Archbishop Jason Wamsganz

Jason is the son of Claudia and John Wamsganz and was born and raised in Saranac Lake. He attended school here and then went on to graduate from St. Lawrence University where he received an undergraduate degree in education. He completed his Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Plattsburgh State College. Jason presently resides in this great community with his lovely wife, Nicol, and their three children, Patrick, Lydia and Anika. Jason currently teaches physical education at Saranac Lake High School. He has been teaching for the past fourteen years, eleven of which have been in the Saranac Lake school district. Jason has also coached a number of sports for Saranac Lake and is currently coaching modified football and varsity track and field. He has previously been an assistant coach for varsity football, a JV baseball coach and a volunteer assistant soccer coach. He helps run an after-school basketball program for elementary students and is the Saranac Lake Rookie League Baseball Commissioner as well as an active coach for the rookie league. Jason has further acted as a mentor for Saranac Lake students. He is currently a building representative for the Teacher’s Association. Jason has served on a committee for Physical Education, Health and Wellness for the New York State Education Department and is currently seeking certification from NYSED for teaching public high school athletic association coaching courses. Outside of school, Jason enjoys spending time with his wife and amazing children. They enjoy water activities, especially waterskiing and tubing. Other hobbies Jason enjoys include camping, fishing, hiking, bike riding and, of course… shoveling snow! He also enjoys woodworking and has a love of animals. He hopes that someday he will be the person his dog thinks he is! Jason is a past Winter Carnival Court member and is truly honored to be chosen as Archbishop. He and his family love Saranac Lake Winter Carnivals and he is excited about spending this Winter Carnival with a great group of kids, as well as past and present royalty. He wishes everyone a safe and happy Winter Carnival.