Here’s something you don’t hear every day: a financial institution throwing six-figure celebrations for teachers.
But that’s exactly what Citadel Credit Union just did, handing out more than $100,000 to educators across the Greater Philadelphia region as part of their Heart of Learning Awards—a program that’s now hit the quarter-century mark.
The awards spotlight the kind of teachers who change lives: the science educator who’s been inspiring students for 34 years, the special education teacher helping kids with autism discover their independence, and dozens more who make school about way more than just textbooks and tests.
Six Grand Prize Winners, One Big Celebration
This year’s program recognized outstanding teachers from six counties: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Lancaster, and Philadelphia. The grand prize winners each scored $10,000—with half going directly to the teacher and half to their school. Not a bad way to fund both classroom supplies and a well-deserved vacation.
What makes these awards special is who does the nominating. Students, parents, fellow teachers, and community members submit the names—meaning these educators aren’t just good on paper. They’re the ones actually making a difference in people’s lives.
“At Citadel, we are committed to serving those who work every day to build a better future for us all, and few people embody that promise more than teachers,” said Bill Brown, President and CEO of Citadel Credit Union. “For 25 years, the Citadel Heart of Learning Awards have celebrated educators whose compassion, creativity, and commitment strengthen our communities. These amazing teachers are not only helping students learn. They are helping them feel seen, supported, and capable of building a stronger future.”
A Silver Anniversary with Extra Recognition
To mark 25 years of the program, Citadel added something special: three additional $2,500 awards for teachers with 25-plus years of experience. Because let’s be real—anyone who’s spent more than two decades shaping young minds deserves recognition for that kind of staying power.
The program has come a long way since day one. Over the past quarter century, Citadel has honored more than 465 teachers and distributed $700,000 in grants and prizes across the region. That’s real money going to real educators who are doing the work that matters.
“The stories we hear through the Heart of Learning Awards are powerful reminders of the lasting impact teachers have on students and families,” said Steve Miller, Vice President of Philanthropy and Community Engagement at Citadel. “This milestone year gave us the opportunity to recognize not only today’s outstanding educators, but also teachers whose decades of service have helped shape entire school communities.”
Meet This Year’s Grand Prize Winners
The 2026 winners represent the incredible diversity of teaching talent across the Philadelphia area:
- Bucks County: Beth Madden, Science Teacher at Holicong Middle School (Central Bucks School District)
- Chester County: Matthew Handerhan, Art Teacher at Scott Middle School
- Delaware County: Brittany Hagan, 7th Grade English Teacher at Garnet Valley Middle School (Garnet Valley School District)
- Lancaster County: Kimberly McFadden, Science Teacher at McCaskey High School (School District of Lancaster)
- Montgomery County: Betina Roher, Social Studies Teacher at Abington High School (Abington School District)
- Philadelphia County: Brittanie Speirs, Special Education Teacher (Autistic Support) at Laura W. Waring Elementary School (School District of Philadelphia)
The 25-Year Veterans
The special anniversary honorees include:
- Beth Adams, First Grade Teacher at New Eagle Elementary School (Tredyffrin/Easttown School District)
- Nancy Cubano, Sixth through Eighth Grade Spanish Content Lead at Independence Charter School (School District of Philadelphia)
- Arlene Gibble, First Grade Teacher at Park Elementary School (Columbia Borough School District)
More than 30 additional educators also received recognition and $1,000 awards. You can check out the complete winner list and watch a recap video of the celebration at Citadel’s website. The anniversary event video is also up on YouTube.
In a world where teachers often buy their own classroom supplies and work second jobs to make ends meet, programs like this matter. They’re a reminder that some organizations actually put their money where their mouth is when it comes to supporting education—and that’s worth celebrating.
Related:
Citadel Credit Union Contributes Over $550,000 to Community Organizations in 2025
Citadel Credit Union Marks 25 Years of Honoring Educators During American Education Week