All-School Mass celebrates Blanton as Lewis Award recipient
PHOTO BY RYAN KINDER '26 / GIBBONS MEDIA
On Wednesday, our community came together at a special All-School Mass to celebrate and recognize Mr. Taylor Blanton as this year's recipient of the Lewis Award for Excellence in Teaching.
During more than 15 years at Gibbons, Mr. Blanton has built a classroom where academic rigor and genuine faith aren't in tension—they belong together. History doesn't just get taught in his room; it comes alive. Lessons turn into conversations, and students don't just learn the material—they're known, challenged, and cared for.
His goals are straightforward, in his own words: "to listen deeply, challenge fairly, and stay connected to students even after they graduate." And he means it. The relationships he builds extend beyond the classroom and well beyond graduation.
His students' results speak for themselves—including a 100% pass rate and consistently strong performance on the AP U.S. History—but Mr. Blanton would be the first to tell you that's not the point. What matters most is who his students become.
In accepting the award, he was characteristically humble.
"We're a community, and we're a family," he said. "So many of you have impacted me in ways, large and small—often in ways you don't even realize." '
He pointed to colleagues, students, and the everyday moments that make Gibbons what it is—the "small, simple, sometimes silly acts of love" that add up to something lasting.
Faith isn't a footnote in Mr. Blanton's classroom—it's central.
"Every day, I get to mention Jesus," he said.
He reminded students of Christ's call to love God and love your neighbor, and that "when we do that, even in small, everyday ways, we reflect the love God has for each of us."