Former Greensburg Salem high school principal honored by Pa. House of Representatives

Recently retired former Greensburg Salem Principal David Zilli was surprised with an honor from the state House of Representatives.

State Rep. Jill Cooper, R-Murrysville, presented Zilli with a citation commemorating his 35 years in education and 15 years as principal of Greensburg Salem High School at this month’s school board meeting.

Zilli retired at the end of 2023. He had worked at the district since 1995, when he began his teaching career. A South Greensburg native, he graduated in 1982 from the same high school he led as principal.

“Throughout his career, he demonstrated remarkable knowledge, ability and integrity in carrying out his many responsibilities, thus earning the respect and gratitude of all those who received the benefit of his tireless devotion to duty,” the citation said.

In accepting the award, Zilli emphasized the teamwork of his colleagues at the district.

“My role as a principal, I always felt, was a servant,” he said. “It’s not about the position, it’s about the opportunity and the action. And it was more about giving teachers what they needed to serve our students, and giving students the opportunities we felt that they deserved.”

Although retired, Zilli remains involved with the district in some capacity, including the Greensburg Salem Education Foundation. He hopes to continue working in education through initiatives such as providing supervision of student teachers at Seton Hill University.

“I’m still resting a little bit, but then adjusting to figure out what’s going to be next,” he said.