HARRISBURG, Pa. – Seven educators from Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Harrisburg will be honored with the 2026 Golden Apple Award. The highest recognition given by the Diocese to principals and teachers, this honor commends the educator’s professional excellence, leadership, commitment to Catholic values, and devotion to teaching in a Catholic school.
“The mission of Catholic education is not simply to teach, but to form disciples of Jesus Christ. The recipients of this year’s Golden Apple Award embody that mission in a profound way. Through their dedication, creativity, and faith, they inspire their students to grow in knowledge, character, and holiness. I am deeply grateful for their service and proud to celebrate their achievements,” said the Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior, Bishop of Harrisburg.
Daniel Breen, Superintendent of Catholic Education for the Diocese, added, “Catholic education is strengthened by teachers who lead with faith, compassion, and dedication. Our Golden Apple Award recipients exemplify these qualities each day. I am grateful for their witness and congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition.”
The 2026 Golden Apple recipients for the Diocese of Harrisburg are:
Michelle Williams, principal, St. John the Baptist Catholic School, New Freedom- Dana Baker, kindergarten teacher, St. John the Baptist Catholic School, New Freedom
- Jennifer Grill, eighth grade teacher, St. Margaret Mary Catholic School, Harrisburg
- Luz Hamilton, Spanish teacher, Trinity High School, Camp Hill
- Jacqueline Molsky, first grade teacher, St. Theresa Catholic School, New Cumberland
- Louise Pirrotta, fifth and sixth grade teacher, St. Joseph Catholic School, York
- Teresa Swisher, computer teacher and director of studies, Lancaster Catholic High School, Lancaster
Michelle Williams, principal, St. John the Baptist Catholic School, New FreedomEach 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 Senior.
In the Diocese of Harrisburg, nearly 10,000 students are enrolled at 32 schools. 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 were parents of 13 children; all were educated in Catholic schools. The Donahues 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.
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The Diocese of Harrisburg was established on March 3, 1868. It has 88 parishes, 6 missions, 2 communities, 32 Catholic schools, and is home to approximately 201,000 registered Catholics throughout its 15 counties. To learn more about the Diocese and its ministries, visit www.hbgdiocese.org.
