Donna Slocumb Chosen as 2026 Distinguished Service Award Winner

The Distinguished Service Award was established in 2000 by the late Dominic Cermele who served as a member of the Board of City Trusts and later became the President of Girard College from 2003 to 2000. At the end of each school year, Girard College presents the Distinguished Service Award to a staff member who exemplifies the highest quality of work, a positive attitude, and commitment to the goals of the College. Recipients of this prestigious award must demonstrate a dedication to the mission of the school, an outstanding level of professionalism, and evidence of a significant contribution to the community.

Donna Slocumb, elementary school teacher at Girard College for more than 30 years, has been selected as the 2026 Distinguished Service Award Winner.

Those who nominated Donna emphasized the incredible impact she has had on scholars during her more than three decades of serving the Girard College community.

Here are a few comments from Donna’s colleagues:

“Donna is well loved and respected by her colleagues and students, both past and present.”

“Donna possesses a growth mindset and a willingness to expand her practice and develop new skills as an educator, showing how passionate she is about her profession. She is a consummate professional – compassionate, patient, and consistently acting with integrity.”

“She has forged strong relationships with our students and helped to facilitate their growth year after year. She clearly puts our students first in words and actions.”

“Donna is reliable, kind, caring and an incredible role model, a bright light among her peers, and she exemplifies the values of Girard College.”

Congratulations to Donna! The Girard College community greatly appreciates the love and dedication you have shown to generations of students.