SV ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT NAMED EDUCATION AWARD WINNER news
It’ s often said that great leaders not only guide others, but also inspire and empower those around them through the qualities they embody. Dr. Marie Palano, Seneca Valley Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Assessment, exemplifies this kind of leadership— and is now being honored for it as the recipient of the 2025 Emerging Woman in Education Award, presented in memory of University of Pittsburgh Professor Emeritus Dr. Jean Winsand by the Tri-State Study Council.
The Jean E. Winsand Emerging Woman in Education Award honors a woman who is at an early stage on the path of her leadership career. The award is intended to recognize a woman who has made a significant impact and positive difference through her leadership activities and initiatives.
“ I am deeply honored to receive the Dr. Jean E. Winsand Emerging Woman in Education Award,” says Dr. Palano.“ I have been inspired by the incredible women who have come before me and humbled to be among them. I’ ve also been guided by exceptional mentors, many of whom are women, who have shown me what it means to lead with integrity, kindness and compassion. Ultimately, I believe this recognition reflects the collective work of our leadership team, and I’ m grateful to work alongside such dedicated and passionate colleagues.”
Prior to becoming an Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Palano began her career at Seneca Valley in 2003 as a Spanish and French teacher at Ryan Gloyer Middle School( RGMS). Eight years later she became the Assistant Principal at RGMS and later the Principal at the former Evans City Middle School. In 2017, Dr. Palano was then promoted to Director of Analytics and Federal Programs and also supervised federal programming( Title I, Title II, Title III and Title IV) for the district.
“ Dr. Palano has proven herself to be a very effective and engaging leader in data, curriculum, instruction and Federal Programs,” says Dr. Tracy Vitale, Seneca Valley School District Superintendent of Schools.“ This honor is well-deserved, and we applaud her as a distinguished emerging leader in the Pittsburgh region.”
Dr. Palano was recognized during an awards ceremony at the 22nd Annual Dr. Jean E. Winsand Workshop for Women in School Leadership earlier this month.
www. svsd. net
SENECA VALLEY STUDENT EARNS NATIONAL AWARD FOR VFW’ s PATRIOT’ S PEN ESSAY
Highlighting her incredible talent and passion for civic engagement, Lanie Koliscak, an eighth-grade student from Ryan Gloyer Middle School( RGMS), was named a 2024-2025 Patriot ' s Pen winner. Her compelling essay on,“ My Voice in America’ s Democracy?” earned first place in Pennsylvania and an impressive 10th place nationwide!
Each year, nearly 68,800 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’ s Patriot’ s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of nearly $ 1 million in state and national awards. This year’ s national winners were announced at the 2025 VFW Washington Conference in Washington, D. C., during the Parade of Winners ceremony.
This essay contest encourages students to examine America’ s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300-400-word essay, expressing their views.
“ Placing first in the state and 10th in the nation for my essay is a humbling reminder of the power of hard work and dedication, and a moment that fuels my passion for writing even further,” says Miss Koliscak.
Miss Koliscak won $ 1,800 in the state competition. She also received $ 1,500 from nationals and an additional $ 3,300 after winning 10th in the nation. Miss Koliscak was sponsored by VFW Post # 879, District 1.
“ Community engagement is where my voice can have a direct immediate impact. Volunteering for local initiatives, fundraising, attending booster meetings and participating in civic projects allow me to contribute to the well-being of my community. These activities foster a sense of responsibility and connection to the democratic process. Moreover, they provide opportunities to collaborate with others who share my passion for positive change – demonstrating that democracy thrives on collective effort.” – Excerpt from Miss Koliscak’ s award-winning essay. To read the essay in its entirety, go to svsd. net.
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