By Contributing writers Udo Okereke (’27), Jackie Couto (’28), and Samantha Wheeler (’27)

Welcoming in her Earth Science students, Nicole Zablotny is one of the newest additions to the science department.

Zablotny spent her high school years at Cicero-North Syracuse High school. In college, she studied Atmospheric Science at the University of Albany. She then proceeded to get her Master’s degree in Adolescent Education from Union Graduate College, now known as Clarkson University.

Before working at Jamesville-DeWitt High School, Zaboltny taught at Baldwinsville High School. She has been teaching and coaching since she was 21 years old and has been in the education field for 20 years. “I haven’t looked back since and I can’t imagine doing anything else!”

Zablotny says she works in education because she loves teaching young kids and is “a people lover.” She said that the best part of teaching is watching kids grow and develop as students. For her, helping students become real people is another part of why she became a teacher. Although she considered other careers, Zablotny always knew she wanted to be a teacher and a coach while growing up. “My high school coaches had a huge impact on my life, and they made me want to have a similar influence on the world around me.”

For other information about her, Zablotny states that she adores her 9 year old German shepherd, Lucy, and is happiest outdoors. “I’ve climbed 14 of the 46 Adirondack High Peaks and want to summit all 46 within the next 8 years.” She is very excited for her new J-DHS career. “The whole community is so welcoming, empathetic and has a culture of acceptance!”