs. Barbara Havens, Sacred Heart Catholic School in New Smyrna Beach
2013 Distinguished Catholic School Educator Awards
Award Recipients and Finalists
Administrator of the Year
Finalists: Mrs. Geraldine Gendall, Principal of St. James Cathedral School in Orlando and Mrs. Kathleen Walsh, Principal of St. Margaret Mary Catholic School in Winter Park
Winner: Dr. Margaret Curran, Principal of Annunciation Catholic Academy in Altamonte Springs
High School Teacher of the Year
Finalists: Mr. William Burns, Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala and Mrs. Roberta Snyder, Father Lopez Catholic High School in Daytona Beach
Winner: Mr. Daniel Ensell, Central Catholic High School in Melbourne
Elementary School Teacher of the Year
Finalists: Mrs. Helen Del Rey, Annunciation Catholic Academy in Altamonte Springs and Mrs. Deborah Hempstead, Good Shepherd Catholic School in Orlando
Winner: Mrs. Barbara Schirard, All Souls Catholic School in Sanford
Thank you to our Sponsors:
2012 Catholic School Teacher of the Year
21st Century Catholic School Teacher of the Year
- High School Category – Mrs. Marie Gallo-Lethcoe, Father Lopez Catholic High School, Daytona Beach
- Elementary School Category – Mrs. Deena Porter, St. Joseph Academy, Lakeland
21st Century Catholic School Leader of the Year
- Mr. Doug Workman, Principal, Ascension Catholic School, Melbourne
2011 Catholic School Teacher of the Year
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for the 21st Century Catholic School Awards Program is open to those who meet the following criteria.
Leader of the Year
- Full-time president, principal or assistant principal who has been employed by the Diocese of Orlando for a minimum of two years in one of these positions.
2010 Catholic School Teacher of the Year
Teacher of the Year
- Full-time, certified teachers who teach any classes pre-kindergarten through 12th grade;
- Media and technology teachers who collaboratively plan and teach with classroom teachers;
- Instructors who have some administrative responsibilities, but for whom teaching is the applicant’s primary responsibility; and
- Teachers employed full-time by the Diocese of Orlando for a minimum of two years.