Western Wayne High School Administration has recognized junior Paige Barillo as an outstanding student.
Paige recently completed an excellent senior project this spring in which she held a food collection drive for the St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen in Scranton. She worked with Western Wayne Administration in the high school, middle school, and both elementary schools to gather food in the district.
Paige said she gathered more than a truckload of food and estimated that to be over 1,000 pounds of items. She feels extremely grateful to the Western Wayne Community for giving so generously to her cause.
St. Francis of Assisi staff report that Paige’s donation was the largest food donation ever presented from a local school. Monsignor Joseph P. Kelly, executive director of St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, personally thanked Paige for her efforts to help those in need.
Paige had volunteered at St. Francis in the past to help serve meals and felt strongly that she wanted her senior project to benefit a group that feels such a strong mission to help others.
“They strive to be of respect, dignity, and compassion when serving their patrons,” Paige explained. “That really stood out to me.”
Paige, a member of Western Wayne’s National Honor Society, plans to continue to volunteer at St. Francis next year.
“I enjoy the experience because I feel like I am helping others,” Paige said. “A little act of kindness can make their day.”
When Paige isn’t doing volunteer work she is highly involved at Western Wayne High School in sports, clubs, and her academic studies.
Paige is an avid athlete who is a part of the cross-country team, indoor track and field club, and outdoor track and field.
She also is a member of Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science. This year she placed second in the state for her ecology project.
In addition, Paige finds time to dedicate her efforts to Future Business Leaders of America and the prom committee.
Paige also takes the time to work with others in the local community. She is a member of CAB which is Wayne Memorial Hospital’s Community Health Advisory Board. Paige became involved with this group through her high school guidance counselor. She explained how she gets to give input about events and projects regarding the hospital and the community at large.
Paige is especially excited about her opportunity to work with CAB because she plans to pursue a degree to become a physician assistant after graduating from Western Wayne.
“I love studying the sciences,” Paige said. “Physician assistant is such a growing field and I have so many options on what to do with my degree when I finish.”
High school principal Paul Gregorski is very proud of Paige’s accomplishments.
“Paige is a role model for other students at our district,” Gregorski said. “I hope both her efforts within the district and in the local community inspire other students to challenge themselves to take up similar endeavors.”
