Congratulations to the Catholic Foundation’s 2026 Amazing Catholic Educator Award recipients!

On March 3, 2026—celebrating the feast day of St. Katharine Drexel—the Catholic Foundation of Michigan brought together Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of Detroit for a joyful virtual Zoom gathering, where 10 exceptional educators were surprised with the Amazing Catholic Educator Awards.

Established in 2019 through the generosity of an anonymous donor, the program has now recognized 65 educators representing a combined 728 years of faithful service to Catholic education. Each honoree receives a $1,000 award, an engraved plaque, and a special overnight experience at Saint John’s Resort, made possible through a partnership with the Pulte Family Foundation.

During the celebration, each school joined the Zoom gathering live and played a special role in the surprise. As names were announced, school communities revealed the news in real time with many educators having no idea they had been selected. Across screens in classrooms, parish halls, and school gatherings, students, families, colleagues, and pastors came together to celebrate their educators in creative and heartfelt ways. Rooms were filled with joyful applause, quiet tears, heartfelt gratitude, and a deep sense of community coming together to honor those who give so much.

We are deeply grateful to all who help make this program possible and invite you to join us in continuing to celebrate and support the educators who form minds and hearts each day.