Staff Shoutout – Natalie Nolt, McCaskey HS

This week, we’re shining a spotlight on Natalie Nolt, Media Studies teacher at McCaskey High School, who has been with the with the School District of Lancaster for 16 years. With her passion for media and commitment to her students, Natalie’s work is about empowering young voices and helping them discover the strength and responsibility that come with sharing stories that matter.

Natalie has transformed McCaskey’s Media Studies program into a space for students to learn, create, and connect with their community in meaningful ways. “Helping our incredibly talented and creative students use their media skills to represent all students at McCaskey is truly a joy and a privilege,” Natalie says. “Our staff works incredibly hard to support all of our students and help them fulfill their dreams. Every student has a place here.”

The Media Studies and Communications Program at McCaskey has long been a cornerstone of the school’s commitment to developing effective communicators. Over the years, the program has evolved from its roots in the 1990s to meet the demands of the digital age, covering topics from traditional broadcasting to cutting-edge social media management. Under Natalie’s guidance, students now gain hands-on experience in media production, showcasing school life and celebrating student achievements across McCaskey’s platforms.

From coordinating the “Tornado Alert” Morning Show to empowering students to take charge of McCaskey’s social media presence, Natalie has fostered a learning environment where students feel both valued and responsible. “The students deserve all the credit!” she humbly shares. “They continue to shine on our Morning Show, social media platforms, and Student Site.” The students’ work—thoughtfully crafted posts, engaging videos, and creative projects—offers an authentic window into the school, showcasing all the incredible classes, programs, and achievements at McCaskey. Natalie and her students are currently working on Pic Your Path, a project designed to welcome eighth graders and give them an exciting look at McCaskey’s opportunities and inclusive community.

Natalie’s work extends beyond the classroom. She has built meaningful partnerships with media organizations, including WGAL, bringing professional broadcast experiences directly to her students through field trips, competitions, and shadowing opportunities. These collaborations give students an inside look at the industry and help them build a foundation in both the technical and personal aspects of media.

A colleague shares, “Natalie Nolt is encouraging students to be empowered through the responsibility of representation in media. She leads the media program with compassion and by example. Students who participate in this program build their confidence through collaborative production, where mistakes are lessons and successes are celebrated by all.” Her leadership has created a culture where students learn to trust their voice, work through challenges, and embrace the impact they can make.

As a passionate educator and lifelong learner herself, Natalie embodies the SDoL value of empowerment: “We empower every learner by fostering a growth mindset and encouraging them to take ownership of their learning journey, becoming self-directed and lifelong learners.” Natalie not only brings this mindset to her students but also models it through her dedication to growing and adapting the Media Studies program to meet new demands and opportunities.

Natalie’s personal investment in her students’ success and her collaborative spirit continue to make a mark on McCaskey. Thank you, Natalie, for your steadfast commitment, your creativity, and the heart you bring to SDoL every day. You’re a true inspiration!

 

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