Principal Lauded for Award, 'Selfless Leadership'

After the plaques were presented, and the applause had waned, Canon-McMillan School Director Paul Scarmazzi had something to say to —the head administrator at Canonsburg Middle School who was honored for the distinction at the board's meeting Monday.

Scarmazzi thanked Taranto, describing him a “selfless leader.”

“We’re very fortunate to have you—genuinely,” the school director said. “I can’t say enough about your passion and your vision.”

Taranto thanked the board and admininstration, and lauded the district and community, saying, “I love that middle school through and through.”

Taranto, who has been principal of for seven years, was named the 2012 Pennsylvania Middle Level Principal of the Year by the Pennsylvania Association of Elementary and Secondary Principals. He is now entered in the MetLife/National Association of Secondary School Principals Principal of the Year Program.

A representative from MetLife was also on hand at the meeting to present a banner to be hung in the middle school to celebrate Taranto's title.

Although this is the top honor for middle level principals, it is not the first award for the school under Taranto’s leadership.

Last year, which recognizes schools achieving academic excellence, based on the rigorous 37 criteria established by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform.

In 2011 he was also a finalist for the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Outstanding Young Educator Award.