2019 Golden Apple Awards Honor Local Catholic Educators

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Seven teachers from Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Harrisburg were recently honored with the 2019 Golden Apple Award. The highest recognition given by the Diocese to a teacher, this honor commends the educator’s professional excellence, leadership, commitment to Catholic values, and devotion to teaching in a Catholic school.

“It is an honor and privilege to recognize these seven educators for their outstanding service to our students, our Catholic Schools and our Diocese,” said Bishop Ronald W. Gainer. “These educators have shown time and again their commitment to Catholic education, service and stewardship. I commend each of them for a job well done.”

The 2019 Golden Apple teachers for the Diocese of Harrisburg are:

The 2019 Golden Apple Award recipients for the Diocese of Harrisburg, pictured with Bishop Ronald Gainer, are from left front, Kristy Legenstein, Nancy Duffy, Janice Kiker, Laura Mull, back from left, Lynda Starceski, Corrinne Eck and Kathleen “Kathy” Alton.

• Kathleen “Kathy” Alton, Theology, Lancaster Catholic High School, Lancaster
• Nancy Duffy, English, Delone Catholic High School, McSherrystown
• Corrinne Eck, Principal, St. Joseph Catholic School, York
• Kristy Legenstein, Kindergarten, Resurrection Catholic School, Lancaster
• Laura Mull, American History and Science, St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School, McSherrystown
• Lynda Starceski, PreK, K and First Grade, St. Patrick Catholic School, York
• Janice Kiker, Math and Computer Science, Trinity High School, Camp Hill

Each Golden Apple recipient receives a certificate of achievement, a $5,000 cash award, a golden apple plated in 24-carat gold and an individual photo with Bishop Gainer.

In the Diocese of Harrisburg, approximately 10,200 students are enrolled at 40 schools.  They are taught by approximately 839 faculty members. High School students in the Diocese typically have a graduation rate over 98% and annually are offered more than $40 million in scholarship funds.

The Golden Apple Awards Program was established through the generosity of the Donahue Family Foundation, Inc., located in Pittsburgh, Pa. Jack and Rhodora Donahue are parents of thirteen children; all were educated in Catholic schools.  The Donahue’s were eager to express their deep appreciation to Catholic school teachers for providing quality academic and faith-filled education for their children.  They established the awards program in Pittsburgh in 1992. To learn more about the Golden Apple Awards or Catholic Education visit www.GoCatholicSchools.org.