RALEIGH, N.C. — The Lewis Award committee announced March 13 that Cardinal Gibbons High School’s Taylor Blanton will be the recipient of the 2025-2026 Lewis Award for Excellence in Teaching. The award is given annually to a full-time teacher in a Diocese of Raleigh Catholic School who has shown strong commitment to students, colleagues and schools as well as their family, church community and civic community.
He’s the fifth teacher from Gibbons to receive the honor in the award’s 34-year history.
According to the committee, “Blanton teaches Advanced Placement United States History and Economics, and extends his content area contributions beyond traditional classrooms. Blanton has led students on the school’s Western Europe trip during mid-winter break. Among colleagues, he has offered professional development for enhancing financial literacy. Blanton has coached in the Crusaders’ cross country, swimming and diving, and track and field programs.” He’s in his 16th year of teaching at the school.
The Lewis Award will be presented to Blanton April 15 at Cardinal Gibbons High School following a special Mass.