Noteworthy: O'Neill, elementary principal at Union Area School District, will receive the 2014 Distinguished Female Educator Award from the Tri-State Area School Study Council during the 12th Annual Dr. Jean Winsand International Institute for Women in School Leadership on April 24 in Penn Hills. The award recognizes winners for their leadership within their school districts and communities as well as their assistance extended to others.
Age: 66
Residence: New Castle
Family: Husband, Bob; three children, Kelly, Sean, Brian; mother, Betty Sylvester.
Background: O'Neill was promoted to elementary principal in 1996 after serving as a first-grade teacher in the school district for 25 years. O'Neill now serves as the district's curriculum coordinator, federal programs coordinator, transportation coordinator and new teacher induction specialist. She was one of three state finalists for Pennsylvania's representative in the National Association of Elementary and Secondary School Principals distinguished principal program in 2012.
Education: Bachelor's degree in education from Franciscan University, master's degree in education from Westminster College. She received her principal's certification in 1980.
Quote: “It's a wonderful honor.”
