Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Sixteen elementary school teachers from the Archdiocese of Louisville were recognized with the St. Katharine Drexel Award this fall, honoring their 20 years of service in 2024. The award includes a $1,000 prize and is aimed at appreciating the dedication of these educators to Catholic education.

The award was created by an anonymous couple who are parishioners within the Archdiocese of Louisville. According to a statement from the sponsors, it is intended to “show appreciation and gratitude to the elementary school teachers of the archdiocese for their dedication, commitment and sacrifice to Catholic education.”

The honored recipients include Mary Heather Adam from St. Albert the Great School, Donna Allen from St. Gregory School in Cox’s Creek, Rhonda Canary from St. Aloysius School in Pewee Valley, Jenee Chamberlain from St. Gabriel School, Susan Delk from St. Margaret Mary School, Margie Downs from St. Joseph School, Marca Dunlap from Notre Dame Academy, Kelly Durrett from St. Raphael School, Donna Franklin from St. Martha School, Nicole Hubbs from Sacred Heart Model School, Patty Kirchner from St. James School in Elizabethtown, Angie Moth also from St. Margaret Mary, Kathleen Nilsen from St. Patrick School, Tammy Thompson also of Notre Dame Academy, Debbie Tucker of St. Rita School and Shannon Tyra also of St. Patrick.