Christine Brennan, already having celebrated her silver (25th) anniversary as a third grade teacher at Our Lady of Lourdes School (Raleigh), added distinction as a golden instructional exemplar in this Holy Year 2025. Brennan is this (2024-25) school year’s recipient of the Monsignor Gerald Lawrence Lewis Award for Excellence in Teaching. Brennan will be presented the Lewis Award on April 9, during an Our Lady of Lourdes School Mass.

Christine Brennan from Our Lady of Lourdes School

Christine Brennan teaches third graders at Our Lady of Lourdes School.  Brennan facilitates a thriving learning environment by infusing game show style digital resources in students’ collaborative group work, through which students provide formative feedback to enhance instructional pacing and methodologies to optimize summative outcomes. “Of course, the children enjoy the interaction,” Brennan said. “The real advantage is that the students devise their own quizzes for our unit work and become teachers of their own teams.”

Jennifer Sullivan from St. Thomas More School

Jennifer Sullivan teaches fourth graders in English Language Arts and Social Studies at Saint Thomas More School (Chapel Hill). Sullivan employs technology to gather individual student data, and empowers students to identify ways and means for personal skill development. Initiating skill development requires students to practice writing and speaking across curricula. “Students, then, conference with the teacher, and set specific goals for areas they would like to improve,” Sullivan said. “Through the next few months, students work to see growth.”

Colleen Whilldin from St. Egbert School

Colleen Whilldin teaches Physical Education for all students (grades Pre-K through Five), and Religion to kindergarteners and third graders at Saint Egbert School (Morehead City). Whilldin extends teaching and learning beyond traditional classrooms by initiating opportunities for students to apply the “Gradual Release of Responsibility” model for community building. “First, students performed the (country line) dance. Then, I invited all of the parents and teachers to participate,” Whilldin said. “After studying Saint Paul, my third graders wrote letters on scrolls about the Good News of God, and presented the letters to the kindergarteners.”

MONSIGNOR GERALD LAWRENCE LEWIS

With Earthly sadness and Heavenly joy, we embrace the Eternal Resurrection of our award’s namesake – MONSIGNOR GERALD LAWRENCE LEWIS. Monsignor Lewis, 92, a priest of the Diocese of Raleigh for 63+ years, transitioned peacefully at home on Monday, December 16, 2024. Monsignor Lewis’ own words, which he offered among one of his many funeral Mass homilies, now are offered for him.

“He has competed well – in family, in Church, and in education. Now, he has finished the race. Affirmatively, he has won the crown. May the good Lord welcome him with open arms.”

The Lewis Award Committee

Only 5 days left to submit a Nominee!

Only 5 days left to submit nominations. Make sure your school is not left out!