The Purpose of the Lewis Award

The Lewis Award was endowed in January 1992 as a means of honoring those individuals within the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Raleigh who have served with notable dedication and ability. The Award has two components.

The Lewis Award for Excellence in Teaching has a stated purpose to "recognize, promote and encourage excellence in teaching in the Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Raleigh." Recipients of the Excellence in Teaching Award are outstanding and dedicated classroom teachers, grades K-12, who have a minimum of three completed years teaching experience in a Catholic Schools system. They possess the ability to form positive relationships and to inspire their students to learn, regardless of the students’ backgrounds and/or abilities. The Excellence in Teaching Award is presented on an annual basis.

The Lewis Award for Lifetime Achievement in Catholic Education focuses on those educators who have made a significant commitment and contribution to the Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Raleigh over an extended period of time. The recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award may be in administration, faculty or staff. Nominations for the Lifetime Achievement Award are made to the Lewis Award Committee. The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented only when circumstances warrant; and as of June 2007, the award has been presented to three individuals.