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Penguins honor outstanding principals
January 20, 2026
Four PennWest California alumni have been selected as 2026 Pittsburgh Penguins Most
Valuable Principal (MVP) honorees, a regional recognition celebrating outstanding
leadership and commitment to student success.
The Penguins Most Valuable Principal program, a partnership of the Pittsburgh Penguins
Foundation, Allegheny Intermediate Unit, and The Grable Foundation, honors principals
who demonstrate excellence in advancing teaching and learning within their school
communities. Each honoree will be recognized during a Penguins game this March and
will receive a $1,000 donation to their school.
The PennWest alumni recognized include:
- Paula Giran, Pine-Richland School District, Hance Elementary (M.S., STEM Education, 2016)
- Dr. Jennifer Hoffner, Gateway School District, University Park Elementary (M.S., K–12 Principal, 2014)
- Jodi VanderSchaaf, Deer Lakes School District, East Union Intermediate Center (M.S., Educational Leadership,
2017)
- Dr. David Turk, Riverview School District, Riverview Junior High School (M.S., K–12 Principal, 2013;
Ed.D., Education Administration & Leadership, 2023)
Their selection highlights the impact PennWest graduates continue to make in schools
across the region.
Pictured: Dr. Jennifer Hoffner, a principal in the Gateway School District.
