On March 6, 2014, the Lewis Award Committee announced that Mrs. Toni Justice, 4th grade Science and 3rd grade teacher at Saint Egbert Catholic School in Morehead City, NC, is the Recipient of the 2013–2014 Msgr. Gerald Lawrence Lewis Award for Excellence in Teaching. Mrs. Justice has taught for 36 years, 21 of them in Diocese of Raleigh schools.

Mrs. Peggy Lane, Principal of Saint Egbert School and one of the nominators of Mrs. Justice, wrote, “In my opinion, Mrs. Justice epitomizes the very definition of what a dedicated Catholic school educator should be, as evidenced in her teaching ability, her positive influence on her peers and all St. Egbert students, and her promotion of our mission as a Catholic school… One of her most identifiable is her ability to adapt to the ever-changing environment of elementary education. I have witnessed her flexibility in adjusting to unpredictable classroom dynamics, local leadership transitions, instructional requirements, and technological advancements. She addresses individual academic and behavioral needs with creative and effective solutions, never losing focus on her goal to educate each child in mind, body, and spirit.”

Mrs. Lesley Ferguson, retired principal of Saint Egbert School and the 2002 recipient of a Lewis Lifetime Achievement Award, also nominated Mrs. Justice for this award.

“Toni fully exemplifies the four key characteristics of Catholic Schools,” Mrs. Ferguson wrote, “message, community, service and liturgy. She communicates these values through her words and actions. She believes children are a gift from God and enriches the total child: mind, body and spirit. She reinforces her students’ positive self-images, and helps them deal with peer relationships, disappointment or loss. She teaches responsibility and accountability with love and encouragement and helps her students to discern positive choices.”

Mrs. Justice earned her BS in Elementary Education, with a Minor in History, from Barton College, formerly Atlantic Christian College. She has served on the Schools Superintendent’s Advisory Council in Carteret County; on the West Carteret County High School Advisory Council; and is on the St. Egbert School Leadership Team. Other activities include being co-owner of “The Etiquette Company”, which teaches social graces, manners and dance to 3rd–7th graders and playing in golf tournaments benefitting local schools. She is active in the United Methodist Women, and a member of Harlowe United Methodist Church. Mrs. Justice lives in Morehead City.

The award will be presented at a school Mass on April 9th.

Article by Richard Reece, Editor, NC Catholics