With the departure of Mr. Berchman Grinage at the end of summer, Beaver Area began a search for a new high school assistant principal—and now we have Mr. Mike Snowden . . . whose arrival is actually a homecoming! Let’s get to know a little about him . . .

Where did you go to high school?

I am a proud graduate of Beaver Area High School.

Where did you attend college?

Undergraduate: Slippery Rock University

Graduate: University of Pittsburgh

How long have you been a principal or assistant principal? Were you the principal at another school? If so, which school and where?

I am in my seventh year as a building administrator. I served a year as an assistant principal for the Burgettstown School District and six years as the high school principal at the Pennsylvania Cyber-Charter School Midland, Pa.

Is this the job you have always wanted, or did your original path change and lead to education?

I had other careers; however, teaching was always a career I was interested in. So yes, I have always wanted to be an educator.

What is something you want your students to know about you?

That I am a caring person who will always be here to support them whenever they are in need of support.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Interacting with everyone in our school community.

Where did you grow up and did that affect your occupation?

I grew up here in Beaver, Pa. I am in a unique position by having the opportunity to work in the school I graduated from.

What is the most satisfying part of your job?

Seeing students succeed.

If you had the chance to teach, which subject would you pick?

I have taught in many areas except physical education. I would love to teach physical education classes!

Who is your biggest inspiration?

My late grandmother Edna Pearl Snowden. She was the kindest person I ever knew.

What is one thing you wish your students would take away from you?

The importance of being kind to others.

What’s the hardest part of your job?

Right now not having the opportunity to see any of our students.

What frustrates you about your job?

I haven’t had anything frustrate me yet.

What is a common misconception about your job you’d like to set right?

That we are here only to punish students. Assistant principals and principals are here to support and encourage students to reach their academic goals.