WR student awarded
By Kevin Mertz, The Milton Standard-Journal
SELINSGROVE — Warrior Run High School senior Morgan Reynolds was a bit nervous when his name was first called to appear on stage during Thursday’s Union Snyder Transition Conference, held at Susquehanna University.
But Reynolds didn’t let his nerves get the best of him, and was quite relaxed after being presented with the 2019 Dr. Cynthia Schloss Transition Education Award.
The award is presented each year, in memory of Schloss, to a student from a school district in the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU) who demonstrates a strong personal work ethic and is committed to preparation for adult life.
Schloss was a member of the Columbia-Montour Transition Coordinating council who recognized the potential for all students to succeed, even when facing challenges or limitations.
Although he realized he was nominated for the award, Reynolds didn’t think he’d receive it. “I was a little nervous, but it wasn’t that bad,” he said, of being called on stage to accept.
Receiving the award has given Reynolds a further desire to succeed. “It makes me want to try harder,” he said. “It’s amazing what you can do just by trying.”
Cathy Grow, Warrior Run’s Transition coordinator, nominated Reynolds for the award. She noted that each district participating in the conference nominates one student for the award.
“From the time he came into ninth grade, he’s shown such growth,” Grow said, of Reynolds. “He was a very quite student, at first, with teachers.”
She said Reynolds is working as an intern at Watsontown Brick through the school’s Transition program, which assists students who may be facing challenges.
At Watsontown Brick, Reynolds said helps with creating promotional displays. Grow said Reynolds is conscientious about his work, both in school and through his internship.
“He takes pride in his work,” Grow said.
Reynolds has also recognized his own personal growth over the last four years. “It’s a really big difference between ninth and 12th grade,” he said.
Misty Harris, an educational consultant through CSIU, said a Transition Conference is held each year for students with “some type of special need.”
Thursday’s conference was for students enrolled in school districts that serve students from Union and Snyder counties. Students from school districts covering those counties attend the conference every two years. In the other years, students from other counties served by CSIU take part in the conference.
Students from the Warrior Run, Milton, Lewisburg, Mifflinburg, Midd-West and Selinsgrove school districts were in attendance Thursday, along with students who attend SUN Area Technical Institute and those who are enrolled in CSIU programs.
Harris said about 250 people attended Thursday’s conference. Keynote speakers were Chris Rowe, a PETS Service coordinator with SUNCOM’s CIES program, and Nisan Trotter, co-founder of TROTFITNESS Fit Body Boot Camp.
In addition to the awards and keynote remarks, Harris said breakout presentations were held for students. Topics centered on post-secondary education and training, employment and independent living.
Isobel Blyler, a Milton Area High School junior, said she was enjoying learning about new opportunities at the conference. She and Reynolds both enjoyed a session they attended titled “Adulting 101,” which focused on the importance of financial responsibility.
“I just got a juniors credit card,” Blyler said. “(What I learned) can help with my credit score.”
Both Grow and Marissa Jacobs, Milton’s Transition coordinator, said the conference is a good learning opportunity for students. Fifteen from Milton attended, while 12 from Warrior Run were present.
“I hope the students get to learn a little about life after high school, the employment skills (they’ll need),” Jacobs said.
In addition to Reynolds, other students nominated for the 2019 Dr. Cynthia Schloss Transition Education Award, and the schools they attend, were: Gregory Fleck, Milton; Nicholas Borner, Selinsgrove; Sienna Maurer, Midd-West; Cassie Reibsome, Danville; Elizabeth Shosh, Work Foundations/Shikellamy; and Ford Yocum, Shikellamy.
Maurer was the first runner up of the award, while Yocum was second runner up and Reibsome was third runner up.
Harris said award winner received cash prizes and certificates from legislators.
Students and staff from the Milton and Warrior Run high schools were among those in attendance at the Union Snyder Transition Conference. From left, Milton student Isobel Blyler and Transition Coordinator Marissa Jacobs, along with Warrior Run Transition Coordinator Cathy Grow and student Morgan Reynolds.