THORNDALE, PA — The winners of the seventh annual Citadel Heart of Learning Award were announced Tuesday evening at a banquet held at the Desmond Hotel in Malvern, PA, and among the winners was CCIU teacherr Dr. Megan Lynott. Dr. Lynott, the instructor of the allied health science program at the Center for Arts & Technology Brandywine Campus, was selected as the recipient of the High School Citadel Heart of Learning Award. Dr. Lynott share the Citadel Heart of Learning award honors with Mary Kay McCann from Octorara Elementary School and Krista Venza from Owen J. Roberts Middle School, the elementary and middle school award winners, respectively. The three teachers were selected from over 2800 nominations for teachers from Chester County's 12 public school districts and nearly 100 non-public and charter schools.
An audience of more than 160 joined in congratulating not only the three winners, but also the 12 other finalists being honored that evening. The evening’s presenters, including Michael Schnably, Senior Vice President of Citadel; Dr. Joseph O’Brien, Executive Director of the Chester County Intermediate Unit; Claudia Hellebush, President of the United Way of Chester County; and Jeff March, President and CEO of Citadel, each expressed their gratitude to all educators for the influence that they have on our students and our community.
“As a candle burns it consumes itself to light the way for others,” said Michael Schnably Senior Vice President at Citadel and Co-Chair of the program. “Just like a candle, a good teacher ignites curiosity, illuminates the possibilities and shines upon the students. Our hope for this evening is that the light these teachers so selflessly shed, be turned and shine radiantly on them as we pay tribute to their dedication in shaping the lives of children.”
The Citadel Heart of Learning Award program was created in a joint effort by Citadel and the Chester County Intermediate Unit to recognize and honor excellent teachers throughout the county. One award is presented to a teacher in each of the 13 school districts as well as one from the Chester County Intermediate Unit and one from the non-public schools.
Fifteen finalists and three winners were selected from a record-breaking 2800 nominations submitted by students, parents, teachers and administrators. Throughout the past two months, Citadel representatives have been traveling across Chester County to present each of the fifteen finalists with the Citadel Heart of Learning Award. Each of the fifteen finalists received $500 to use in their classrooms and a custom glass sculpture from Simon Pearce. Each of the three winners received an additional $1000 to use in their classrooms.
