When guests arrived with balloons, a photographer, and a large banner displaying their teacher’s face, the first and second graders at St. Francis of Assisi in Baltimore sensed that something extraordinary was about to unfold. It was a surprise visit from their principal, John Seibel, Superintendent Dr. Donna Hargens, and educational leaders from the archdiocese. The reason for all the fanfare was that their teacher, Lori Hicks, was about to discover that she had been named the Elementary School Teacher of the Year for the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
“It was my pleasure to nominate such a deserving candidate. Lori Hicks has turned her class into a multi-sensory learning center,” said Principal Seibel. “It is abundantly clear that there is always high-level thinking and questioning happening, and students are valued as individual learners and children of God.”
Mrs. Hicks, who teaches first and second graders at St. Francis of Assisi School, has been an educator for more than 22 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Towson State University and a Master of Education from Ashford University. Mrs. Hicks attributes her motivation to face each day and its challenges with a positive outlook to her passion, creativity, strong love for the arts, deep faith in God, and the power of prayer. A perfect illustration of her teaching philosophy is the “prayer corner” in her classroom. Students have expressed that they visit this special place when they feel angry or sad, or when they wish to seek God’s forgiveness.
My belief in teaching centers on creating an environment where students feel valued, respected, and supported,” said Mrs. Hicks. “Just as a family home requires a strong foundation and thoughtful design, I approach building classroom culture with a foundation of prayer, passion, and dedication. Each day, I work to create a space where students feel like part of a family, fostering respect, service, and academic growth.”
Mrs. Hicks was selected by the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Teacher of the Year Committee, which included Department of Catholic Schools leadership and representatives from the Archdiocese of Baltimore School Board. The committee selected Mrs. Hicks from 40 archdiocesan elementary and secondary Teacher of the Year nominees, all of whom were the recipients of their school’s 2025 Teacher of the Year award.
“Among her peers, Lori Hicks is known for her exceptional classroom management, strong parent communication, and ability to engage students of all learning styles,” said Dr. Hargens. “Among the students and parents, she is known for the faith, encouragement, optimism, and creativity that is ever-present in her class.”
About St. Francis of Assisi School: Established in 1955, St. Francis of Assisi school was founded on the ideals of our patron saint, rooted in the neighborhoods of Northeast Baltimore, branching out to the wider world, and envisioning a future even stronger than our past, St. Francis of Assisi School forms children for a life of scholarship, spirituality, and service in the Catholic faith tradition. St. Francis of Assisi School seeks to be a joyful center of the New Evangelization that promotes active and engaged learning through faith, discovery, collaboration, and service.
