Teaching With Heart: St. Michael’s Educator Recognized With Golden Apple

RIDGE, Md. — Cheers and applause filled the playground at St. Michael’s School as students gathered for what they thought was a routine yearbook photo. Instead, the moment turned into a surprise celebration honoring one of their own.

Amanda Handy, a middle school teacher at St. Michael’s School in Ridge, has been named a 2026 Golden Apple Award winner by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, recognizing her excellence in Catholic education.

The award, which includes a $5,000 prize, is presented annually to educators who demonstrate professional excellence, leadership, dedication to students and a commitment to Catholic values. Funded by the Donahue Family Foundation, the Golden Apple Awards recognize outstanding Catholic school teachers across multiple dioceses nationwide.

A Surprise Worth Celebrating

The announcement came as a complete surprise to Handy, who teaches middle school English, religion, social studies and drama. She has spent six years at the small, rural school, where her influence reaches far beyond academics.

For Father Keith T. Burney, pastor of St. Michael’s Parish, the recognition was well deserved.

“I just immediately thought about how appropriate it was,” Burney said, noting Handy’s leadership during a year of transition. “All of our staff, but especially Mrs. Handy, have just stepped up to help with different tasks and different needs.”

A School Rooted In Community

Located in a close-knit corner of St. Mary’s County, St. Michael’s School is known for its strong sense of community — something both staff and students say sets it apart.

“It’s very much a family,” Burney said. “We take care of our own.”

Students say Handy embodies that spirit every day in the classroom.

“My favorite thing about being in Mrs. Handy’s class is that she always interacts with us,” said eighth-grader Kyle Van Ryswick. “She helps me learn new things, and she’s taught me a lot of valuable life lessons.”

Van Ryswick added that Handy encourages students to take on leadership roles, often reminding them to set an example for younger classmates.

Sixth-grader Ashley Quinonez described Handy’s classroom as engaging and inclusive.

“Every time I go into her classroom, we’re always smiling and laughing because of how fun it is,” Quinonez said. “She also makes sure we understand everything before moving on.”

Quinonez noted that Handy takes extra time to support students individually and fosters an environment where all feel welcome, including bilingual students.

“They never make me feel less than any other student,” she said. “They’re very supportive of me speaking Spanish.”

Teaching Beyond The Classroom

Handy said her approach to teaching is grounded in faith and relationships.

“What I enjoy most about being a teacher in a Catholic school is being able to live out my faith on a regular basis and work in a school that shares the same moral values that I have,” she said.

As a religion teacher, she prepares students for the sacrament of Confirmation while reinforcing a sense of purpose and belonging.

“We remind them that Jesus loves us and that He is always here for us,” Handy said.

Beyond academics, she said her goal is to ensure students feel supported long after they leave her classroom.

“I hope when my students leave that they know that I’m always there for them, whatever they need,” she said. “The school is very much a family community.”

Leadership During Transition

Principal Mary Van Ryswick credited Handy with playing a key role in the school’s recent growth, particularly during a leadership transition.

“When I was assigned the task of becoming principal with less than two weeks before the school opened, Amanda was there to help,” she said. “If Amanda had not stepped in and offered her expertise and assistance, the school would not be the place it is today.”

In addition to teaching, Handy serves as a middle school team lead, sponsors student organizations and assists families with registration and financial aid. She also contributes to archdiocesan curriculum efforts.

Burney said her work reflects more than dedication — it reflects vocation.

“She teaches the faith not only through content, but through the consistency of her example,” he said.

A Calling Fulfilled

Handy’s path to education was not traditional. After working in the insurance industry, she felt called to teaching through her involvement with children and parish life.

“This is my happy place,” she said. “Being with these kids, I can’t imagine what it would be like without them.”

Despite the challenges educators face today, Handy said the reward lies in the impact she sees every day.

“It’s worth it,” she said. “Absolutely worth it.”

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