United Christian Academy announces the appointment of Mrs. Melissa Scannapiego as its new principal. Mrs. Scannapiego brings a tapestry of professional and personal experiences that align with the UCA vision for Christ-centered education, said officials.
Mrs. Scannapiego is an alumna of Lee University, where she earned her BA in Political Science in 2003. Not only did she distinguish herself in academics, being a member of the Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society, but she also showcased her leadership skills as a four-year college athlete on the Lee University softball team and as a member of Epsilon Lambda Phi.
Mrs. Scannapiego's journey with UCA began right after her graduation from Lee, when she served as the 6th and 7th-grade homeroom teacher in 2003. She also played an instrumental role as the Praise team director, orchestrating praise and worship through diverse mediums including dance, flags, ribbons and sign language.
Over her career, Mrs. Scannapiego has shown dedication to youth development. She spent close to 15 years as an education director and later unit director for BGCA. Her passion for education is further evident from her tenure as the director for special needs camps at Signal Centers in Chattanooga. During this period, she facilitated camp experiences for students with Augmentative & Alternative devices, those with vision loss, and young children with special needs. Furthermore, at the pinnacle of the COVID-19 pandemic, she provided leadership as the director for the Virtual Learning Center, partnering with multiple entities to offer a safe and supportive virtual learning environment.
On a personal note, Mrs. Scannapiego has been married to Dave for 12 years and has two children, Bear and Brinkley. The family enjoys outdoor adventures like camping and kayaking and loves trivia and board games.
"We are confident that Mrs. Scannapiego's vast experience, commitment to Christ, and passion for education will elevate UCA's mission to new heights," says Paulette Hilton, president of United Christian Church and Ministerial Association.
For more about UCA or to schedule a tour, please visit www.ucacleveland.org.