Citadel will host a virtual banquet on Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30 PM to reveal the three grand-prize winners of its prestigious Heart of Learning Award.

Citadel has been honoring teachers with its Heart of Learning Award since 2001. The award is for teaching excellence and recognizes teachers at both public and private schools in Chester County who show dedication both in and out of the classroom.

This year, Citadel received almost 3,000 nominations from students, parents, and community members for teachers who are making a true difference in students’ lives.

The 15 finalists for the Citadel Heart of Learning Award are:

• Helene Whiteside, Fred S. Engle Middle School (Avon Grove School District)
• Heather McBall, East Fallowfield Elementary School (Coatesville Area School District)
• Andrew Kreider, Brandywine Wallace Elementary School (Downingtown Area School District)
• Meredith Melasecca, Sugartown Elementary School (Great Valley School District)
• Tamara Fellows, Kennett Middle School (Kennett Consolidated School District)
• Vanessa Kephart, Oxford High School (Oxford Area School District)
• Jennifer Tyrell, Tredyffrin/Easttown Middle School (Tredyffrin/Easttown School District)
• Douglas Costin, West Chester East High School (West Chester Area School District)
• Amanda Capotrio, Chesterbrook Academy Elementary School (Non-Public)
• Amy Simonds, Pocopson Elementary (Unionville/Chadds Ford School District)
• Brielle Guidone, Chester County Intermediate Unit
• Ashley Stern, Octorara Middle School (Octorara Area School District)
• Melissa Farrow, Twin Valley High School (Twin Valley School District)
• Jennifer Adams, Manavon Elementary School (Phoenixville Area School District)
• Cheryl Markofski, Owen J. Roberts Middle School (Owen J. Roberts School District)

Click here to watch the virtual banquet.