Alumni

KDyess

Kiana Dyess is a 2022 graduate of Nitro High School. She also attended Cross Lanes Elementary and Andrew Jackson Middle School. She is currently enrolled in college as a nursing student. She also works as a box office representative for The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences in Charleston.

When asked about her professional accomplishments, Kiana said “Since being in college I’ve received 3 scholarships allowing me to further my education in the nursing field.

When asked about how KCS prepared her for life after graduation, Kiana said “KCS taught me how to always being a helping hand in a time of need. Although it sometimes wouldn’t be easy, it would be worth it.”

Kiana also has some advice for current students, “Put it in the hard work now, because when it’s all said and done, you’ll be proud that you did it. Meet new people and make memories that you will cherish forever.” She continued, “When you aren’t present you can’t receive information. Don’t miss out on the important things. Create a life that the younger you would be proud of.”

Kiana finished by saying “Growing up in this area was an absolute joy. Both staff and students made every step feel good. I wouldn’t trade the education I received for the world. I plan to make both this area and West Virginia proud. When you can help, help. When you can spread joy and love spread it. Everyone deserves it.

CJustice

Christen Justice is a 2003 graduate of Nitro High School. She also attended Point Harmony Elementary and Andrew Jackson Middle School. After graduation she attended West Virginia University and received a BA Communication Studies, Data Analysis Specialty in 2006 and a J.D. from the WVU College of Law in 2009. She currently works as a Supervising Attorney for Legal Aid of WV.

When asked about her professional accomplishments, Christen said “I became Supervising Attorney with Legal Aid of WV in the Logan, WV office in July, working with low-income families with civil legal issues. I’ve been with Legal Aid since 2020, and in legal practice for over a decade. I now primarily handle family law cases and work a great deal with victims of domestic violence.”

When asked about how KCS prepared her for life after graduation, Christen said “I had some really phenomenal teachers over the years. My high school speech and English teacher could not have given me a better start for a career in litigation.”

Christen also has some advice for current students, “The urge to leave the area for other states is appealing. However, there is so much room for change and growth here in our own state. I’d just like current students to know there are many organizations working to make big changes and impact at the community level.”

MOnks

Melissa Carney Onks is a 1977 graduate of Nitro High School. She was also part of the inaugural class at Andrew Jackson Jr. High School. Melissa is retired from UCC/DOW and currently lives in Texas.

When asked about her professional accomplishments, Melissa said “I started at Carbide as a stenographer and worked my way up to Cost Management Leader.”

When asked about how KCS prepared her for life after graduation, Melissa said “I followed a secretarial tract which prepared me to get a job right out of high school and become self-sufficient very young.”

Melissa also has some advice for current students, “Figure out what you want to do and don't be afraid to try classes to explore early. Then work hard towards your goals.” She continued, “Attendance is important to success because it prepares you for a job in the real world as well as it keeps you up to date on your classes. It's easier to not fall behind in class and work.”

Melissa finished by saying, “My daughter in law (Jennifer Whyte Onks) and one of my grandsons (Thomas Onks) graduated from Nitro and the other grandson (Tyler Onks) is attending now.”

KSkidmore

Kayla Skidmore is a 2016 graduate of Nitro High School. She also attended Point Harmony Elementary and Andrew Jackson Middle School. After graduation she attended Marshall University, where she double majored in applied mathematics and secondary education Kayla currently works as a 7th grade math teacher at AJMS.

When asked about her professional accomplishments, Kayla said “I’m happy to be teaching at the school that I attended 10+ years ago—in the same classroom I had 7th grade math in! I’m also happy to be the sponsor of AJMS’s Drama Club, a hobby I began while attending Nitro High School. When I was attending Marshall University, I was a part of the Disney College Program where I worked at a resort and in the heart of the Magic Kingdom.”

When asked about how KCS prepared her for life after graduation, Kayla said “KCS prepared me for life after graduation by giving me a love for math that I now hope to pass on to other KCS students.”

Kayla also has some advice for current students, “Take this time in your life seriously, but at the same time don’t let your studies overwhelm your life. There’s a time and a place for everything. School is important, but so is the life you’re living.” She continued, “Coming from a math standpoint, I think attendance is important because everything you learn in school builds upon itself. It also builds good habits for the future.”