Weaver Wins Heart of Learning Award
Weaver Wins Heart of Learning Award
K-2 physical education teacher Melissa Weaver is a 2025 Citadel Heart of Learning award winner. Congratulations!
Melissa Weaver (center, in blue) celebrates her award with Albert Storm, Carolyn Saletto from Citadel, and a group of second graders
K-2 physical education teacher Melissa Weaver has been recognized as a 2025 Citadel Heart of Learning award winner by Citadel Credit Union. Selected as one of just 32 educators across Pennsylvania, Mrs. Weaver received a $1,000 grant and a hand-blown glass heart as part of the Citadel Cares program, which honors exceptional teachers in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Mrs. Weaver was nominated by L-S swim instructor Albert Storm in recognition of her two decades of leadership in the district’s Safety Around Water program. In addition to her regular teaching responsibilities at Lampeter Elementary School and the L-S Early Childhood Center, Mrs. Weaver manages every aspect of this six-week program for second graders, positively impacting upwards of 2,000 students in the process.
In his nomination letter, Mr. Storm described the Safety Around Water program:
“Once a week for six weeks, students are transported to the nearby YMCA for a one-hour session in and around the pool. After assessment, students are grouped by skill level—from those afraid of entering the water to confident swimmers. Each session includes on-deck instruction about water safety and in-water practice. Topics cover the use of personal flotation devices, emergency procedures, pool rules, hypothermia prevention, and sun safety. Students learn essential skills like breath control, floating, treading water, and swimming.”
Mr. Storm also shared that Mrs. Weaver's passion for the program has inspired him to implement a similar initiative in his home district.
To celebrate this special recognition, Dr. Westphal gathered the entire first and second grade in the Lampeter Elementary School cafeteria to surprise Mrs. Weaver. Cheers and applause filled the building as she was greeted by a wave of appreciation from students and staff. Congratulations to Mrs. Weaver on this well-deserved award!