Penn Hills School District celebrates students, staff, parents with new initiative

In an effort to recognize hard work within the school district, Penn Hills Superintendent John Mozzocio has started an initiative called Pride and Promise.

Each month, a student, teacher or staff member and a parent will be recognized with an award.

“These are given to community members, parents, students and staff members who go above and beyond,” Mozzocio said. “We appreciate everything you do, and we want to recognize you.”

The first round of awards Jan. 31 went to kindergarten teacher Candace Henderson, second grader Dilda Zengin and Jill Scott, the parent of an elementary student.

“With a background in early childhood education, Candace brought a fresh new perspective to our kindergarten team,” said Kristin Brown, principal of Penn Hills Elementary School.

Henderson joined Penn Hills two years ago.

“When Dr. Mozzocio mentioned the Pride and Promise award, Jill Scott came to mind immediately,” Brown said.

Scott serves as president of the school’s parent teacher organization. Through the PTO, Brown said, Scott has been able to help cultivate a family-forward approach to the school’s fundraisers, assemblies and events.

Dilda, who moved to Penn Hills from Turkey, is in her second year with the school district.

“As you can imagine, coming to a new country and starting a new school with everyone around you speaking a foreign language can be scary and overwhelming, but Dilda persevered,” Brown said.

With the support of her teachers, Dilda is excelling this year and continues to receive stellar reviews, Brown said.

Each winner received a T-shirt and a certificate. Mozzocio said the initiative will continue Feb. 28 with the awards being centered around the middle school.