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About the Nomination Process
Porto Charities will recognize an Outstanding Educator, Outstanding Employer (parish, school, or business), Outstanding Peer Mentor, Outstanding School, and Outstanding Self-Advocate, with the Porto Charities Advocacy Award. The awards will be presented to individuals or organizations located in the Diocese of Arlington. Nominations will close on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 10:00 pm and the recipients will be selected by the Porto Charities Awards Selection Committee.
Nominating Criteria:​
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Individuals are invited to submit nominations through this website by Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 10:00 pm.
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Contact information is required to verify entries.
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Nominators may be contacted by phone or email if the selection committee requires additional information about their nominees.
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Eligibility Criteria:
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The individual being nominated must be living, studying, working, or volunteering in the Diocese of Arlington, VA. The school, parish, or business being nominated must be located in the Diocese of Arlington.
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A recipient will be deemed worthy of the award based on their impact and contributions in the areas of inclusive education and inclusive employment in the Diocese of Arlington.
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Nominees may be asked to participate in an interview, which may include a site visit.
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Award recipients must agree to be videotaped. Their videos will be used in Porto Charities' promotional materials.
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The recipient, or their representative, will be presented with the Porto Charities' Advocacy Award in their respective category at our 4th Annual Advocacy Awards to be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the Westfields Marriott in Chantilly, Virginia.
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Tickets to attend the Advocacy Awards Gala will be available to the public starting on February 10, 2026.
Submit your Nominations Today!
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St. Margaret of Castello Award
Outstanding Educator
Named after St. Margaret, who lived with disabilities and was known for her deep faith and holiness, this award recognizes an outstanding educator who embraces the Catholic Church’s call for inclusion. This educator may be a General Education teacher, a special education teacher, or an aide who is making a positive impact on the learning experiences of children with disabilities in our Catholic Schools.
Bishop Michael Burbidge Award
Outstanding Employer
Named after Bishop Michael Burbidge, who has led by example in hiring individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD), this award recognizes a school, parish, or business in the Diocese of Arlington that embraces individuals with ID/DD by providing them with volunteer and employment opportunities and fosters a workplace environment where they thrive.
St. Timothy Award
Outstanding Peer Mentor
Named after St. Timothy, companion and helper to St. Paul, this award recognizes an outstanding current or former peer mentor from each of the four diocesan high schools (PVI, DJO, BI, JPG). These students are committed to supporting individuals with disabilities and improving their academic and social outcomes, making a meaningful impact on their mentees and inspiring other peers to embrace people with disabilities.
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St. John Paul II Award
Outstanding School
Named after St. John Paul II, who was known for his unique compassion and love for young people, this award recognizes an outstanding school that has been a leading example in making Catholic education accessible to youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These schools are committing significant resources to support these students in a welcoming environment.
Laura Lee Award
Outstanding Self-Advocate
Named after Laura Lee, a nationally recognized advocate from Virginia, this award recognizes an outstanding individual with an intellectual or developmental disability who advocates for themselves and others in schools, workplaces, and the community. This individual inspires others through their achievements, challenges barriers, and promotes accessibility for people with disabilities.