Dear Bearcat Cyber Academy Staff, Families, and Community-
My name is Leah Hilliard, and I am the Principal for Bearcat Cyber Academy (BCA). While new to this title, I am not new to BCA or the role of principal. I have learned a lot in the past year and am confident that we can maintain our moment as a flexible instructional option for students in the School District of the City of York.
I firmly believe what Nelson Mandela said concerning education,“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” My educational journey includes: Bloomsburg University - Bachelors of Arts in History (2008), Bloomsburg University - Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (2009), and California University of Pennsylvania where I earned my Master’s of Education in Educational Leadership (2016). I am currently attending Bowie State University for my doctoral degree in Educational Leadership (2025).
I began my teaching career in 2010 in the School District of Philadelphia as an ELA and Social Studies Teacher. In 2015, I began my administrative career with Camelot Education in Harrisburg, where I was Principal of three alternative programs, including an over aged, under credited, online program. I then transitioned to Reading Senior High School in 2020 where I was one of two Assistant Principals for the 9th grade class. Then, from March 2021 until August 2022, I was the Associate Principal for the School District of Lancaster’s Alternative programs, including their Cyber Pathways Academy.
On a personal note - I am a graduate of Manheim Central High School and currently reside in Lititz with my partner, Roxana, and our children: Hannah (10), Titus (9), and Zachary (7). We have two dogs - Zoey (8) and Milo (2). Our children keep us busy and help me to be a better leader for our students.
I look forward to working with each and everyone of you this school year to make Bearcat Cyber Academy (BCA) an incredible learning experience for our students. They are our priority. They are our future.