Citadel Credit Union has announced the 2026 recipients of the Citadel Heart of Learning Awards (CHOLA), recognizing 32 exceptional teachers from across Citadel's Greater Philadelphia region footprint, including Bucks, Chester, Montgomery, Lancaster, Delaware, and Philadelphia counties. Among the more than 3,200 nominations received, Abington Senior High School Social Studies Teacher, Ms. Betina Roher, was named the Grand Prize Winner for Montgomery County.
At Abington Senior High, Ms. Roher teaches AP Government and the Holocaust, Genocide Studies, and Crimes Against Humanities course. She helps lead the service learning program, and alongside the other Holocaust and Genocide Studies teacher, Mr. Bill Penderghest, Ms. Roher has most recently been instrumental in bringing a permanent exhibit from the Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center to the high school to enhance student learning.
While surprising Ms. Roher with the award announcement during one of her classes last month, Citadel representatives shared that they received more than 50 nominations for Ms. Roher, with submissions highlighting how much she excels at student engagement.
Now in its 25th year, the Citadel Heart of Learning Awards honor teachers who go above and beyond in their dedication to students and the classroom. Thousands of nominations are submitted each year by students, parents, and colleagues—and only a select few are chosen for the prestigious recognition of impact, compassion, and excellence.
The award is a key part of the Citadel Cares program, Citadel's broader community giving initiative focused on building strength and prosperity across Greater Philadelphia. Through this program, Citadel donates funds and volunteer support in the key pillars of Financial Literacy, Education, Community & Economic Development, and Health & Wellness—making the Heart of Learning Awards a natural extension of Citadel's mission to uplift and empower the communities it serves.
As the Grand Prize Winner for Montgomery County, Ms. Roher received a $5,000 prize for herself and $5,000 for Abington Senior High School.
For more information, and to see all of the Greater Philadelphia area's winners, visit Citadel's website.