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St. Andrew teacher wins Golden Apple award

Rachel Werderits, a teacher at St. Andrew School, 1710 W. Addison St., has been named a 2023 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching recipient. She is one of 10 teacher award recipients in Illinois and the only one from a Catholic school. The Golden Apple Awards honor outstanding teachers for having lasting, positive effects on students’ lives and school communities. The Golden Apple Foundation is the leading Illinois nonprofit committed to preparing, honoring and supporting educators who advance educational opportunities for students. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Rachel Werderits reacts with surprise as she enters the gym filled with students, staff and supporters for the award presentation. Golden Apple winners are not told of their win until the presentation ceremony. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Students cheer as Rachel Werderits, teacher at St. Andrew School 1710 W. Addison St., is completely surprised as she enters the gym. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Students from all grades congratulate one of their favorite teachers at the school. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Following a highly competitive process, the 2023 teaching award recipients were selected from more than 570 nominations of 4th-8th grade teachers. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
A student holds up a sign during the presentation. (Following a highly competitive process, the 2023 teaching award recipients were selected from more than 570 nominations of 4th-8th grade teachers. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Father Sergio Romo, pastor of St. Andrew Parish, says a few words during the celebration. To his left is principal Sarah Casavechia and behind him to his right is Greg Richmond as superintendent of the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Alan Mather, president of The Golden Apple Foundation, presents Werderits with the award. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Werderits poses with her sixth-grade class for a picture. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

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