Anthony Majewski, a candidate for the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, placed in the top three finalists for the Escalante-Gradillas Best in Education Prize, a nationwide prize that rewards educators who “exemplify the commitment to learning, discipline, and character-building,” according to the award’s website. Named for Jaime Gallante, the Garfield High School teacher portrayed by Edward James Olmos in the 1988 film Stand and Deliver, and Henry Gradillas, the school’s principal, the prize awards $10,000 to the winning educator and $10,000 to his or her school.

As principal of Hill-Freedman World Academy in Philadelphia, Majewski has accrued more than $2.6 million in grant and prize funding, introduced an international baccalaureate “middle years and diploma program,” and played a large role in the expansion of Hill-Freedman from a middle school to grade 6-12 program, chronicled on Newsworks.org.

Before pursuing his Doctor of Education from Arcadia, Majewski earned a Master of Education from Cheyney University and a Master of Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law School.

Lisa Ciaranca Kaplan, principal of Andrew Jackson Elementary in Philadelphia, received the Best in Education Prize.