Carbondale Area student inspires inclusivity

CARBONDALE — Like many 15-year-olds, Masie Bognatz likes hanging out with her friends, inside and outside of school.

In school, she is involved in junior varsity cheerleading, student council, Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science and science club.

Masie, who uses a wheelchair, wants others to know she can do the same things that they can.

The Carbondale Area High School freshman from Fell Twp. is a mentor and co-presenter for Mikayla’s Voice, a nonprofit organization that promotes inclusivity among children. Carbondale Area was selected by the state Department of Education in November 2022 to receive a grant to participate in the program.

Masie became a mentor for the program last year after representatives from the organization did a presentation for students in the district. As a mentor, she reads books and participates in activities with other students in the Carbondale Area School District that promote inclusivity.

Earlier this month, she spoke for the first time as a co-presenter at an assembly for Mikayla’s Voice at Old Forge High School, one of only a handful of students across the state to be a co-presenter.

During the assembly, Masie talked about her activities in school, which also include membership in the National Honor Society, and unveiled Kaya’s Kaleidoscope, an art project done by the students, and read books, joined by a Mikayla’s Hope representative. Although initially nervous, she wanted to convey to students that she can do anything they can do.

“I really wanted to talk to them and let them know I can do everything,” Masie said.

Being a co-presenter allows her to put a face to the organization’s mission of being inclusive and accepting of others. She saw that in action with a fellow Carbondale Area student earlier this year. The first grader participated in a Mikayla’s Voice program with Masie but was initially apprehensive around her and her wheelchair.

“Later we came back (for another program) and he was like, ‘I made a friend because of you that’s in a wheelchair and I wasn’t afraid to talk to them,’ ” she said.

Masie likes being involved in Mikayla’s Voice because it allows her to tell others about herself and share what she can do.

That includes hanging out with her friends at different places, going bowling and skating with them, and going to her first semiformal dance.

“I love just getting out of the house and hanging out with people,” said Masie, who aspires to be a lawyer.

She said she hopes to inspire people to be more inclusive with others and doesn’t mind answering people’s questions about her wheelchair.

Corey Foote, Masie’s honors geometry teacher, said she is a high achiever, diligent and eager to help her classmates. He likes that she can inspire other kids.

“She’s a great kid,” Foote said. “She’s laser focused every single day.”

Heather Tolerico, the district’s director of special education, said Masie is a positive person who does well academically. She was thrilled when Masie decided to be a co-presenter.

“I can see her being that personality that would continue to advocate for acceptance and understanding,” Talerico said. “She’s got a big voice.”