St. Dominic Academy’s Ann Slonina named Teacher of the Year

Monday, March 10, 2025 was a special day at St. Dominic Academy in Lewiston. Ms. Ann Slonina was recognized as the 2024 Maine Catholic School Teacher of the Year. Each year, the Diocese of Portland accepts nominations from all Catholic schools in the diocese. Faculty can nominate peers they believe best exemplify what it means to be a Catholic teacher. 

Students and faculty gathered in Holy Cross Church next to the k-5 school and Ms. Slonina waited patiently with her class for the assembly to begin, not knowing her name was on the award, and that her family was waiting at the back of the church to congratulate her. Bishop James Ruggieri gave remarks describing the teacher’s commitment and work, only revealing Ms. Slonina’s name at the end.

The entire assembly cheered and clapped as Ms. Slonina accepted the award with characteristic humility through tears of joy and surprise.

"I feel so blessed every day to be able to come to work. It doesn't feel like work because everyone here has always been supportive through the many, many years," she said. "And seeing the kids every morning with their smiling faces always ready to go really makes this special."

Ms. Slonina has worked in Catholic education for nearly 40 years. During that time, she has cultivated a reputation for seamlessly integrating Catholic teachings into the curriculum, ensuring that students not only excel academically but also grow spiritually.  

Her class organizes and participates in numerous community service projects. The students create and donate cards and crafts to both the Meals on Wheels program and local nursing homes for each holiday. This work shows the students how to live out their faith through acts of kindness and charity. Her leadership in service initiatives fosters a sense of responsibility and empathy in students, aligning with the Catholic call to serve others. 

In the classroom, Ms. Slonina creates an atmosphere in which students feel safe, respected, motivated to learn and most importantly, loved by God. She is also known for collaborating with parents on an individual level, to ensure that each of her students' needs are met and parents feel supported and engaged in their child’s education. 

After receiving the award, Ms. Slonina and her family, including her brother, Father David Raymond, gathered for a reception.