It’s five o’clock in the evening, when Mr. Ryan Kociela, assistant principal of Plum Sr. High School leans back in his chair. He’s staying late tonight to attend the varsity wrestling match and the Christmas band concert. Answering a knock at the door, he finds a wrestling coach with a dilemma. One of the wrestlers is supposed to play in the band concert that night, but the match is scheduled at the same time. The band instructor told the student that it would affect his grade if he did not play in the concert. Calmly and patiently, Mr. Kociela solves the problem, and all is well. Minutes later, a worried mother knocks at the door for help to find her missing son. Again Mr. Kociela works patiently until the young man is found. These are two examples of Ryan’s many roles at the school. His focus on student success is effecting great changes for the school.

Ryan is an innovator, always looking for ways to improve the quality of student life at Plum. He has initiated two new ideas that are highly beneficial to the students. The first is an intramural program including activities such as basketball, volleyball, ping-pong, and golf. He notes, “Intramurals provide good, solid activities for kids to participate in and have something to look forward to at the end of the day.” The program makes it possible for many students to be involved in sports and extracurricular events. Second, Ryan developed a Ninth Grade Induction Program for students entering the high school. Instead of a typical orientation meeting, the induction program is a four-hour session led by Ryan and a group of students. “Kids can find out the ins and outs of high school and ask questions about real life situations,” Ryan explains. The up-coming ninth grade students appreciate being able to talk with other students about what they will face. The induction is offered two times in the summer.

Having been the assistant principal for five years, Ryan works directly with various other school organizations. He oversees the Discipline Committee, is a trainer for Crisis Prevention Intervention, and oversees the Middle States Accreditation, Student Assistance Program, and National Occupational Competency Testing. One program that Ryan feels is particularly helpful to student and families is the Voluntary Random Drug Testing. When students sign up for this program, they are giving the ok to be tested for drug use at any time throughout the year. “The results of the test are sent directly to the parents, thus giving the parents the sole responsibility to decide what the consequences will be,” Ryan explains. This resource is strictly optional, and Ryan feels that “it makes it easier for some students to say, ‘No'to drugs.” They can simply explain that their parents signed them up for the random drug testing.

Ryan is thrilled to be a part of such a close- knit school, describing it as one that, “maintains family values and places a great importance on education.” He feels that the close family atmosphere at the school is amazing, because Plum is one of the largest boroughs in the state.

Attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Ryan double majored in Criminology and in Spanish education. He taught Spanish one year in Baltimore, Maryland and three years at Woodland Hills West Junior High School. Next, Ryan earned his master’s degree at Carnegie Melon University in Public Policy and Management, and taught Spanish two years at Plum. During these years of teaching, he coached wrestling and baseball. In 1999, he accepted the position of assistant principal. Currently Ryan is working toward a doctorate degree through the University of Pittsburgh.

In his spare time Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife, Nicole. They are excited to be expecting a son in April. His hobbies include golfing, camping, hunting, and softball.

Ryan thrives on the pleasure of being able to assist students in being successful. “They’re here to get tools in their tool boxes for future goals and aspirations,” he states. His words of praise for the students denote his sincere pride in them. “They have a desire to be here and learn. They have good values and are accepting of redirection from the staff. I stand at the exits of the school each day and think, ‘These are great kids!’” To hear Ryan's enthusiasm for the Mustangs, check out the video at: http://www.allekiskitoday.com/webcasts/1645