Kristen Streightiff has been named a 2026 Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon Champion for Safe Kids by the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance.

She was also recently honored as a 2026 Nexstar Remarkable Woman for the Central Pennsylvania region.

The Blue Ribbon recognition is awarded annually to four individuals who have gone above and beyond to support and protect Pennsylvania’s children.

Streightiff began her career in education, spending more than two decades as an elementary and middle school teacher. She now serves as the director of student services in the Mount Union Area School District, where she continues to advocate for student well-being and success.

Her husband, Charles Streightiff, Huntingdon Borough Police chief, is the only other recipient of this honor from the county, having received the award in 2023.

“It’s just an amazing honor, after 28 years in education, this is not really what you’re expecting. I have always been advocating for my students as a teacher, then I realized the need to go into administration would let me go districtwide and give me the opportunity to reach more students,” Kristen said.

Together, the Streightiffs co-founded Handle With Care — The Endangered & At-Risk Youth Response Team (HEART) of Pennsylvania.

The initiative was designed to bridge communication gaps between law enforcement, children and youth services and schools, allowing students exposed to trauma to be identified earlier and provided with appropriate support.

Kristen began to take notice of this gap while she was involved in student assistance programs (SAP) meetings. She felt as though some students were slipping through the cracks.

“It is very exciting to see the impact of these investigations, many of which would never have come to light without HEART,” she said. “ We’re reaching these kids who might otherwise have slipped through the cracks and making sure they get the support they need.”

Since HEART was founded, it has issued over 100 handle with care notices that would have been missed.

Referral agencies include the Huntingdon Borough Police Department, Huntingdon County Children and Youth Services, Huntingdon County Sheriff’s Department, Mount Union Police Department, Huntingdon County Probation, Bedford County Children and Youth Services, Bedford County Probation, Saxton Police Department and various local mental health and substance use service providers.

The HEART initiative has partnered with several school districts, including Huntingdon, Mount Union, New Day Charter and Tussey Mountain, with plans to expand to Southern Huntingdon County and Juniata Valley by 2027.

The program has earned recognition across the commonwealth and nationally. It has been described as a critical “missing piece” in child advocacy and response systems.

“Having both of us recognized as Blue Ribbon Champions is a powerful reminder that this work requires collaboration,” Charles said. “It takes partnerships between education, law enforcement, child welfare and community agencies to truly make an impact.”

He also shared a personal reflection on his wife’s recognition.

“Seeing Kristen recognized fills me with an incredible sense of pride, both professionally and personally. I have had the unique opportunity to witness her work not only as a leader in education, but as a relentless advocate for children,” he said.

Kristen will be recognized Wednesday, April 1, in Harrisburg for this award.

From Huntingdon Daily News, March 26, 2026