Alumni Spotlight - Nathan Ward
Meet Nathan Ward, a Wayland Union Schools Alumni who graduated in 2020. After high school, Nathan attended Albion College to pursue a degree in Accounting. In December 2025, Nathan passed all four sections of the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, a difficult assessment of entry-level accounting knowledge that includes three core sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) and Taxation and Regulations (REG), along with one specialized discipline section. Nathan is now working as an Assurance Associate.
When reflecting on his time at Wayland, Nathan has particularly found memories of the music program. “Music is a universal language, and the opportunity to participate in Wayland Union Schools’ music program allowed me to develop invaluable skills beyond academics,” explained Nathan. “Music teaches persistence, discipline, and accountability, all of which were reinforced through the challenge of learning an instrument and performing as part of an ensemble.”
Nathan noted that as early as middle school, Wayland’s music program offered the opportunity to develop not only his technical ability but also his personal responsibility. “Working through difficult rehearsals and learning to stay focused under pressure prepared me for future challenges, including the CPA exams, by instilling a strong work ethic and attention to detail.” he explained. “Through this program, I learned how to recognize mistakes, persevere through setbacks, and grow from failure.”
Nathan also emphasized the lasting impact of Wayland’s dedicated staff. “While academics are essential, Wayland truly thrives because of the staff who dedicate their time beyond the classroom to help shape students into young adults. Whether through the music department, athletic programs, or after-school clubs, these individuals form the foundation of the Wayland community. I am deeply grateful for the role they played in preparing me for where I am today.”
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