by Moira Cullings
moira.cullings@theleaven.org
PRAIRIE VILLAGE — Only 12 were chosen out of 865 teachers across the country.
When Staci Hadel found out she was one of them, she was overcome with emotion.
“It means so much,” she said. “I feel like it’s God’s way of telling me that I’m doing the right thing.”
Hadel, a second grade teacher at St. Ann School in Prairie Village, was selected for a Herzog Foundation Teacher of the Year award.
She was surprised with the news after an all-school Mass on May 1.
“In Christian schools, exceptional teachers abound,” said Darrell Jones, Herzog Foundation president, “and our 12 teachers of the year stand out as shining examples.
“Selected for their remarkable dedication and innovative teaching methods, each recipient embodies excellence in the classroom.”
Jones said Hadel distinguished herself among the hundreds of K-12 teachers who were nominated.
“The students of St. Ann are truly fortunate to have such a dedicated educator guiding them,” he said.
St. Ann principal Kelli Minshall said the foundation couldn’t have picked a better recipient.
“Staci is one of the most genuine, kind people I have met,” said Minshall. “She has a joyful spirit, a calm demeanor and a love for Jesus Christ.
“She was chosen for this award because she truly believes in the mission of Catholic education, and she lives that in her classroom and interactions with others every day.”
The opportunity to instill Christian values in her students is why Hadel, a teacher of seven years, came to St. Ann two years ago after teaching in a traditional private school.
“I felt like I was having a hard time talking to kids about the virtues that we teach about kindness, compassion [and others] without talking about the source from which those values come from,” she said, “which is God and Jesus.
“I really felt pulled to be in Catholic education.”
Hadel’s friend nominated her for the award, and she went through an application process that included submitting letters of recommendation and video testimonials.
She will have the opportunity to attend an awards ceremony at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 21.
Elizabeth Roberts, communications director at Herzog, said this set of awards is part of the organization’s Excellence in Christian Education award series.
“We created this series to recognize the best of the best in Christian education nationwide,” said Roberts.
When the foundation was created years ago, she explained, leadership realized no other organizations were honoring Christian teachers on a national scale.
“We saw this as a huge opportunity to give Christian educators the recognition they deserve,” she continued. “Too often, teachers are not recognized for their own accomplishments or the lasting impacts they’re making on students’ lives.”
Minshall was thrilled Hadel was recognized and said having teachers like her at St. Ann means the world.
“Staci embodies what it means to be a Catholic school teacher,” she said, “and I hope she will continue to inspire her students and those around her to answer God’s call for our life and use all our gifts to glorify him in all we do.”
To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit the website at: herzogfoundation.com.
