St. Michael’s School teacher Amanda Handy in Ridge honored with 2026 Golden Apple Award
Cheers and applause echoed across the playground at St. Michael’s School in Ridge, Maryland, as students gathered for what they believed was a routine yearbook photo. Instead, the moment turned into a celebration when officials from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington’s Catholic Schools Office stepped forward with a surprise announcement: middle school teacher Amanda Handy had been named a 2026 Golden Apple Award winner.
The honor includes a $5,000 award and recognizes excellence in Catholic education across the archdiocese. It is presented annually to educators who demonstrate professional excellence, leadership, a commitment to Catholic values, and dedication to their students.
Funded by the Donahue Family Foundation, the Golden Apple Awards honor outstanding Catholic school teachers in this archdiocese and several others nationwide.