Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — The Office of Catholic Schools with the Diocese of Youngstown will present the 2021 winners of the Golden Apple Award.

Officials said the local awardees include:

• Kyle Anda of St. Joseph the Provider Elementary School, Youngstown

• Jennifer DeMain of St. of Charles Elementary School, Boardman

• Marilou McClimans of St. John School, Ashtabula

• Paulina Montaldo of Ursuline High School, Youngstown

• Matthew Sammartino of Ursuline High School, Youngstown

Officials said through the generosity of the Donahue Family Foundation of Pittsburgh, the Golden Apple Award honors outstanding individuals who teach or are an administrator in Catholic schools.

The diocese “recognizes the unique charge teachers and administrators have to the development of each student. Their selection, from a field of many outstanding educators in the Catholic schools, recognizes the commitment of all Catholic school teachers and administrators throughout the diocese,” according to a news release.

The award consists of an unrestricted cash award of $5,000, a certificate, a Golden Apple paperweight and a Golden Apple lapel pin, which will be presented to the awardees at a prayer service and award ceremony May 13 at St. Columba Cathedral in Youngstown.

A selection process at the school and diocesan level was used to determine the awardees. In addition to being a full-time teacher or administrator who has been in the school where they are currently teaching or administrating for at least three full years, the teachers and administrators must give evidence of professional development, commitment to students and school, leadership qualities, service to church and community, teaching skills, and a role model as a Catholic educator.

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