Citadel heart of learning award 2022

UES Teacher Honored with Citadel Heart of Learning Award

May 3 2022

The Unionville Chadds-Ford School District is pleased to announce that Mrs. Dawn Oldenski from Unionville Elementary has been selected as the district’s recipient of the Citadel Heart of Learning Award. 

This award was developed by Citadel and the Chester County Intermediate Unit 18 years ago to recognize and reward, but mostly thank, the outstanding teachers in Chester County. The Citadel Heart of Learning Award recipients are selected based on the following criteria: (1) consistent devotion of time and energy beyond the normal requirements of their teaching position (2) initiating, implementing, or administering a new or innovative idea that benefits their students and/or school and (3) providing exceptional assistance and/or support to school or student activities, projects, or programs.

Parents, students, and colleagues were able to nominate teachers earlier in the school year, and Ms. Oldenski received four nominations. She is one of 15 winners selected out of more than 1,400 nominees submitted this year. 

In addition to the award, Mrs. Oldenski received $500 that can be used to purchase supplies and other items needed for the classroom, as well as an invitation to the Citadel Heart of Learning banquet on May 2, 2022.  

The banquet was held at the Mann Center in Philadelphia, where Mrs. Oldenski and her guests we treated to a celebratory dinner and award presentation.  Mrs. Oldenski received her hand-crafted glass award on stage in front of friends, family and colleagues. 

As part of their nominations, a parent shared why Ms. Oldenski is deserving of this honor. 

“Mrs. Oldenski goes out of her way to hear and recognize the struggles the kids have, whether it be sitting at a desk, social interaction, self-esteem issues or academic struggles, and she actions a caring, kind, and fair plan to meet the kids where they are. As a parent of a special needs child herself, dawn recognizes the challenges some kids face in school as well as at home, and facilities learning in such a way as to excite and engage kids rather than beating them down with mundane repetition or punitive homework drills. I have never had a teacher go so out of her way to make all her students feel valued, capable, worthwhile and she does so while making school fun. She is stellar. We need more teachers like dawn Oldenski!”

Pair of LMSD Educators Win Citadel Heart of Learning Award

Harriton High School Latin teacher Veronica Vladimirova-Cambria and Gladwyne Elementary School second grade teacher Elena Carlson have been selected as winners in the prestigious Citadel Heart of Learning Awards, which recognizes local teachers from throughout the Greater Philadelphia area for their outstanding efforts to make a difference in their communities and supporting students well beyond the call of duty.

The Citadel Heart of Learning Award program started 21 years ago in partnership with the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) to recognize local teachers who show dedication in and outside of the classroom with a unique sense of heart and dedication. The award also specifically spotlights teachers who do more than what would be expected to foster connections with students and ensure the desire to learn is never compromised.

As winners in this year's contest, Vladimirova-Cambria, Carlson and the rest of the honorees each received a hand-blown glass heart award, $1,000 to spend in their classrooms, gift cards and more. They were also honored at a special Award Ceremony at the Mann Center on May 2. The LMSD awardees were joined at the event by their respective principals, Harriton's Scott Weinstein and Gladwyne's Veronica Ellers, as well as Director of School & Community Relations Amy Buckman.

To see a slideshow of pictures from the ceremony as well as a few images of our winning teachers at their respective schools, click play in the first box below. The second box features a video of a surprise party thrown for Vladimirova-Cambria by students and staff at Harriton along with short clips of each teacher receiving their award at the Mann Music Center!