Colonial Middle School teacher Amy Venkus wins Citadel Heart of Learning Award

Colonial Middle School music teacher Amy Venkus has been honored with the Citadel Heart of Learning Award. She is the fourth Colonial School District teacher to receive this coveted award in recent years.

Students from the cast of the seventh and eighth grade musical Mean Girls, members of the theater staff, school and district administrators, family, and a representative from Citadel Credit Union surprised Miss Venkus with the award on March 6. 

Colonial Middle School principal Dr. Shawn Kaplan chose the date to coincide with the opening night of the school musical. “We’re very excited for Amy Venkus to receive this award.” said Dr. Kaplan. “The sense of community she builds in the musical and in her classroom is a true point of pride for us at Colonial Middle School. Her contributions to bringing so many different students together is something really special.” 

Miss Venkus was humbled to find out that she had been selected for the Citadel Heart of Learning award, which is given out annually to outstanding teachers who are nominated in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Lancaster and Philadelphia counties.

“My favorite thing about teaching is seeing my students shine in many ways—whether in the classroom or on the stage,” said Miss Venkus. “I love to see students stretch themselves out of their comfort zones and see the sparkle in their eyes when they get applause from their peers or from an audience. I’m lucky to be a part of a school district that allows teachers to explore new and innovative techniques and teaching methods that inspire students. I’ve taught at multiple levels and have always had the freedom to find what works.” 

Krista Park, Director of Data Analytics for Citadel Credit Union, pointed out that through the thousands of submissions they've received, some teachers stand out because they have more “sparkle and heart.” She noted that those who nominated Miss Venkus wrote about her tireless dedication and how she inspires confidence and growth. 

To sum it up in one sentence, Ms. Park said, “Amy is far more than a music director. She is a relentless advocate, innovative leader, and community builder, whose passion, resilience, and student-first mindset has shaped generations of confident and capable young people.”

Superintendent Dr. Michael Christian agreed and shared a story of a performance that welcomed teachers back to school where Miss Venkus encouraged him to be part of the show. “I do not dance. At all. I do not sing. At all,” he said. “She got me to sing and dance. So in addition to being an amazing teacher, she proved that we are all always learning, and that’s why she’s a special teacher.”   

Amy Venkus has been the choral director at Colonial Middle School for the past 11 years, where she is the director of the sixth grade and seventh/eighth grade musicals, chorus, and Clef Notes select choir. Prior to that, she taught general music at Ridge Park Elementary School for 18 years, and worked with the Marching Colonials for two years before that. 

Miss Venkus joins Colonial Middle School math teacher Tanya Prickitt and social studies teacher George Hankins, as well as Plymouth Whitemarsh High School engineering teacher Jim Muscarella, as winners of the Citadel Heart of Learning award.