Plymouth Elementary School teacher to be honored at Aug. 22 Phillies game

One of Plymouth Elementary School’s teachers will be honored on the field by the Philadelphia Phillies and Independence Blue Cross (IBX) during the Aug. 22 game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Christi Rabenda, a member of #TeamColonial for 24 years, was nominated and selected for the IBX Honor Roll program, which recognizes outstanding educators in the region for helping shape the future of students, schools, and communities. Only six teachers are selected each year for the honor roll based on submitted nominations. Ms. Rabenda was nominated by fellow teacher Tracy O’Shea. She found out she had been selected when Principal Kylene Phillips announced it in June.

“It was really great it happened that way because I was celebrated by my colleagues and students on the last day of school, and that was really special,” said Ms. Rabenda, who teaches physical education. “I was very surprised, humbled, and excited.”

Ms. Rabenda has been teaching for more than two decades and loves her profession because it is rewarding to see students light up when they succeed. She values the relationships she has with her students and enjoys providing them with encouragement and support as they grow. One of the many ways she has helped them to grow is by piloting unique programs like All Kids Bike, which you can read more about here.

In addition to her students, Ms. Rabenda loves the Phillies, so to be honored by the team she has supported over the years is meaningful.

“This nomination is super special in many ways, and having the opportunity to be on the field where the Phillies play is awesome.”

Ms. Rabenda will be recognized before the hometown crowd on Saturday evening and then return for the start of a new school year on Monday, Aug. 24. She’s looking forward to both celebrations.

“Each school year brings new opportunities, and I’m excited to watch every one of my students grow—not only physically but emotionally and socially as well. My goal is to help them feel confident, empowered to do their best, comfortable asking for help when they need it, and always feel supported,” she said.

Read the IBX Honor Roll website article here.