Catholic Business Network Announces Catholic Teacher Awards

Two Prince William Educators Recognized for Excellence in Teaching

BRISTOW, VA – The Prince William Chapter of the Catholic Business Network (CBN-PW) recently honored two outstanding Catholic educators from Prince William County through its annual Catholic Teacher Awards. The winners were celebrated during an award ceremony and dinner on Wednesday, January 21, at the Benedictine Monastery in Bristow. The event brought together educators and local business leaders, including special event sponsor Claire Machosky-Ullman of CJM Enterprises–Study Smart.

This year’s CBN-PW Catholic Teacher Award recipients, both from Catholic elementary schools in Prince William County, were selected based on each teacher’s demonstrated impact on student learning, creativity in teaching, commitment to serving others, and proven leadership skills.

Serving as a fifth-grade teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas Regional School, Mrs. Kathleen Benjamin is celebrated for her "servant’s heart" and her profound impact on both academic innovation and spiritual formation. She is known for designing immersive learning experiences through dynamic small-group rotations and flexible seating. Her use of “literature circles” has been known to capture student interest so strongly that discussions often continue well outside the classroom. Mrs. Benjamin successfully integrates faith into daily instruction, fostering an environment where intellectual and spiritual development are intertwined. Her influence extends throughout the diocese, where she mentors new teachers in the Aquinas Emmaus Program and serves as President of the Advisory Council at St. John Paul the Great High School. St. Thomas Aquinas Principal, Sister Mary Sabina, praised her dedication: “Mrs. Benjamin is a powerful witness to the joy and excellence of Catholic education; she invests her time, talents, and heart into uplifting others for the glory of God and the success of her students.”

During her 14-year tenure as an art teacher at Linton Hall School, Mrs. Kimberly Hall has established herself as a cornerstone of the school’s faculty and community. A versatile educator who inspires students from preschool through eighth grade, Mrs. Hall is recognized for teaching beyond the canvas, instilling core values of confidence, patience, and personal excellence in every child. Her creative influence is woven into the fabric of the campus through vibrant student murals and elaborate stage sets for school productions. Highlighting her immersive teaching style, Principal Emily Reid recalled a lesson on the Sistine Chapel where Mrs. Hall guided eighteen four-year-old students in painting "frescoes" while lying on their backs under tables to mimic Michelangelo’s working conditions. Beyond her innovative classroom techniques, Mrs. Hall’s commitment to "educating the whole child" and her tireless support of school missions and fundraising endeavors have made a profound and lasting impact on the entire school community.

“The Catholic Business Network is privileged to shine a light on the extraordinary educators within our local Catholic schools,” stated Wayne Mattson, President of the CBN-PW. “Teachers like Mrs. Benjamin and Mrs. Hall do more than instruct—they cultivate the spiritual and intellectual growth of each student. By fostering the light of Christ in each child, they inspire a spirit of discipleship that extends far beyond the walls of the classroom.”