Independence Blue Cross (IBX) selected Stephanie Caracci, M.Ed. as the sixth and final winner of the 2025 IBX Honor Roll campaign. Mrs. Caracci is a Gifted and Talented Instructor at Fountain Woods Elementary School in New Jersey. Fountain Woods Elementary School is part of the Burlington Township School District and serves students in grades 2-5.
An educator for 32 years, Mrs. Caracci was chosen as an IBX Honor Roll teacher for her creativity, passion, and decades long commitment to both students and colleagues. Described as “a team player, dedicated, committed, helpful, modest, and caring,” her nomination detailed the many ways she embodies the attributes of an outstanding teacher.
When asked what she loves most about teaching, Mrs. Caracci shared: “There is nothing more powerful—or more fun—than creating a space where kids feel seen, heard, and valued. Being part of the magic is a gift that I never take for granted!”
Highlights from the winning nomination include:
- Each year, she takes 20-40 students to an overnight camp where they participate in educational activities that teach teamwork, leadership, and push them to face their fears and become stronger humans. Mrs. Caracci plans the activities herself, keeping the focus on helping the students grow and flourish.
- She creates fun and engaging activities to prepare students for the annual Battle of the Books competition – helping to ensure the kids emerge with a love of reading. In addition, Mrs. Caracci is on the committee to choose the books for Burlington County. This entails reading all of the books in her spare time, working with the other school leaders to choose ones that are appropriate, and making sure the schools have them available to the students.
- Caracci is always looking for new and creative lessons to challenge her students. She works with a team of other gifted educators around the county and often hosts professional development events for them.
- She sees a need and steps in to offer help – whether asked to or not. She hops-in to assist with the rush of the first day of school, yearbook signing, and any other time an additional set of eyes is needed.
As an IBX Honor Roll winner, Mrs. Caracci will receive:
- A $500 gift card
- An on-field experience and recognition at the September 26 Phillies game
- Recognition on ballpark concourse signage and IBX social media
- An IBX swag bag, including a Phillies jersey and cap
- And a behind-the-scenes Citizens Bank Park tour to share with students or staff
The IBX Honor Roll launched in Spring 2025. It is a joint initiative with the Philadelphia Phillies that recognizes exemplary teachers in the Philadelphia five-county and New Jersey regions.
During its inaugural year, more than 2,500 nominations were submitted by students, friends, family, and community members. The campaign recognized six teachers who are hitting grand slams both in and out of the classroom. 2025 winners already announced include: Rick Asman of Stephen Decatur School in Philadelphia; Allyssa Churchwell from Pennsbury High School in Bucks County; Sarah Damato at Springfield High School in Delaware County; Samdai Stricklan, M.Ed., at Waldron Mercy Academy in Montgomery County; and Jennifer Chrisman, Ed.D., from Rainbow Elementary School in Chester County.
