Honoring Excellence Across All Diocese of Raleigh Schools

Honoring Excellence Across All Diocese of Raleigh Schools

About

THE Lewis Award

The Monsignor Gerald Lawrence Lewis Award was initiated in 1992 to honor outstanding educators in the Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Raleigh and to recognize, promote and encourage teaching excellence. The Lewis Award consists of two components.

Anne Stahel Receives Second Papal Honor

Extends Universal Church Legacy

In this Holy Year 2025, and in union with the universal Church and Pope Francis, we extend our CONGRATULATIONS to a well-deserving MRS. ANNE STAHEL on the milestone of receiving her second papal honor. 

The Lewis Award honors excellence in Catholic education by recognizing outstanding Catholic school teachers who inspire faith, foster academic achievement, and build community. Each year, the award celebrates educators whose dedication and service reflect the mission of Catholic schools and the values of faith, knowledge, and character.

Nomiations

CONGRATULATIONS!

Mr. Taylor Blanton, Cardinal Gibbons High School 2025-26 Recipient – Lewis Award for Excellence in Teaching

CONGRATULATIONS!

Mr. Taylor Blanton, Cardinal Gibbons High School
2025-26 Recipient – Lewis Award for Excellence in Teaching

Taylor Blanton is the 2025-26 school year’s recipient of the Monsignor Gerald Lawrence Lewis Award for Excellence in Teaching. Blanton, in his 16th year at Cardinal Gibbons, teaches Advanced Placement United States History and Economics, and extends his content area contributions beyond traditional classrooms. Blanton has led students on the school’s Western Europe trip during mid-winter break. Among colleagues, he has offered professional development for enhancing financial literacy. Blanton has coached in the Crusaders’ cross country, swimming & diving, and track & field programs. An April 15 all-school Mass will include the Lewis Award’s presentation to Blanton.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Mr. Taylor Blanton, Cardinal Gibbons High School
2025-26 Recipient – Lewis Award for Excellence in Teaching

Taylor Blanton is the 2025-26 school year’s recipient of the Monsignor Gerald Lawrence Lewis Award for Excellence in Teaching. Blanton, in his 16th year at Cardinal Gibbons, teaches Advanced Placement United States History and Economics, and extends his content area contributions beyond traditional classrooms. Blanton has led students on the school’s Western Europe trip during mid-winter break. Among colleagues, he has offered professional development for enhancing financial literacy. Blanton has coached in the Crusaders’ cross country, swimming & diving, and track & field programs. An April 15 all-school Mass will include the Lewis Award’s presentation to Blanton.

2025-26 Award Finalists

Taylor

Taylor Blanton

Taylor Blanton teaches 12th and 11th graders in Social Studies at Cardinal Gibbons High School.

Andrew

Andrew Pietrus

Andrew Pietrus teaches sixth graders in English Language Arts and Theology at Our Lady of Lourdes School.

Mrs. Sullivan

Jennifer Sullivan

Jennifer Sullivan teaches fourth graders in English Language Arts and Social Studies at Saint Thomas More School.

Lewis Award Dinner

May 1, 2026, we celebrated the Finalists and Recipient of the 2025-2026 Lewis Award at North Ridge Country Club…
Read More

Honoring Excellence Across
All Diocese of Raleigh Schools

Annunciation Catholic School
Cathedral School
Saint Ann Catholic School
St. Mary School
St. John II Catholic School
St. Mark Catholic School
St. Michael Catholic School
St. Paul Catholic School
The Franciscan School
St. Paul Catholic School
Blessed Sacrament School
Gibbons Crusaders
Immaculata Catholic School
IOP Catholic School
OLL
Saint Raphael Catholic School
St. Mary Magdalene Catholic School
SMS Wilmington
St. Catherine of Siena
Pray Study Work Serve Egbert
ST. Thomas More Catholic School
Saint Patrick Catholic School
St. Peter Catholic School