Melissa Scannapiego
United Christian Academy announces the appointment of Mrs. Melissa Scannapiego as its new principal.
"Mrs. Scannapiego brings a rich tapestry of professional and personal experiences that align with the UCA vision for Christ-centered education," officials said.
Mrs. Scannapiego is an alumna of Lee University, where she earned her BA in political science in 2003.
Officials said, "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,
"Melissa's journey with UCA began right after her graduation from Lee, when she served as the sixth- and seventh-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 illustrious career, Mrs. Scannapiego has shown unwavering 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 unique 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, Melissa has been married to Dave for 12 years and is blessed with two wonderful children, Bear and Brinkley. The family cherishes 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," said Paulette Hilton, president of United Christian Church and Ministerial Association.