The Prince William Chapter of the Catholic Business Network honored two outstanding Catholic educators from Prince William County through its annual Catholic Teacher Awards at a ceremony and dinner Jan. 17 at All Saints Catholic Church’s parish activities center in Manassas.
The event featured a keynote address by Joseph Vorbach, diocesan superintendent of schools , highlighting the mission of Catholic education.
The CBN-PW 2024 Catholic Teacher Awards brought together educators and members of the business community, including special event sponsors Dr. Claire Escario of Starlight Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Ben Turner of the Knights of Columbus Abbate Agency.
This year’s award recipients are both from schools located in Western Prince William County. Winners were selected based on each teacher’s demonstrated impact on student learning, creativity in teaching, commitment to serving others and proven leadership skills.
Erin Burns, a fifth grade teacher at Linton Hall School for 11 years, stood out for her engaging and creative approach to teaching. Adrianne Jewett, Linton Hall head of school, said that Burns’ innovative creation of the Fifth Grade Invention Convention “actively showcases her students’ creativity, research, writing, and presentation skills, all in one activity.” Burns supports the individual learning needs and faith development of each of her students. She was further recognized for her selfless dedication and willingness to volunteer to support others, whether cheering on her students at a sporting event or taking on extra responsibilities in sixth grade social studies to assist her fellow teachers.
Christine Harrill has served as a first grade teacher at All Saints Catholic School in Manassas for the past 20 years, part of her 36-yeat career in education.
“Mrs. Harrill’s classroom is one where learning is hands-on, consistently rigorous and always engaging,” said David Conroy, All Saints principal. Whether building math and writing skills through Lego projects, dissecting owl pellets, providing an after-school, small group literacy program, or regularly praying the rosary with her students, Harrill has created an environment that supports active learning. Harrill also serves as a mentor for new teachers and as leader of the All Saints K-2 Instructional Team.
“We are excited about the opportunity to recognize these outstanding educators who are truly impacting the lives of their students,” said PWC-CBN President Jessica Root. “Our mission is to support Catholic education, and we are pleased to highlight the work of these two exceptional teachers.”
