More often than not, students end up teaching their teachers beautiful things here at PA Distance Learning. One graduate the teachers will never forget is Will Werner.

Will is not your average guy. The day he enrolled, he was in the midst of securing an apartment, setting up internet, caring for his baby daughter, and gathering all his enrollment documents. Typically parents handle this, and the students just show up - Will, however, was the parent and the student.

Will taught us a lot this year. No matter his situation, he wasn’t going to let anything stop him. He’s a great example to follow.

The Road Worth Taking

When Will became a young father to his daughter, Brooklyn, it changed everything for him. He had to grow up fast, but he was willing to do anything for her. Completing his high school education was vital to him, so cyber school was the best option.  

It wasn’t going to be easy, but he knew that he could do it. You know what they say: where there’s a Will, there’s a way.

“I always know if you try your hardest you can do anything!” Will shared.

Will is hard-working, a great communicator,  and kind.  These are not only important to a life worth living, they were also three of the most important keys to Will's success in cyber school.

I: Hard Work

At 19, Will balanced a family, a full school schedule, and moved twice, all the while maintaining A’s and B’s.  That takes some hard work and an amazing attitude to go with it.

“Will is the ideal student from a practical understanding,” shared Will’s government teacher, Pete Mysels. “He works for what he’s got. He works for his grades, he works in his relationship with his fiance, he works for his daughter. Nothing was handed to him.”

Will added to this, however, that his attitude didn’t just come from his “Will-power” alone.

“Having people believe in me made me believe in myself,” he said.

Will’s hard work paid off, and he graduated on the honor roll.

II: Communication

A day was not complete for Will’s teachers without a “Good morning!” or a “Hello!” from him.  He communicated daily, participated in classes, and always asked questions. Being in daily communication with his teachers allowed them to know his needs and provide him with personalized support.

“Being in daily communication with his teachers allowed them to know his needs and provide him with personalized support.”

III: Kindness

No matter who he was speaking to, Will was respectful and kind.  His "goodwill" helped create a culture in his classes.

“Will is always the first to help his classmates with a link to attendance or any other needed class materials,” said Allison Harvey-Benedum, Will’s English teacher. “He is always encouraging his classmates to do their best. He is an attentive dad to his daughter Brooklyn. She is always nearby.”

No matter who they were, classmates felt welcomed by Will, and got to know him and each other thanks to his kindness.

A student who participates and encourages others to participate is precious in any classroom. In a cyber school classroom, with students from diverse backgrounds attending across the state, it is especially precious! The virtual classroom is a brand new environment for many students, and Will helped to break the ice countless times to ease anxiety and bring unity.

The Future

Will is onto new adventures now that he’s graduated and planning his future with his fiance. He has goals that all of us are certain he’ll achieve. Best of all, he’s going to keep being an amazing father to his daughter, who he considers to be his true future.

“It’s been a gift and a blessing to be a dad," said Will. "I love her so much.”

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PA Distance Learning exists to change lives for the better. We blend proven classroom teaching techniques with educational technologies to promote academic growth for all students by personalizing their learning experience and providing a supportive online community. 

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