Learning should be an adventure. The best educators find ways to instill this belief in their students. Two Catholic school teachers and an administrator were honored this week for exemplifying this philosophy in private schools.
The Pennsylvania affiliate of the Council on American Private Education (PA-CAPE) presented its inaugural recognition awards to teachers and administrators from across the Commonwealth at the state Capitol on May 7, 2014. The celebration was part of a special day in Harrisburg that included a rally in support of the successful Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs.
Diane Hediger, a pre-school teacher at Queen of Angels Regional Catholic School in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, was recognized as Early Education Teacher of the Year.
The Secondary School Teacher of the Year was Timothy J. Waxenfelter, He teaches ancient history, American history and American government at Quigley Catholic High School in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
Maureen C. Thiec was named Secondary School Administrator of the Year. She is principal of Delone Catholic High School in the Diocese of Harrisburg.
“We are so pleased to recognize these (educators) for their outstanding achievement!” said Sean McAleer, co-coordinator of PA-CAPE. “Through their leadership and commitment to quality private school education, they exemplify the values and the message of PA-CAPE.” McAleer is also the director of education for the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference (PCC).
“These teachers and administrators provide an outstanding example of how Pennsylvania private schools are changing the lives of students both in and outside of the classroom. Dr. D. Merle Skinner, co-coordinator of PA-CAPE noted, “The participants were nominated by their peers in the profession and the finalists chosen by a diverse group of professional educators representing the private school community at both the secondary and collegiate levels.”
PA-CAPE provides a framework for communication and cooperation among non-public pre-K through secondary schools in Pennsylvania. The council promotes the vital role of private schools and their significant contributions to education and promoting the common good in Pennsylvania. PC-CAPE advocates the right of private schools to fulfill their unique mission and the rights of parents to educate their children in the schools of their choice. It fosters the participation of everyone in the private school community in shaping Pennsylvania’s education agenda.
Representing approximately 85 percent of the students in private schools in Pennsylvania, PA-CAPE established the awards ceremony to elevate the status of private education in the eyes of the communities they serve as well as recognizing the outstanding teachers and administrators in private education in Pennsylvania. The other winners included: Barbara Shughart, West Shore Christian Academy in Shiremanstown, Pa.; Cathy Spory, Johnstown Christian School in Hollsopple, Pa.; and, Besie Katz, Politz Hebrew Academy, Philadelphia, Pa.
Congratulations to all!
PHOTO CAPTION: 2014 PA-CAPE Teacher and Administrator Award Winners – (front row, l to r) Barbara Shughart, West Shore Christian Academy, Shiremanstown, PA; Cathy Spory, Johnstown Christian School, Hollsopple, PA; Diane Hediger, Queen of Angels Regional Catholic School, Willow Grove, PA. (back row, l to r) Timothy Waxenfelter, Quigley Catholic High School, Baden, PA; Maureen Thiec, Delone Catholic High School, McSherrystown, PA; Besie Katz, Politz Hebrew Academy, Philadelphia, PA.
