Penn Manor High School music teacher, Lauren Ciemiewicz was honored with the Citadel Heart of Learning Award on March 20. Lauren is also the high school choral director and director of the spring musical.
The award honors exceptional teachers who inspire their students and make a significant impact on their communities.
Every year, students, parents, and colleagues nominate thousands of teachers for the award, which cover a six-county area. Winners are chosen based on their dedication, innovation, and commitment to education.
Music department coordinator, Sara Masten nominated Lauren for the Citadel Heart of Learning award.
Masten noted, “I nominated Lauren to receive the Citadel Heart of Learning award because she doesn’t just teach music, she inspires excellence and is beyond deserving of this recognition. Lauren is known in our department for her tireless work ethic and precision in planning. Lauren has a unique gift for elevating her students to elite levels of performance.”
“I’m so honored to receive this award and am blessed to work with a team of colleagues that care so deeply for students and the work that they do in the classroom. They motivate and inspire me to never stop wanting to grow and learn in my own career,” said Ciemiewicz. “My initial feeling in receiving this award today was gratitude. I’m just grateful to get to make music with students each day and see the joy that it brings them. There really is nothing quite like it and definitely nothing better. I’m equally as grateful to get to follow the journeys of so many of the students that I’ve taught long after they graduate and see all the amazing and unique ways they are impacting the world.”
“Her choral program’s success at LLMEA and PMEA festivals is a direct reflection of her dedication to getting the absolute best out of every student. Lauren doesn’t just inspire students, she also inspires me as a colleague. It has been an honor to work alongside her for 16 years,” said Masten.
Doug Eby, Penn Manor High School Principal, said Mrs. Ciemiewicz, “is a talented musician and influential educator, but what truly makes her special is how much she genuinely cares about her students. She’s not just teaching them how to become better musicians; she’s teaching them how to be better people and strong leaders in our community. Whether she’s leading the Manor Singers, helping a student in the piano lab, or pouring her heart into the spring musical, her impact is everywhere. We are so incredibly lucky to have her at Penn Manor, and I’m so proud to see her get this well-deserved recognition.”
Thank you for all you do, Mrs. Ciemiewicz and congratulations!