Amanda Beckett, assistant principal of Chartiers Valley Intermediate 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?

Beckett: Our school may be large, but we are intentional about creating a small, close-knit feel. Our amazing staff, wonderful students, and supportive families all play a vital role in making our community strong and connected.

---

What do you love about being a principal?

Beckett: I enjoy supporting students, getting to know them, and building meaningful relationships. I strive to make our staff feel valued and part of a true team, while fostering a school culture others want to be part of. I also believe that we all make mistakes, but every day is a chance to start fresh, choose better, and make progress, not perfection.

---

In your opinion, what is the future of education?

Beckett: I don’t think any of us can fully put into words what the future of education will look like. It’s already so different from where we were even five years ago. As education continues to evolve, I believe we’ll see greater flexibility in how schooling looks and increased innovation in the design of schools. Truly, the sky is the limit.

David Campos, principal of Sunrise 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?

Campos: Sunrise has an amazing and dedicated staff that work tirelessly for our students (who are also amazing!)

---

What do you love about being a principal?

Campos: Being the building principal allows me to impact the school programming at-large and benefit the entire student population. Working with students is a rare honor and being a building principal allows me to impact the lives of both the staff and students.

---

In your opinion, what is the future of education?

Campos: Special education is uniquely focused on individualized education and meeting our students at their level. With the acceleration of technology, and AI specifically, it would not surprise me to see education at large becoming more and more individualized for all students.

Dr. Keera Dwulit, principal of Avonworth 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?

Dwulit: Our incredible students and dedicated teachers make Avonworth such a special place! They show up for each other and for me and I couldn’t be more humbled and proud to work beside each of them. Our students are so much more powerful and impactful than they realize! They bring challenge, talent, persistence, humor, and awesome ideas…reminding me how very lucky I am.

---

What do you love about being a principal?

Dwulit: I have the gift of watching students work through challenges and then achieve more than they ever thought possible. I am trusted by families to look out for their kids each day and I value every minute learning from them! I also get to help teachers begin their journeys and then see them become masterful educators and mentors, guiding students that will change the world.

---

In your opinion, what is the future of education?

Dwulit: The future is so bright; full of potential for students of all abilities and paths to finding success. The future is full of confident students finding their passions early, enjoying learning, and building a life they are proud of. The future of education is here.

Dr. Brett M. Bielewicz, principal of Jefferson Elementary 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?

Bielewicz: Jefferson Elementary School is a nurturing, student-centered community where social-emotional learning is at the heart of everything we do. We intentionally teach skills like self-awareness, empathy, problem-solving, and resilience so students feel safe, supported, and confident to learn and grow. Jefferson Elementary was one of the first schools to have a Matt’s Makerspaces, which has inspired and empowered students to build their , collaboration, and perseverance while learning that mistakes are part of the process. Most importantly, our families are truly the secret to our success. Our strong home-school partnerships create a caring network that helps every JES student thrive both in and out of the classroom.

---

What do you love about being a principal?

Bielewicz: I love being a principal because I get to make a difference in people’s lives every single day. I love celebrating every success, no matter how small, helping kids through big feelings, and watching our community come together around shared goals. Being a principal means leading with heart, creating opportunities, setting a vision, and seeing the impact of that work unfold in real time.

---

In your opinion, what is the future of education?

Bielewicz: I believe that the future of education is built on strong partnerships. Local universities, community organizations, and leaders in the field are the much needed collaborations that connect schools to research, innovation, and real-world expertise. These partnerships allow instruction to evolve while providing supports that nurture academic and social-emotional growth.

By working alongside leaders in the field, Jefferson Elementary has piloted new ideas and created learning experiences that are truly meaningful. In this future-focused model, education is a shared responsibility; one that extends beyond school walls and prepares students not only for academic success, but for life beyond the classroom.

Paula Giran, principal of Hance Elementary 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?

Giran: At Hance Elementary School, the most remarkable thing is the immediate sense of warmth. From the moment you walk through our doors, you are greeted by a positive school climate that genuinely feels welcoming. It isn’t just a building; it’s a community where every student, staff member, and visitor is treated with kindness and respect. This environment fosters a unique, family-like feel that defines who we are. We truly live by our tagline, “All HANCE on Deck.” Whether it’s teachers going the extra mile or students supporting one another, we work together as a team to ensure everyone thrives. At Hance, you aren’t just a face in the hallway, you are a valued part of a family that cares deeply about your success and happiness.

---

What do you love about being a principal?

Giran: As a principal, I love that no two days are ever the same. My favorite part of the job is the collaborative spirit that fills our school. I am passionate about working with our Hance team to cultivate a risk-free environment where both teachers and students feel safe to innovate and try new things without fear of failure. Nothing warms my heart more than teachers stopping me to share student successes or excitement over a new lesson except, perhaps, the spontaneous hugs, handwritten notes, and drawings I receive from students. These moments remind me why we stay focused on every student, every day. Creating these bonds and seeing our community thrive together is what truly makes my work rewarding and gives our school its family feel.

---

In your opinion, what is the future of education?

Giran: The future of education offers so much hope and promise. It can be a challenging and at times heavy task, yet it is also very rewarding. Learning for our purposes means so much more than imparting knowledge. It means instilling a sense of wonder, perseverance, and caring. Daily, we see so many students and teachers who want and are prepared to make a difference. In our classrooms, we empower our students to think for themselves, to never give up when faced with struggles, and to speak for themselves. We help children believe in themselves and empower them to be capable and exceptional learners. They are not only our future, but the ones who will change the world in a positive way.