#United States #Exton #Citadel Credit Union #Heart of Learning #Philadelphia Education

Citadel Credit Union Celebrates 25 Years of Heart of Learning Awards

In May 2026, Citadel Credit Union embraced the spirit of education by celebrating its 25th anniversary of the Heart of Learning Awards, honoring teachers in the Greater Philadelphia area. This year, an impressive total of over $100,000 was awarded to educators and schools, reflecting Citadel’s long-standing commitment to supporting education and acknowledging the profound impact teachers have on their communities.

The celebration took place amidst the stories and successes of hardworking teachers who go above and beyond in their roles, inspiring students of various backgrounds. From a dedicated science teacher who has shaped minds for over three decades to a special education teacher nurturing confidence in children with autism, the honorees demonstrated a vast spectrum of dedication and creativity in their teaching.

Awards and Winners

Citadel unveiled the names of the 2026 recipients during the Heart of Learning celebration. Six grand prize winners representing Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Lancaster, and Philadelphia counties each received a $10,000 award ($5,000 for the teacher and $5,000 for their school). Along with the grand prize winners, over 30 educators were acknowledged, with each additional winner receiving $1,000 to further support their work.

The nominees were selected based on submissions from students, parents, colleagues, and community members, presenting a heartwarming view of the significant difference teachers make. Bill Brown, the President and CEO of Citadel Credit Union, stated, "At Citadel, we are committed to serving those who work every day to build a better future for us all, and few people embody that promise more than teachers." His words resonated throughout the ceremony as the community came together to express gratitude to the mentors shaping young lives.

Celebrating Longevity

Adding a special recognition to the agenda, Citadel also presented special prizes to three teachers with over 25 years of service. Each of these remarkable individuals received a $2,500 award, rewarding their extraordinary dedication and the lasting impact they have imparted on generations of students. Steve Miller, Vice President of Philanthropy and Community Engagement at Citadel, highlighted how the stories shared during the Heart of Learning Awards serve as powerful reminders of the teachers' lasting contributions to families and students.

Since its establishment, the Citadel Heart of Learning Awards program has honored over 465 teachers and distributed $700,000 in grants and prizes. This milestone year provides Citadel a fitting opportunity to continue championing educators who embody compassion and creativity in their day-to-day roles.

Grand Prize Winners By County

• - Bucks County: Beth Madden, Holicong Middle School, Science Teacher
• - Chester County: Matthew Handerhan, Scott Middle School, Art Teacher
• - Delaware County: Brittany Hagan, Garnet Valley Middle School, 7th Grade English Teacher
• - Lancaster County: Kimberly McFadden, McCaskey High School, Science Teacher
• - Montgomery County: Betina Roher, Abington High School, Social Studies Teacher
• - Philadelphia County: Brittanie Speirs, Laura W. Waring Elementary School, Special Education Teacher

In addition to the grand prize winners, this year’s celebration also recognized the following 25th Anniversary Winners:

• - Beth Adams: New Eagle Elementary School, First Grade Teacher
• - Nancy Cubano: Independence Charter School, Sixth through Eighth Grade Spanish Content Lead
• - Arlene Gibble: Park Elementary School, First Grade Teacher

Looking Ahead

As celebrations wrap up for this year’s winners, it’s time to focus on sustaining the momentum. Nominations for the upcoming 2026-2027 Citadel Heart of Learning Awards have already opened, inviting community members to nominate extraordinary educators. This initiative aims to encourage the wonderful work teachers do, inspiring a new generation of learners.

For more information on the nominees and winners, alongside a recap video from the celebration, community members can visit Citadel’s official website. Citadel Credit Union remains dedicated not just to banking but to building an empowered and educated society through their recognition and support of educational excellence.