Citadel Opens Nominations for 2026-27 Heart of Learning Awards

Long-running program has recognized more than 465 educators and awarded more than $700,000 to teachers and their schools

EXTON, Pa., Nov. 5, 2026 — Citadel Credit Union has opened nominations for its 2026-27 Citadel Heart of Learning Awards, inviting students, families, fellow educators, administrators, and community members to recognize teachers who make a lasting difference in and beyond the classroom.

This year, Citadel will recognize over 35 educators and provide $100,000 in personal awards and grants for their schools. Nominations are open through January 15, 2027, at CitadelBanking.com/Nominate.

For more than 25 years, the Citadel Heart of Learning Awards have celebrated teachers whose compassion, creativity, and dedication inspire students and strengthen school across Citadel's service area, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties, as well as neighboring communities adjacent to southeastern Pennsylvania.

Since the program was established in 2000, Citadel has recognized more than 465 educators and awarded more than $700,000 to teachers and their schools.

"Some of the most meaningful moments in education happen quietly, when a teacher recognizes what a student needs and chooses to go the extra mile," said Steve Miller, Vice President of Philanthropy and Community Engagement at Citadel. "We want students, families, colleagues, and community members to help us tell those stories and recognize the educators whose influence reaches far beyond the classroom."

Recognition That Stays with Teachers

Past recipients say the recognition carries meaning far beyond the award itself.

"I love my job, and I love what I get to do every day. To be recognized for that is really, really meaningful, and I'm very thankful to my colleagues for nominating me," said Kimberly McFadden, a 2025-26 Grand Prize Winner and science teacher at McCaskey High School in the School District of Lancaster.

"Teaching has become an unexpected passion and purpose that I have enthusiastically embraced," said Michael Andrews, a 2025-26 Citadel Heart of Learning Award winner and first-grade teacher at General George A. McCall School in Philadelphia. "I absolutely love what I do, and my soul was stirred by this recognition."

Nominate a Teacher

Nominations may be submitted by students, parents, fellow educators, school administrators, and community members. Complete program guidelines and eligibility information are available at CitadelBanking.com/HeartOfLearning.

There are several ways to nominate a teacher and support the campaign:

• Submitting a nomination at CitadelBanking.com/Nominate by January 15, 2027.
• Sharing the story of a teacher who has inspired students, strengthened a school community, or made a difference when it mattered most.
• Following Citadel's social media channels for stories featuring past award recipients.
• Sharing a video nomination on TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook, tagging @citadelcreditunion on TikTok or @CitadelBanking on Instagram and Facebook, and using #CitadelHeartofLearning.
• Visiting a Nomination Station at participating Citadel branches.

Nomination posters and QR codes will be available at schools and Citadel branches throughout the region, making it easy for students, families, and community members to submit nominations.

Award recipients will be surprised and recognized during spring celebrations. Each recipient will receive a personal monetary award, a grant for their school, and Citadel's signature glass heart award.

SOURCE Citadel Credit Union