Citadel Credit Union has recognized 35 teachers in Greater Philadelphia for going above and beyond and truly “building strength in education” as part of the company’s Citadel Heart of Learning Awards program.

Since the program’s inception, Citadel has awarded the winners more than $500,000 in grants, enabling them to enhance their classrooms with new resources aimed at fostering educational excellence.

Citadel has a strong track record of giving back and making a difference for the communities it serves. Through the Citadel Cares program, Citadel donates funds and volunteer support to nonprofits and charities across Greater Philadelphia with a focus on creating impactful prosperity and strength. Citadel’s efforts fall within four key pillars, demonstrating an established giving program: Education & Youth Prosperity, Health & Wellness, Building & Development, and Food Security.

The Citadel Heart of Learning Awards, established in 2001, honors exceptional teachers who inspire their students and make a significant impact on their communities. Each year, students, parents, and colleagues nominate thousands of teachers, with a select group of winners chosen based on their dedication, innovation, and commitment to education.

This year’s winners each received Citadel’s treasured glass heart award and a total of $60,000 in grants and prizes, including $10,000 for each of the three grand prize winners ($5,000 for the teacher and $5,000 for their school) and $1,000 for each of the remaining county-level winners. Citadel also coordinated with the Chester County Intermediate Unit, which co-founded the program with Citadel 23 years ago, to recognize six additional district-level winners from Chester County who received the glass heart award and a surprise ceremony from the CCIU.

“We are immensely proud of the Citadel Heart of Learning Awards and the incredible educators it celebrates,” said Bill Brown, Citadel’s President and CEO. “Reaching the half-million-dollar mark in donations underscores our long-term commitment to supporting teachers who are shaping the future through their passion and dedication. These teachers not only educate but also inspire and uplift their students, often going above and beyond their call of duty. It is our honor to recognize their extraordinary efforts and provide them with the resources they need to continue their invaluable work.”

The 2024 Grand Prize Winners are:

Chassidy King, Chester High School

In one of Pennsylvania’s lowest-performing school districts, King initiated Clippers’ Closet for free hygiene products and started an after-school girls’ group. She teaches financial literacy, marketing, and more and serves as Senior Class and DECA Advisor. Known for her unwavering support to both students and staff, King overcomes significant challenges to make a profound impact on her school community.

“I’m nominating this teacher here for the simple fact she is like an angel sent from heaven, meaning she is a true blessing to the Chester High School community,” said one nomination form. “Many students in the building have a relationship with her. She has helped many students through adversities. She shows she cares, she’s our No. 1 advocate. She believes in us like nobody else.”

Travis Lick, G.W. Carver Middle School of Engineering and Science

Lick has significantly contributed to the success of seventh-grade math and eighth-grade algebra students. Under his guidance, STAR growth scores improved from 43 percent to 63 percent at or above grade level, with a nearly 60-point average increase. This achievement places his students at the top of their Learning Network. Known for his innovative teaching methods and collaboration with colleagues, Lick’s dedication has had a profound impact on his students’ academic success.

“In my observations of Mr. Lick, he continues to work hard and find new ways to engage middle school students, build instruction with SDP resources, collaborate with teachers, and prepare middle school students for academic success,” said one nomination form. “This is the hard work that should be acknowledged and praised! He deserves this honor and his data reaffirms his impact on our community!”

Elizabeth Pandosh, King’s Highway Elementary School

Pandosh is a dedicated kindergarten teacher at King’s Highway who goes above and beyond to make families and students feel welcome in the Coatesville community. She engages with every family and creates a close-knit classroom environment. As a phenomenal teacher of reading, math, and science, she finds ways to engage and challenge each student, including those who already have advanced skills. Her dedication, talent, and welcoming nature make her a standout educator, beloved by students and colleagues alike. Pandosh’s impact extends far beyond academics, shaping her students’ social skills and future success.

“The impact she had on my child will continue through the years as she continues to build on her very solid kindergarten foundation,” one nomination form said. “The students in her class are able to learn so much about community, diversity and inclusion, friendship, and social skills during their time in her class. Whenever we see her in the community, she makes us feel welcome! She is kind, encouraging, welcoming, resourceful, talented, engaging, and is known by her former students and colleagues to be one of the best teachers in the county.”

The other 2024 Citadel Heart of Learning Award winners are:

High School

• Victoria Duffy: 21st Century Cyber Charter School
• Tracey Parker: Coatesville Area Senior High School
• Matt McCloskey: Downingtown High School West
• Doreen Steinmacher: Owen J Roberts High School
• Daniel Weinstein: Phoenixville Area High School
• Caihong Ye: Bishop Shanahan High School
• Kim Guarneri: Avon Grove Charter School
• John Achille: Lampeter-Strasburg High School
• Robert Gregory: Avon Grove High School
• Katie Oxenfeldt: Tredyffrin-Easttown Middle School
• Brian Newbert: Belmont Charter High School

Middle School

• Natalie Handley: Downingtown Cyber Academy
• Rory McMullen: Palisades Middle School
• Carol Stem: Charles F. Patton Middle School
• Mitch Hoffman: E.N. Peirce Middle School
• Roseanna Fabii: Great Valley Middle School
• Chiara Bouchard: Garnet Valley Middle School
• Cara Weil: Hazel I. Jackson Middle School
• Natalie Cohen: Eisenhower Science & Technology Leadership Academy
• Sue Subers: The Pathway School
• Joseph Coyle: Octorara Junior-Senior High School
• Tracy Gruin: Twin Valley Elementary School

Elementary School

• Tiffany Hamilton: Tinicum Elementary School
• Kerianne Darragh: Elk Ridge Elementary School
• Andrea Roszits: Bancroft Elementary School
• Rita Trainer: Saints Peter and Paul School
• Maureen Segal: Ithan Elementary School
• Greg Moore: Radnor Elementary School
• Anita Girvin: Salisbury Elementary School
• Cyndi Kirschner: Worcester Elementary School
• Meagan Carbonell: CCIU
• Renee Butler: Sankofa Freedom Academy

Learn more about how Citadel Credit Union was built on the unshakeable promise to serve those who work every day to build a better future for us all.