Home - The Lewis Award

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.

2025-26 Award Finalists

Taylor Blanton

Taylor Blanton teaches 12th and 11th graders in Social Studies at Cardinal Gibbons High School (Raleigh). Blanton, a 15+ years veteran of Cardinal Gibbons’ classrooms, embraces a unique brand of daily instructional differentiation. “From traditional pencil and paper notes to digital video lessons, students have access to material in the way that works best for them,” Blanton said. “That small flexibility is appreciated by students and gives them the tools they need to be successful.”

Andrew Pietrus

Andrew Pietrus teaches sixth graders in English Language Arts and Theology at Our Lady of Lourdes School (Raleigh). Pietrus, throughout two decades at Our Lady of Lourdes, is reminded, time and again, of how digital teaching and learning resources are optimized when blended with fundamental, traditional skills masteries, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening. “I would hope my classroom now has a good balance between technology and human interaction,” Pietrus said.

Jennifer Sullivan

Jennifer Sullivan teaches fourth graders in English Language Arts and Social Studies at Saint Thomas More School (Chapel Hill). Sullivan, a continuous Saint Thomas more fixture from the Holy Year 2000 through the Holy Year 2025, believes in the vitality of a data-driven “Gradual Release of Responsibility’ from teacher to learners. “Involving students in monitoring their own progress has increased engagement, deepened their understanding of learning, and strengthened a classroom culture of perseverance and ownership, positively impacting both instruction and student achievement,” Sullivan said.