Independence Blue Cross (IBX) named Allyssa Churchwell, a Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher at Pennsbury High School, the second winner of its IBX Honor Roll campaign. The IBX Honor Roll, a joint initiative with the Philadelphia Phillies, recognizes extraordinary teachers in the Philadelphia five-county and New Jersey regions.
Ms. Churchwell was selected from thousands of entries based on the many ways she engages students, her development of an innovative mentorship program, and her commitment to preparing the future teaching workforce. Pennsbury High School, serving nearly 3,000 students, is located in Bucks County and is part of the Pennsbury School District.
Key highlights
The winning nomination for Ms. Churchwell included several specific examples of why she is an all-star educator:
- Consistently considers ways that her students can find more engagement and real-world connection for the classes that are provided in her department.
- Oversees development at both the middle school and high school levels, providing leadership for her colleagues in a plethora of ways— especially in creating high-demand courses in culinary skills, child development, fashion, and other critical life skills.
- Prepares future teachers, including development of a mentorship program where the students in her class push into K-8 classrooms to observe, support students, learn from a mentor teacher, and even teach lessons. This trial run gives students the opportunity to “test out the waters” before heading down a college pathway.
- Goes above and beyond once students graduate to mentor them in everything from student teaching placement to résumé writing to interview skills to help them reach their career goals.
- Serves on countless committees and supports her colleagues by serving as a union leader, giving her personal time to better the school experience for all stakeholders.
- Selected many times as the students’ favorite teacher in scholarship essay applications.
As an IBX Honor Roll winner, Ms. Churchwell will receive:
- A $500 gift card
- An on-field experience and recognition at the June 21 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.
In total, the IBX Honor Roll campaign will recognize six teachers in 2025 who are hitting it out of the park with their achievements both in and out of the classroom. Rick Asman of Stephen Decatur School in Philadelphia was the first awardee.