Downingtown Area School District superintendent Dr. Emilie Lonardi has been recognized with the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA) Award for Service to the Profession.

The PASA Award for Service to the Profession is an annual award that recognizes one administrator from across the entire state.

“Em was the first to empower those she worked with, not afraid to give constructive criticism but also being a motivational cheerleader – and knowing when each role was most appropriate,” said Brad D. Sterner, Director of Educational Services for the Lincoln Intermediate Unit. “She is a dedicated school leader who supports positive change and commitment to high standards of achievement by building collaborative and cooperative learning environments.”

Lonardi has been a superintendent for the past 24 years, with the last five in Downingtown. She earned the Pennsylvania Superintendent of the Year Award in 2014 and has held numerous elected leadership positions within PASA.

A true educator at heart, Lonardi continues to provide professional development sessions to her peers and has served as an adjunct professor at Penn State University and York College for more than 19 years.

“Her dedication and enthusiasm for education leadership is not only refreshing, but also inspiring for her peers and those whom she has mentored,” said PASA Executive Director Mark DiRocco. “She sets high standards for herself and all those who work with her, keeping what is best for students at the center of all of her decisions.”