Baldwin-Whitehall School District Principal Patricia Fusco was named one of the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation’s MVPs.
Fusco is the top administrator at Harrison Education Center. She has served nearly 16 years in the district, including as an assistant principal at Paynter Elementary School for more than five years.
The Penguins Foundation partnered with the Grable Foundation and the Allegheny Intermediate Unit this year to launch a new initiative designed to honor educators making a difference in their school districts.
Fusco and 15 other principals in Allegheny County were selected out of more than 1,350 submissions representing more than 135 candidates to become a Most Valuable Principal.
The winning principals were selected by a panel of judges and were judged on three main components.
They include the ability to demonstrate an innovative approach to learning, a continuous strive for excellence and a passion for their school and students.
“Patricia Fusco stood out because it was evident through the submissions for her that she truly cared about not only the success of her students, but their well-being as well,” said foundation program coordinator Darya Snoznik. “It was noted that she would make weekly Sunday night calls to make them feel special and excited for the week ahead. It was noted that she was the reason that kids were excelling during this difficult year and that she is a light for the school district.”
Fusco will receive a Penguins prize pack including a travel mug, ball cap, notebook, valet tray and customized Penguins jersey to go along with $1,000 for a school project of her choosing.
She plans to utilize the funds from her MVP recognition to purchase mobile outdoor equipment for her school such as swings, picnic tables, play structures and for support materials for their regional rooms.
More information about the MVP program including a list of all awardees is available at pittsburghpenguinsfoundation.org.
