Assistant Principals Announced for 2022-23

Assistant Principals Announced for 2022-23
2022-2023 Assistant Principals

At the recent Westmoreland County Administrator’s retreat, Dr. Michael Perry, introduced three individuals who have been selected to be assistant principals at Montross Middle School, Washington District Elementary School, and Cople Elementary School. They will join Will Hernandez, assistant principal at Westmoreland High School, who has returned to his role.

The four individuals who will take on the assistant principal’s tasks are well suited for their appointments and have, in some cases, been long term employees of the district. They share the traits of excellence and excitement and eagerly await the students first days.

Will Hernandez will once again be the assistant principal at the high school. Joining new principal, William “Eddie” Bowen at the new Westmoreland High School, he will be more hands-on as the new year begins. He is hoping for a “smooth opening to the new high school.” A “sports-minded “individual, he studied Health, Physical Education & Sports Medicine in Virginia Commonwealth University, where he also received his M.Ed. in Leadership and Supervision. Although he misses being in a classroom at times, he relishes his administration role and sees “school coverage for administration and attendance as his biggest challenge next year.”

Meghan Smith has made the journey from classroom to administration in rapid succession and will assist Leah Segar, principal at Montross Middle School. A high energy person, who admits to “hitting the ground running with lots of coffee,” Ms. Smith made her first mark as a French teacher. Her lively classroom style earned her much praise from parents, students and staff. Likewise, her foray into technology prepared her well for administration. “I am from Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. After college, I told my Mom that I didn’t want to leave Westmoreland County. When a teaching opportunity became available in Westmoreland County, Virginia, my Mom looked at me and said, “Well, I guess you won’t be leaving Westmoreland County after all.” The rest is history. Ms. Smith earned her undergraduate degree from St. Vincent College and her graduate degree from Old Dominion University in Administration and Supervision.

Washington District Elementary Assistant Principal Dr. Dawn Tyler will be assisting Michael Bathgate, principal, as the new year begins. New to Westmoreland County, Dr. Tyler brings a plethora of experience to her new role. “When I first became an administrator, that transition was a learning curve as I moved from the classroom to administration at the same school. However, I have spent the last five years as a school administrator in West Virginia. My move to Westmoreland County is an exciting one and I am looking forward to getting to know the students, families and staff.”
“My hope for this school year is to be where I am needed in a way that I am needed. It is important to me that our students know that they are cared about and my role is to help them be successful. As an administrator, each day brings new opportunities. These can be seen as “challenges” or as “learning opportunities.” As I begin in a new school, in a community that is new to me, my first “learning opportunity” will be getting to know the faculty and staff, students, and families of those who call Washington District Elementary home.” Dr. Tyler completed her BS in Early Childhood Education and a M.Ed. in Elementary Education at East Stroudsburg University (PA). She earned her Administration Certification post-grad at West Virginia University and earned her Ed. D in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University.

Joining Leslie Steele, Cople Elementary School principal, is the dynamic Holly Angel. Another coffee aficionado, Ms. Angel begins her day with “upbeat music and a little dance party in the car.” The long-term educator has worn many hats throughout her educational journey and is very excited to begin her days at Cople. “I hope to be able to help maintain and strengthen the great relationships Cople has with their families, community, and students, as well as help support the engaging school environment our teachers create every day.”

Ms. Angel sees her biggest challenge ahead will be “time management. I know I’ll have a lot of things to accomplish, but will have to prioritize them in a way that still lets me meet the needs of our students and teachers. In my career, I hope to be known as someone who strives to do what is best for our students, as someone who listens to all the needs of teachers and students, and a relationship builder. We all know it takes a village and I’m very grateful to be part of the Cople village.” Ms. Angel hold a BA in Psychology from Christopher Newport University and her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University.

As Dr. Perry previously noted, Westmoreland County Public Schools will be guided by dedicated educators devoted not only to their students, but to the community they have chosen to serve. Congratulations to each of these new leaders.