Dr. Mark P. Del Mastro with (left to right) Darlene S. Whitaker (2010 S.C. Spanish Teacher of the Year), Zuleika S. Hernández and Wendy R. Girgan (runners-up).

Dr. Mark P. Del Mastro, Founding Director of Sigma Delta Pi’s S.C. Spanish Teacher of the Year program, conducted the annual awards ceremony on November 11, 2010 at The Citadel, where he announced Mrs. Darlene S. Whitaker of Great Falls High School as the winner of the 6th annual contest.  Wendy Girgan of Pinewood Preparatory School and Zuleika S. Hernández of Spring Valley High School were the runners-up.  All three finalists received award plaques courtesy of The Citadel’s Tau Iota Chapter of Sigma Delta Pi and lodging thanks to the Francis Marion Hotel in downtown Charleston.  Mrs. Whitaker also received a $500 cash award courtesy of The Citadel’s chapter of Sigma Delta Pi.

Beginning in 2011, the program will be co-sponsored by the College of Charleston and The Citadel, and Dr. Del Mastro will continue as the program’s director.