School assemblies, classroom surprises, and more unforgettable moments, FMFCU Foundation has been hard at work delivering exciting news to the 2026 Delaware Valley Excellence in Teaching Award recipients.
Out of hundreds of nominations, 20 exceptional educators across the Delaware Valley were selected for this prestigious honor. The Delaware Valley Excellence in Teaching Awards recognize teachers who go above and beyond, demonstrating innovation, dedication, and a lasting impact on their students and school communities.
The awards reflect FMFCU Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting educators and inspiring excellence in education throughout the region.
At Edgewood Elementary School in Ridley School District, second grade teacher Jill Hoffner thought she was attending a routine school-wide assembly. Instead, it turned into a moment she will never forget. As FMFCU Foundation Executive Director Rick Durante began reading a series of clues about one of this year’s honorees, the final hint sealed the deal: “She literally does cartwheels for them when they return from my room and tells them they’ve moved up a level.” Without hesitation, students excitedly pointed to Mrs. Hoffner. Moments later, the room filled with applause as special guests including elected officials, board members, and her husband joined in to celebrate the surprise announcement.
Over at Radnor Elementary School, the excitement continued. During a teacher in-service day, educator Camille Baker was caught completely off guard when her principal began sharing heartfelt remarks, turning an ordinary day into an extraordinary recognition moment.
“Each year, it is such an honor to see firsthand how teachers are shaping the future,” said Rick Durante. “They are all so deserving of these awards and remain incredibly humble when receiving this recognition.”
Mrs. Hoffner and Mrs. Baker are among 20 inspiring educators who will be honored at the 2026 FMFCU Foundation Celebration on Thursday, April 16 at The Drexelbrook.
Each award recipient will receive a $1,000 grant for their classroom, a $1,000 grant for their school, recognition in the Daily Times, and a commemorative award plaque.
2026 Delaware Valley Excellence in Teaching Awardees:
- Jessica Smith, Bethel Springs Elementary School, Garnet Valley School District
- Keith Layman, Garnet Valley High School, Garnet Valley School District
- Katie Domizio, Great Valley High School, Great Valley School District
- Lindsay Carney, Manoa Elementary School, Haverford School District
- Renee Carey, Interboro High School, Interboro School District
- Christine Regino, Interboro Kindergarten Academy, Interboro School District
- Rachel Pearson, Bancroft Elementary School, Kennett Consolidated School District
- Blair Borish, Kuumba Academy Charter School
- Jena Foley, Loomis Elementary School, Marple Newtown School District
- Olga Zografakis, Radnor Middle School, Radnor School District
- Camille Baker, Radnor Elementary School, Radnor School District
- Jill Hoffner, Edgewood Elementary School, Ridley School District
- Jennifer Carvalho, Marianna Bracetti Academy Charter School, School District of Philadelphia
- Winnie Chan, Furness High School, School District of Philadelphia
- Scott Anderson, Unionville Elementary School, Unionville-Chadds Ford
- Michael McGarvey, Chadds Ford Elementary, Unionville-Chadds Ford
- Lisa Jesse, Garrettford Elementary, Upper Darby School District
- Kristy Foley, Bywood Elementary, Upper Darby School District
- Jacquelyn Lorah, Penn Wood Ninth Grade Academy , William Penn School District
- Nicole Mason, Park Lane Elementary, William Penn School District
Guests are invited to join the FMFCU Foundation for an inspiring evening dedicated to honoring and celebrating those who make an extraordinary impact in our community. The event will bring together supporters, educators, and community leaders from across the region.
Event Details:
Thursday, April 16
The Drexelbrook
Doors open at 5:30 pm; Program begins promptly at 6:00 pm
For more information regarding the Delaware Valley Excellence in Teaching Awards and FMFCU Foundation Celebration visit www.fmfcufoundation.org/celebration.
The Delaware Valley Excellence in Teaching Awards are proudly supported by FMFCU Foundation, The Daily Times, DCIU, and the Minford Foundation.
