Teachers honored, students recognized at Golden Apple Mass

On May 28, a diocesanwide ceremony honored the teachers who hold onto their faith while passing it down to their students. Three teachers received Golden Apple Awards, while students were recognized for their character.

Bishop Michael W. Fisher, along with Julie Gajewski, assistant superintendent of Academics, and Christian Riso, assistant superintendent of Government Programs for the Diocese of Buffalo, presented the awards to teacher nominated by principals and peers as true leaders in their community.

The Golden Apple Award celebrates teachers who brings the Catholic faith to life in the classroom, who show a strong commitment to professional development, who engage and excite students about learning, and collaborate effectively with the entire school community.

“The characteristics we look for in our Golden Apples is excellence in teaching and commitment to their faith,” explained Gajewski. “We feel that the nominees have to demonstrate a strong commitment to the Catholic identity in our schools by integrating the faith into their curriculum in helping to model what it means to be a disciple of Christ to our students through their actions of continued self-improvement, dedication to the school, the students and community.”

The recipients engage in professional development throughout the year, and create faith-filled environments for their students. They include Karen Genovese, art teacher from St. Mary School in Swormville; Karen Monaco, veteran kindergarten teacher from St. Amelia School in Tonawanda; and Michael Kerwin, middle school teacher from Nativity of Our Lord School in Orchard Park.

The Catholics Schools Department offers monthly character virtues that students try to emulate. Principals and teachers pick students who fit the characteristic for monthly in school recognition.

Well over 200 students were recognized for carrying out the characteristics of optimism, sacrifice and welcoming, among others. 

“We feel these character awards and Golden Apple Awards reflect the true goal of Catholic education, which is to help students develop their gifts and talents, and to find their purpose in the world by serving God and serving others, and for continual self-improvement,” said Gakewski. “We want to form disciples who live, lead and learn as a disciple of Christ.”