Highlighting the role of Catholic schools in forming students in faith and academics, the Diocese of Dallas on April 24 named three educators as 2026 Distinguished Educators of the Year at its annual banquet, held at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Parish.
Educator of the Year
From the age of 12, Daniel Harrelson has known he wanted to be a band director. Now in his 11th year at Bishop Dunne Catholic School, that lifelong calling has earned him recognition among his peers. Harrelson, who serves as director of bands at Bishop Dunne, was named one of three Distinguished Educators of the Year April 25 during the 2025 Diocese of Dallas Catholic Schools Distinguished Educator of the Year dinner, held in the parish hall of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church.