Susan Goethals Honored with 2009 Msgr. Gerald L. Lewis Award

Susan Goethals receives Lewis Award

Susan Goethals, Science teacher at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, was presented the 2009 Msgr. Gerald Lawrence Lewis Award for Excellence in Teaching during a ceremony at the school on April 22. The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Raleigh, presided at the Liturgy.

Susan Goethals

Mrs. Goethals teaches 9th and 12th grade Biology. In her twenty-five years as an educator, Mrs. Goethals has held administration and faculty positions in middle and high schools, and she has served on the Cardinal Gibbons faculty for the last seven years. This year Mrs. Goethals has been mentor to a first year teacher who happens to have been a student in her middle school science lab. Mrs. Goethals has received a number of awards and recognitions, and is active in her parish and in her community.

Four banners were hung with comments from students expressing gratitude for her guidance. One read, “Thank you for helping me, inspiring me and loving me.” Another read, “I have developed a true love for biology and want to major in bio in college.” And another, “When I was scared of dissections, you were understanding and kind.”

Susan Goethals with LA committee

The Award, consisting of an honorarium of $1500.00 and an engraved silver plate, was presented to Mrs. Goethals by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Msgr. Lewis and Anne Stahel, Chair of the Lewis Award. Cardinal Gibbons High School received a $500 check for being home to the Award winner.

Since 1992, the Lewis Award has been presented annually to one teacher in the Diocese of Raleigh to recognize, promote and encourage excellent in teaching. The Award is named in honor of Monsignor Lewis, a priest, pastor and administrator who has served the Diocese of Raleigh for over four decades.