A statewide organization of school principals has chosen Panther Valley Elementary Principal Robert Palazzo to represent them on a national level.

On Monday, the Pennsylvania Principals Association announced Palazzo as the selection for the National Distinguished Principal program - which recognizes elementary school principals from across the country.

“Mr. Palazzo stops at nothing to secure needed services for his students,” said Dr. Jonathan Ross, president of the Pennsylvania Principals Association. “As a result, the teachers, staff and community at large feel a part of something greater than themselves that will undoubtedly shape the lives of a generation of children for the better.”

Palazzo was hired as principal at Panther Valley Elementary in 2017. Since then, the school has established pre-kindergarten, built a playground through grassroots fundraising, and partnered with St. Luke’s on a family development specialist position.

“This school year, we opened the first pre-kindergarten class in the history of the district and have plans to expand the program for the following year by opening an early learning center,” Palazzo said.

Ross said that the partnerships with St. Luke’s and other businesses - like the playground and book buggy - have brought together the community and benefited the students in the district.

“We have no doubt that Mr. Palazzo represents everything that is great about Pennsylvania principals and will represent us well on the national stage,” Ross said.

The organization also chose Palazzo because of his approach to the challenges created by the pandemic - which they said should serve as an example to other schools in the state.

Panther Valley Superintendent David McAndrew Jr. praised Palazzo for his character, and said he’s earned the respect of his staff, friends and community for his balance of career and family.

“The Panther Valley School District has been fortunate to have Robert Palazzo as principal,” McAndrew said.

Palazzo will be honored later this year by the Pennsylvania Principals Association. He will also be honored by the National Association of Elementary School Principals, which organizes the National Distinguished Principal program.

Palazzo said he was honored to receive the distinction, especially because he was nominated by members of the Panther Valley community. During the pandemic, he said, the school has worked to overcome challenges and help students to learn and grow.

“This award is one that I share with the entire faculty, students and community of the Panther Valley School District,” he said.

Palazzo earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology, a Master of Science in school psychology and his Certificate in Advanced Study in School Psychology from the State University of New York at Oswego. He received a master of education from Wilkes University.

“Much of my success is due in part to the support and patience of my wife, Katie. We have a 5-year-old daughter, Isabel, and a 2-year-old daughter, Rose, who keep me busy when I am not at work,” Palazzo said.

Previously, he was a school psychologist in the Palmerton Area School District from 2008-2017.