WEST MIFFLIN — For Mark Bonacci, it’s about paying things forward.

The 2002 West Mifflin graduate says his time as a Titan was during a special era for the school and community. So now as West Mifflin Area High School’s new assistant principal, he wants to help students have experiences just as enriching as his was.

“As a student and an athlete here, I went to West Mifflin at a very unique time, a very good time for our community and school district,” he said. “We had a lot of successes … and I saw the enthusiasm in our community and in our schools. It always made me proud to be here, and I wanted to continue that here.”

After graduating from West Mifflin, Bonacci earned his associate degree in teacher education from the Community College of Allegheny County in 2006 and then his bachelor's degree in citizenship secondary education from Point Park University in 2010.

That same year, he completed his student-teaching requirements at West Mifflin, and began substitute teaching at West Mifflin as well.

Later, he was named dean of students at West Mifflin Area Middle School. During his time at WMAMS, he earned both his master’s degree in educational administration from Point Park University and his principal certificate.

Now in his role as assistant principal, Bonacci, who also has coached football and basketball for West Mifflin, is excited to work with a new generation of West Mifflin students and to help them reach their potential.

“It always comes back to the kids for me. Sometimes people lose sight of what we get into this (profession) for, and I just want to help students achieve their goals the way the people before me in this district helped me achieve my goals,” Bonacci said.