On May 1, 2024, the Diocese of Youngstown honored six Catholic School teachers and one principal with a prestigious Golden Apple Award following dinner at the Youngstown Country Club.
The winners this year were: Elizabeth “Betty” McCullough (principal at St. Nicholas School, Struthers), Jennifer Burke (teacher at Sts. Philip and James School, Canal Fulton), Jacqulyn DiNardo, (teacher at St. Nicholas School, Struthers), Michael Klockner (teacher at John F. Kennedy Catholic School Upper Campus, Warren), (Michelle Margroff (teacher at St. Paul School, North Canton), Shawn Mark (teacher at John F. Kennedy Catholic School Upper Campus, Warren) and Kimberly Ricchetti (teacher at St. Michael the Archangel School, Canton).
Through the generosity of the Donahue Family Foundation of Pittsburgh, the Golden Apple Award recognizes and deeply appreciates the unique contributions outstanding educators and administrators make to the development of their students. The award consists of an unrestricted cash award of $5,000, a certificate, a Golden Apple paperweight and a Golden Apple lapel pin.
The awardees were determined through a selection process at the school and the diocesan levels. The criteria they met included evidence of the following: a commitment to professional development, a commitment to students, leadership qualities, service to Church and community, outstanding teaching skills and they must act as a role model as a Catholic educator.
Scroll down to see photos from the event, taken by Catholic Echo staff photographer Brian Keith.
