Nominations for the inaugural Blessed Mother Teresa Award are due Friday, March 31, at the Diocese of Orlando Office of Schools.

The Blessed Mother Teresa Award will be given to one elementary school and one high school in the Diocese of Orlando each year who have a group of individuals that exemplify Catholic identity in schools via service projects. The title of the award is derived from the contemporary faith model of Blessed Mother Teresa in her service to the lonely, forgotten, poor and marginalized.

Principals at schools throughout the Diocese are encouraged to nominate any school or school-sponsored group they feel demonstrates Catholic faith and identity in action. That includes homeroom classes, athletic teams or other clubs and organizations. Bishop John Noonan will present the awards at the end of the school year, and winners will receive an engraved plaque for permanent placement at the school and $1,000, expected to be used to expand charitable work. Engraved icons of Blessed Mother Teresa will also travel to the winning schools each year.

“This award emphasizes the importance of preparing children to be active leaders in their communities, based on the tenants of service and sacrifice,” said Dr. Jackie Flanigan, Associate Superintendent of Catholic schools of the Diocese of Orlando.”