Since taking the lead at Champion Central Elementary School four years ago, Alexandra Nannicola has been challenged to implement new state initiatives including the Common Core State Standards, a new reading and math curriculum, and the Ohio Teacher Evaluation System. With over fifty percent of the current staff hired during her tenure, she has led the building of a steady curriculum aligned with Ohio’s standards and has reveled in her staff’s growth and transformation during a time of increased responsibility. Nannicola encourages incorporation of 21st Century teaching such as common planning and the use of technology for research-based learning. Her goal of strengthening partnerships between the school and community includes a Character Council of parent volunteers who present monthly character lessons representing the six pillars of character education. The kindergarten staff attend training on Project KIND, which also parallels these six pillars of character and has led to the establishment of a “Buddy Bench” program, ensuring that no student is without a friend on the playground. Each grade level is also responsible for a yearly parent engagement activity to educate parents on a particular subject area. Previously principal at East Palestine Elementary School, which was designated as Excellent with Distinction by the Ohio Department of Education, Nannicola has a B.S. in Elementary Education and a M.S. in Educational Administration from Youngstown State.