Peirce MS teacher honored

WEST CHESTER >> Peirce Middle School social studies teacher Cindy Diffendall is the middle school recipient of the 2017 Citadel Heart of Learning Award. The award recognizes teachers in Chester County who show excellence in the classroom and make a difference in the lives of their students, their families, and the community.

“I am so appreciative of receiving this year’s Citadel Heart of Learning Award for middle school,” said Diffendall. “And while I am this year’s recipient, I honor all the dedicated teachers, staff and administration who deserve recognition for the differences they make every day in their students. They continue to inspire not just students, but me as well.

“Middle school is not easy for students and my goal has always been to make a safe, pleasant learning environment where student can take risks without the fear of failing,” added Diffendall. “Thank you to my current and former students for their laughter, energy, efforts and aweinspiring thoughts and questions that enable us to learn together. I will continue to nominate my outstanding colleagues so they can experience this wonderful honor as I have.”

Thousands of nominations are submitted each year by students, parents, and community members and 15 finalists are selected. The finalists received $500 to use in their classroom. Three winners are selected out of the 15 finalists – one high school, one middle school, and one elementary school teacher. The winners received an additional $1,500 to use in their classroom.

“Mrs. Diffendall is a shining example of the fine teachers we have at Peirce Middle School and in the West Chester Area School District,” said Peirce Principal Dr. Geoff Mills. “It’s a pleasure to work with her every day and witness her tireless efforts to educate and inspire our students to achieve their personal best. We are all incredibly proud of her.”

The awards were handed out at a ceremony on May 9 at the Desmond Hotel.

The Citadel Heart of Learning Award was created in 2001 by Citadel and the Chester County Intermediate Unit.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Peirce Middle School social studies teacher Cindy Diffendall, third from left, is the middle school recipient of the 2017 Citadel Heart of Learning Award. From left are: Dr. James Scanlon, West Chester Area School District superintendent; Dr. Judy Maxwell, Peirce Middle School assistant principal; Diffendall; Dr. Geoff Mills, Peirce principal; Sue Tiernan, WCASD School Board vice president; and WCASD School Board member Dr. Karen Hermann.