Dr. David Turk, junior high principal of Riverview Jr-Sr High School, is one of 15 honorees of the 2026 Penguins MVP designation.
What is something positive that you want others to know about your school?
Turk: Riverview School District is a special place. Although we are a small district serving about 1,000 students across the communities of Verona and Oakmont, that size is truly one of our greatest strengths. Our students, families, staff, and community members form a close-knit and supportive environment where everyone knows one another and works together for the success of our children. Having worked in other school districts, I can confidently say that the best word to describe Riverview is FAMILY.
What do you love about being a principal?
Turk: What I love most about being a principal is the opportunity to positively impact students every single day. School has the power to change lives, and that’s something that is very personal to me. I grew up in a more challenging environment, and school was a place where I could escape some of those difficulties and focus on building a better future. Because of that experience, I’m incredibly proud to serve as a principal and even more proud of the journey that brought me here. A big part of my role is removing barriers for students. Sometimes I joke that I see myself as a bit of a bulldozer—advocating for kids and pushing through obstacles that might otherwise stand in their way.
In your opinion, what is the future of education?
Turk: The future of education is about evolving with the world around us and preparing students for life beyond high school. That means reimagining the school experience to better meet students’ needs while also focusing on real-world skills like critical thinking and collaboration. Our goal is to ensure every student graduates not just with knowledge, but with the confidence and skills to succeed in whatever path they choose.