Honoring Excellence Across All Diocese of Raleigh Schools
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.
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 Blanton
Taylor Blanton teaches 12th and 11th graders in Social Studies at Cardinal Gibbons High School.

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

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…
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Honoring Excellence Across
All Diocese of Raleigh Schools



