Class of 2021 Graduate, Josh McDiffitt, Dreams of Making his Own Films One Day

Josh McDiffitt, from Woodland, PA, enrolled as a kindergartner. Now, as a graduate, Josh has successfully completed his entire K-12 educational career with PA Distance.  As a longtime member of the PA Distance family, Josh has had many positive experiences during his time as a student and explained that it’s hard to pick his favorite part about the school.  Josh explained two standout parts about PA Distance: the teachers and the opportunities awarded to him.

“The teachers are amazing and are really kind people,” he said. “There were so many opportunities at PA Distance.”

Josh wishes to pursue his dream of making movies and will attend a post-secondary program for filmmaking. 

“I've loved movies all my life,” Josh said. “They are an escape and an amazing source of art. As I got older and discovered the world of horror films, it became my favorite genre and I thought it was the most creative genre as well.”

He was most inspired by films like Carrie, Halloween 2, and some black and white films like Bride of Frankenstein. 

“I struggled with career choices for a long time,” he said. “Nothing ever felt right to me. I quit doubting myself and decided that I want to go to film school to help create horror films for a living.”

To realize his dream, Josh is applying to the Douglas Education Center for the George A. Romero filmmaking program, in Monessen, PA. Within this program, Josh will learn how to work with cameras, edit footage, create voice-overs which are all required for filmmaking. At George A. Romero’s Filmmaking Program, students will also have the opportunity to work alongside special make-up effects artists to bring characters and films to life.

“I took an audio/video course at PA Distance that taught me some basic filmmaking tricks,” he said. “I also created videos for the PA Distance weekly announcements that helped me practice, too.”

“I have also created some short sketches on my own and I am always trying out new camera tricks in an attempt to learn more,” Josh added.

After attending PA Distance for his entire educational career, Josh looks back on his time and experience fondly. During his graduation ceremony on June 5, Josh received a Foundation Award, alongside two of his other classmates, recognizing him for his long career at PA Distance. 

(pictured: PA Distance High School Principal, Ms. Kelly Crooks & Josh receiving his Foundation Award) 

“PA Distance has been a great learning experience, even outside the classroom.  I have learned so much here. I was taught so many great lessons by so many great people,” he explained. “I couldn't have imagined myself at any other school. I highly recommend it to others.”

Most specifically, Josh describes his relationships with his teachers as the most significant part of his experience at PA Distance. 

“I’ll miss the teachers the most. I've gotten along with so many of them. They were always there when I needed them most,” Josh added. “They have not only helped me academically but personally.”

Everyone at PA Distance looks forward to seeing all of the great things that Josh will do in his future and wish him great success. Congratulations and good luck!

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About PA Distance Learning Charter School

Since 2004, PA Distance has been providing a welcoming virtual learning environment for students in grades K-12 across Pennsylvania. Students at PA Distance engage in a blended environment that combines “synchronous” and “asynchronous” learning. PA Distance’s mission is to blend proven classroom teaching techniques with educational technologies to promote academic growth for all students.