ORLANDO | St. Margaret Mary Catholic School, Winter Park, principal Katie Walsh received the Educator of the Year award from the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center. Walsh was recognized for being “an educational partner who brings lessons of the Holocaust to life and empowers students to act with empathy, resilience, perspective and moral courage,” according to the Holocaust Center.

Walsh said, “Throughout my time as principal of St. Margaret Mary Catholic School, we have partnered with the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center in Maitland and the ‘Names, Not Numbers’ program in educating our students about the Holocaust so that through the lessons learned, the students may develop greater empathy and respect for others, always striving to safeguard the dignity of each person. It is essential that the students come to know that the Holocaust happened and that they share what they have learned with others now and in the future, particularly since they have met Holocaust survivors and have interviewed them. Our students are truly ‘Witnesses to the Witnesses.’”

In the “Names, Not Numbers” program, students produce an oral history, film project. They learn about the Holocaust, as well as the process of interviewing and filming. Students have had the memorable opportunity to meet Holocaust survivors and have participated in film debuts of the documentary they help to create each year.

Walsh received the award at the White Rose Tribute, Nov. 4, 2026, at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

Staff Report, November 13, 2026