YOUNGSTOWN — Catholic schools in the Diocese of Youngstown are wrapping up the annual celebration of National Catholic Schools Week this weekend.

The theme, “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community,” highlights the focus on faith development, academic excellence and dedication to community

Service found in the diocesan Catholic schools.

Schools hosted various events, including Masses, open houses and other activities for students, families, parishioners and community members. Several open houses are scheduled this weekend and next week since some of the schools were closed Monday and Tuesday because of the weather.

The themes this week include celebrating the parish, community, students, nation, vocations, faculty, staff, volunteers and families.

Also, nominations are now underway for the annual Golden Apple Awards. The Donahue Family Foundation of Pittsburgh has sponsored the program for the past 27 years.

At a banquet on May 6 at Tippecanoe Country Club, the diocese will recognize six teachers — up to two high school teachers and the remainder being elementary teachers. One principal also will receive a Golden Apple Award.

Winners receive $5,000 cash, a certificate, a Golden Apple paperweight and a lapel pin.

• Teacher candidates must exemplify Catholic values, be a full-time K-12 classroom teacher with a bachelor’s degree or higher, and have a valid teaching license for the position(s) he or she holds.

• Principal candidates must be a full-time principal or assistant principal with a valid and appropriate license for the position(s) held and must exemplify Catholic values.

• Both candidates must have completed at least three full years of teaching or leadership in a secondary or elementary school within the Diocese of Youngstown.

Visit doy.org for information and nomination forms.