Celebrating the
2026 Pens MVPs
Presented by the
AIU and Grable Foundation
Welcome to the Pens Most Valuable Principals Hall of Fame! Come back each week this fall for a fresh Q&A with one of our most recent Pens MVPs.
In 2026, each of these 15 regional principals were honored at a Pens game, received a Pens prize pack, customized jersey, and a $1,000 donation to their school for a project of their choosing.
2026 Honorees
Dr. Samantha Abate
Deer Lakes School District
Amanda Beckett
Chartiers Valley SD
Dr. Bonnie Betler
Brentwood Borough SD
Dr. Brett Bielewicz
Mt. Lebanon SD
David Campos
Allegheny Intermediate Unit
Dr. Keera Dwulit
Avonworth SD
Paula Giran
Pine-Richland SD
Dr. Jennifer Hoffner
Gateway SD
Dr. Julie Moore
Moon Area SD
John Saras
Baldwin-Whitehall SD
Kevin Sheridan
North Hills SD
Clay Stone
Steel Valley SD
Dr. David Turk
Riverview SD
Jodi VanderSchaaff
Deer Lakes SD
Brandon Whitfield,
Baldwin-Whitehall SD
Dr. Bonnie Betler, principal of Moore Elementary School in the Brentwood Borough School District, is one of 15 honorees of the 2026 Penguins MVP designation.
What is something positive that you want others to know about your school?
Betler: Moore Elementary is a diverse and vibrant school where we celebrate the accomplishments and hard work of everyone. Students are the center of what we do. We value learning, care and belonging, creativity and innovation, as well as fostering partnerships with the greater community. Teachers at Moore are innovative; pushing each other to try new techniques and develop cross-curricular experiences for all students. We work together to plan evening events that showcase diverse talents. Families are treated to exciting carnivals, art shows, and living history displays. Everyone who enters through our doors is welcomed and valued.
What do you love about being a principal?
Betler: I love creating a welcoming and caring community where every learner feels seen and becomes equipped with the skills to dream and grow into their future selves. Being a principal means that everyday I am given the opportunity to connect with my students and their families. Those connections and relationships with people are what make being a principal so rewarding. There is nothing better than seeing students happy, learning, and when they return, exited to be here.
In your opinion, what is the future of education?
Betler: The future of education is a joyful experience. When we feel happy we are able to learn and build trust with those around us. As educators we are responsible for constructing learning environments whose underpinnings are rooted in connections. Those learning environments extend beyond the classrooms walls into the school culture and rely on families as allies. Children flourish when they are valued and seen. Happy classrooms make happy life long learners.
Clay Stone, principal of Steel Valley Middle School in the Steel Valley School District, is one of 15 honorees of the 2026 Penguins MVP designation.
What is something positive that you want others to know about your school?
Stone: Steel Valley Middle School has an incredible staff and amazing students. We pride ourselves in our diversity and being a close-knit community. Many of our staff, students, and families are lifelong and multigenerational Ironmen, so the love and support for one another goes far beyond the school walls. SVMS strives to be respectful, accountable, and safe. We push to educate the whole child. We continuously aim to provide students with authentic hands-on learning experiences that support students’ growth in core academics, STREAM, career readiness, the arts, and social emotional learning.
What do you love about being a principal?
Stone: As a principal, no two days are alike. Each day offers new challenges and opportunities. I love the continuous collaboration with my teachers, central administration, and support staff. I love being able to help, support, and guide students to achieve their fullest potential. Having been at Steel Valley for three years, as well as being fortunate enough to live in the community with my kids enrolled in the district, I love the relationships and trust I’ve built with my students and their families. Mostly though, I enjoy watching my students grow not just as students, but as human beings.
In your opinion, what is the future of education?
Stone: I believe the future of education lies somewhere in the realm of STREAM, inclusion, and a student-centered approach to teaching and learning. I think it’s important that education approaches trends, like AI, with cautious optimism and focuses on utilizing such trends to supplement instruction to enhance student engagement, rather than rely on them. The key to education will always be the personal impact a teacher can make on a child’s life. And that personal and human approach to education is timeless.
Jodi VanderSchaaff, principal of the East Union Intermediate Center in the Deer Lakes School District, is one of 15 honorees of the 2026 Penguins MVP designation.
What is something positive that you want others to know about your school?
VanderSchaaff: East Union Intermediate is a school with a huge heart. Our entire staff works hard to lead with kindness and keep students at the center of every decision we make.
What do you love about being a principal?
VanderSchaaff: I love being a principal because I have the opportunity to lead an amazing staff and make a difference in the lives of our students. No two days are ever the same, which definitely keeps the work interesting and rewarding!
In your opinion, what is the future of education?
VanderSchaaff: The future of education will continue to evolve, but one thing will always remain constant is that relationships matter. We all remember a teacher or staff member who made us feel seen, valued, and important. Nothing can ever replace the impact of that kind of connection.
Dr. David Turk, junior high principal of Riverview Jr-Sr High School in the Riverview School District, 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.
John Saras, co-principal of Baldwin 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?
Saras: Our school is transforming teaching and learning through innovative practices that empower students to think critically and stay fully engaged. We also prioritize strong connections with students, families, and our community so everyone feels informed, supported, and part of our work.
What do you love about being a principal?
Saras: I love being a principal because of the strong connections we build with students, staff, and families that create a supportive and inspiring school community. I also appreciate the opportunity to champion innovative teaching and learning that helps every student grow with confidence and purpose.
In your opinion, what is the future of education?
Saras: The future of education will center on flexible student schedules that allow learners to pursue personalized pathways and explore their interests in meaningful ways. This shift will create greater opportunities for real world learning through internships, job shadowing, and work study experiences. It will also redefine what it means to be a high school graduate by rethinking content area requirements and continuing to expand the thoughtful infusion of technology into every classroom.