Citadel presents Heart of Learning Awards to 3 grand prize winners
Citadel Credit Union recently announced the three grand prize winners in its annual Heart of Learning Awards program — one from Chester County, one from Delaware County and one from Philadelphia. The awards recognize local teachers for going above and beyond and truly “building strength in education.”
The three grand prize winners were among 35 teachers named as finalists for this year’s awards — selected from nominated teachers from across the Greater Philadelphia region, including Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.
The Citadel Heart of Learning Awards, established in 2001, honor 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.
Since the Heart of Learning Awards program was launched, the company has recognized more than 400 area teachers, chosen from among thousands of nominees. More than $500,000 in grants have been awarded, enabling the teachers to enhance their classrooms with new resources aimed at fostering educational excellence, according to a press release.
One grand prize was presented in each award category this year — elementary, middle and high school.
The 2024 Heart of Learning grand prize winners are:
• Elizabeth Pandosh, kindergarten teacher, Kings Highway Elementary School, West Caln Township, Chester County
• Travis Lick, math teacher, G.W. Carver Middle School of Engineering and Science, Philadelphia
• Chassidy King, marketing teacher, Chester High School, Delaware County
Pandosh, Lick and King each received a prize of $10,000 — $5,000 for them and $5,000 for their schools. The other teachers who were finalists were presented with $1,000 to spend in their classrooms, as well as gift cards and prizes.
Each winner also received the Glass Heart Award. This year’s prizes totaled $60,000 in grants and prizes.
“We are immensely proud of the Citadel Heart of Learning Awards and the incredible educators it celebrates,” Bill Brown, president and CEO of Citadel Credit Union, said in a statement. “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.”
King was nominated for the Citadel Heart of Learning Award for her exceptional dedication. In one of Pennsylvania’s lowest-performing districts, she initiated Clipper’s Closet for free hygiene products and started an after-school girls’ group, according to the release. She teaches financial literacy, marketing, and more, and serves as senior class and DECA Advisor.
Lick has significantly contributed to the academic success of 7th-grade math and 8th-grade algebra students. Under his guidance, STAR growth scores improved from 43% to 63% at or above grade level, with a nearly 60-point average increase, marking one year of academic growth, according to the release. This achievement places his students at the top of their Learning Network.
Pandosh is a dedicated teacher at Kings Highway who goes above and beyond to make families and students feel welcome in the Coatesville community, according to the release. She engages with every family and creates a close-knit classroom environment. As a teacher of reading, math, and science, she finds ways to engage and challenge each student, including those who already have advanced skills.
Citadel coordinated with each of this year’s winning teachers’ schools to coordinate a surprise presentation of their awards. The announcement of the grand prize winners was held until all the winning teachers had been notified and presented with their awards, according to an emailed response to questions.
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.
Originally focused on Chester County teachers, the program was expanded several years ago to include the full Greater Philadelphia region.
Among the other finalists were one teacher from Bucks, one teacher from Berks, 17 teachers from Chester, two teachers from Delaware, three teachers from Lancaster, four teachers from Montgomery and two teachers from Philadelphia counties.
To see the full list of finalists, visit https://www.citadelbanking.com/giving-back/citadel-heart-of-learning
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