NEWPORT –Department of Conservation and Natural Resources secretary Cindy Adams Dunn today joined staff and families at Little Buffalo State Park in Perry County to celebrate the 2026 graduating class of the department’s ranger and park manager trainee academy.

“Our rangers and park managers play an important role in making sure visitors have a great time in our beautiful state parks — and we are proud to celebrate their completion of our academy today,” said Secretary Dunn. “These dedicated public servants put a great deal of effort into training, and they’re ready for long, successful careers in our state parks. I can’t wait to see the impact they make this summer and beyond.”

Ranger Trainee Graduates and Assignments for 2026:

Matthew Abrams (Promised Land), Katie Blake (Delaware Canal), Kevin Bornkamp (Evansburg), Ethan Clemens (Cowans Gap), Travis Haines (Pine Grove Furnance), Matthew Hanna (Codorus), Autumn Honaker (Pine Grove Furnace), Derric Hyde (Pymatuning), Shandra Jones (Promised Land), Katelyn Lebdaoui (Promised Land), Chris Minnich (Jacobsburg), Isaiah Moran (Fort Washington), Allan Myers (Parker Dam), Patricia Nagele (Hickory Run), Nicolas Posey (Susquehanna River), Joshua Smith (Raccoon Creek), Jeffrey Tiesi (Kettle Creek), Kaelyn Weleski (French Creek), Matthew White (Caledonia), Mackenzie Williams (Lacakwanna), Travis York (Colonel Denning), Josh Ziegler (TUscarora).

Park Manager Trainee Graduates and Assignments for 2026:

Lindsay Aubele (State Parks Region 2), John Friedline (French Creek), Paula Lewis-Roman (DCNR Central Office), Ty Moon (Bald Eagle), Makenzie Naska (Region 4 Office), Chris Notgrass (Region 2 Office), Jose Santana Caceres (DCNR Cenral Office), Van Stefaniszyn (Region 1).

“This group has shown great dedication and a strong commitment to understanding the guidelines and laws designed to keep people safe when recreating at our wonderful state parks,” said State Parks Director John Hallas. “This is a tremendous accomplishment and we congratulate the class of 2026 on completing this rigorous training program.”