EXTON, PA — Citadel Credit Union recently awarded more than $100,000 to educators and schools across the Greater Philadelphia region through its 2026 Heart of Learning Awards program, marking the 25th anniversary of an initiative that has distributed more than $700,000 since its launch.
The program recognized more than 30 educators from Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Lancaster, and Philadelphia counties, reflecting continued private-sector investment in teacher retention, classroom support, and educational achievement across the region.
Six countywide grand-prize winners each received $10,000, with half awarded directly to the educator and half provided to their school, according to Citadel.
The 2026 grand-prize recipients were Beth Madden of Holicong Middle School in Bucks County, Matthew Handerhan of Scott Middle School in Chester County, Brittany Hagan of Garnet Valley Middle School in Delaware County, Kimberly McFadden of McCaskey High School in Lancaster County, Betina Roher of Abington High School in Montgomery County, and Brittanie Speirs of Laura W. Waring Elementary School in Philadelphia County.
Citadel selected winners from nominations submitted by students, parents, colleagues, and community members.
“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,” President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Brown said.
In addition to the county winners, Citadel created a special 25th-anniversary recognition category honoring educators with at least 25 years of service. Recipients of the $2,500 anniversary awards were Beth Adams of New Eagle Elementary School in the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District, Nancy Cubano of Independence Charter School in Philadelphia, and Arlene Gibble of Park Elementary School in Columbia Borough School District.
“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, Citadel’s vice president of philanthropy and community engagement.
Since the program began, Citadel said it has recognized more than 465 educators and distributed approximately $700,000 in grants and awards to teachers and schools throughout the region.
The complete list of 2026 award recipients is available at: https://www.citadelbanking.com/giving-back/citadel-heart-of-learning
Citadel has also opened nominations for the 2026-27 Heart of Learning Awards cycle. Community members may nominate an educator at: https://www.citadelbanking.com/nominate
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