ENOLA — Danielle Ambrosia, an assistant principal at the State College Area High School in the State College Area School District, has been named Pennsylvania’s 2026 Assistant Principal of the Year by the Pennsylvania Principals Association.
As a state winner, Ambrosia is a candidate for the National Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year. She will be recognized for this achievement by both the PA Principals Association and NASSP.
“Our selection committee has once again found a committed, enthusiastic and talented educator to represent Pennsylvania as the 2026 Assistant Principal of the Year at the secondary level. Danielle Ambrosia’s genuine commitment to the students, faculty and State College Area High School community exemplifies the desirable traits we look for in a candidate,” Dr. Eric C. Eshbach, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Principals Association, said. “Danielle’s passion for her students, her school and her fellow administrators highlight the vital role each member of the administrative team plays in creating a thriving school community. I am thrilled that Danielle Ambrosia has been selected to represent the Pennsylvania Principals Association as our 2026 Assistant Principal of the Year.”
An educator for 14 years and an administrator for four years, Ambrosia joined State College Area High School as an English teacher in 2009. She continued her career at State College Area School District as an equity teacher leader from 2018-2021 and as the varsity head cheer coach from 2010-2018. She has been in her current role as an assistant principal at State High since 2021. In addition, she served as a Penn State Professional Development Associate in the Professional Development School from June 2019 to June 2020.
“As an assistant principal, I have the privilege of working in the spaces where small moments add up to big impact. This award reflects the everyday moments and wins created by our students, staff and families. I am grateful to work alongside them and amplify the work that makes our school what it is. Leadership is not a lone endeavor; I am surrounded by colleagues who are relentless in their dedication to students. This award reflects the collective strength of our school community. Thank you to my incredible family: Tom, Tommy and Deanna, who have always supported my career and goals,” Ambrosia said.
Ambrosia earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (English/Communications), a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (Reading Specialist) and her School Leadership Certification from The Pennsylvania State University. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at Drexel
University expected December 2025.
In addition to her membership in the Pennsylvania Principals Association and NASSP, Ambrosia is a State College Area School District Equity Advocate and a Penn State University Professional Development School Associate. In addition, she is an active member of her community serving as a member of the Ferguson Township
Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization, a Building Anti-Racist White Educators facilitator and a guest speaker on diversity, equity and inclusion at the American Association of University Women. She has presented at the state and national levels on important topics such as developing anti-racist educators and school cultures, transforming academic support systems, reducing discipline disparities through accountability and empowering teachers to use data meaningfully. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.
