Wildcat Pride was bursting from the audience at Western Wayne’s Sharkey Rosetti football stadium on the evening of Friday, June 5, for the graduation of the class of 2026.  This is a bright class of students who have excelled in academics, athletics, and club activities having gained a total of $3,047,128 on stage at senior night in college scholarships and grants, with an inclusive total for senior night of $3,133,553 earned by our students.  

Student speakers at graduation focussed their speeches on the importance of kindness and doing right by others.  Senior Audrey Agnello, president of the class of 2026, who will attend The University of Scranton in pursuit of a career as a labor and delivery nurse, gave the welcome address along with presenting the Class Mantel to Madelyn McClure, junior class president.

Agnello told her classmates, the audience, and the future senior class what she finds to be the most valuable lessons that they can take with them.

“While graduation is often seen as an ending, I believe that it is really a celebration of everything we have learned,” Agnello said.

Agnello chose to discuss the novel Wonder by R. J. Palacio to help get her point across about life lessons.

“Everyone is fighting battles of their own that are unknown to others,” Agnello said, reflecting on the plot of the book.  “When given the choice of being right and being kind, choose kind.”

Agnello also quoted song lyrics by Noah Kahan, “You’re gonna go far.”

She reminded everyone that in going far one should remember to take with them kindness, compassion, and empathy.

“I hope you never underestimate the power of a single act of kindness,” Agnello said.

    Following Agnello’s words, the class salutatorian and valedictorian were introduced and gave speeches.

    Senior Grace Moser, Waymart, was named the salutatorian of the class of 2026 with a final overall GPA of 101.72 . 

    Moser is the daughter of Lydia Talarico and Kurt Moser. 

Along with being an excellent academic student, Moser was involved in Western Wayne clubs and activities including: FBLA, National Honor Society, Student Council, Envirothon, Aevidum, Student Ambassador, and Inclusion Club.

In the future, she plans to attend Lebanon Valley College to obtain a master’s degree in speech-language pathology.

“My favorite high school memory is being involved in spirit games each year and enjoying that special time spent with all of my friends, ” she said.  “While at Western Wayne, the experience that has most prepared me for my future plans is being a member of many clubs and activities in school and taking on leadership roles.  Through these experiences, I have learned the true meaning of leadership and its impact on others.” 

   In her salutatorian speech, Moser focussed on thanking her family and classmates for making her who she is today.

She especially thanked her mom for being a constant source of strength and love calling her a “built-in best friend” who has taught her so much and helped her become who she is today.

In addition, along with thanking a number of her other classmates, Moser thanked the valedictorian Paul Borowski, her good friend, and supporter throughout her time in school from elementary grades through to her high school years.

She described Borowski as, “someone who pushed me to become better every day.  Thank you for challenging me, encouraging me, and growing alongside me through it all.”

Moser also noted the kindness that she and so many other faculty have seen in the class of 2026.  

“Our class has genuine friendships and so much love and a sense of support that people spend their whole lives searching for,” Moser said.

She closed her speech by focussing on a discussion of growth and change.

“Growth and change has been quietly happening alongside us all along,” she said.  “The truth is every meaningful part of our lives have come from change.  It allows us to become who we were meant to be.”

 Fellow classmate Paul Borowski, Waymart, was named valedictorian of the class of 2026 with a GPA of 102.14.

 Paul is the son of Paul and Andrea Borowski.

Paul also has done numerous activities at Western Wayne. He has participated in football, track and field, wrestling, National Honor Society, Envirothon, Robotics, Inclusion Club, Science Olympia, and FBLA

In the future, he plans to attend Penn State University for a four year degree in engineering.

 “My favorite high school memory is when everyone would hang out at Lori’s after school events,” Borowski said.  “My experience that has most prepared me for my future is balancing school with sports and outside activities.  Taking many high level courses, while being a triple-sport athlete, has taught me valuable life lessons about time management.”

In his valedictorian speech, Borowski also took the time to thank some of his friends individually and to thank his parents and sister for shaping him into the person he is today.

He also thanked fellow classmate and life-long friend Grace Moser for pushing him to be a better version of himself.

He recognized his dad for teaching him hard life lessons and his mom for always believing in him through good and bad times.  

He then focussed his speech on how he wanted the class to reflect on the person in their lives that believes in them the most.

“Everyone here has their own version of that person who believes in them,” Borowski said.  “Success isn’t measured by our grades and achievements.  It is measured by growth.”

Borowski believes that a lot of the growth made by individuals can be attributed to the belief their loved ones had in them that helped push them forward to find success.

As Borowski brought his speech to a close he said, “Most importantly never forget the people who believed in you before you believed in yourself.”  

Following the speeches, all graduates received their diplomas and were presented as the Class of 2026 to the audience.  They then sang the school’s alma mater one last time as a class on stage.  The Western Wayne School District wishes all the graduates the best in their bright futures.

Picture One:  Salutatorian Grace Moser gives her speech to the Western Wayne class of 2026.

Picture Two:  The Western Wayne class of 2026 celebrate at the end of the graduation ceremony.

2026 GRADUATE LIST – FINAL

Audrey Gayle Agnello

Loucynthia Jean Allen

Luis Peter Appollonio

Mia Criselle Arcadipane

Vincent Joseph Baldini

Luckus Patrick Balmer

Lauren Renee Beamer

Paul John Borowski III

Jake R. Brown

Connor Edward Buchinski

Lylah Rae Bucksbee

Chad Zachary Burns

Aiden John Burry

Ayla Rose Butrim

Robert James Carrelle III

Connor Jeffrey Clark

Hayley Star Cordero

Anastasia Maria Correa

Alexzander Jayson DeCandis

Dominic Anthony DeSiato

Hannah Elisabeth DeStefano

Julian Leonard Dobrzyn

Sonora Rose Dockemeyer

Roxanne Michelle Dugan

Riley John Dunn

Kera Mae Edwards

Katherina Karma Elston

Ian Carmine Ensley

Ty Matthew Enslin

Laylah Rose Epstein

Brody Estock

Chance Fahnestock

Antonio Mwaura Fisichella

Nicholas Gathama Fisichella

Abigail Anna Fox

Mikayla Skye Fullone

John Galati

Justin Thomas Garcia

Thomas Robert Rickard Garrison

Veronike Zoe Gauvain

Mia Grace Gifford

Ethan J. Gillott

Xavier Travis Graham

Olivia Mae Gries

Charlianne Rose Hachikian

Cristina M. Haire

Kellyann Marie Hallberg

Kendra L. Harper

LO’shai Harris

Isabella Louise Hayden

Tyler Gregory Hedge

Summer Rose Heenan

Violet Abigail Heflin

Ema-Jade Grace Heller

Kiernan Herlihy

Christopher Thomas Hopkins

Gideon Isaac Jezorwski

Zachary Mitchell Jordan

Ciarra Carolyn Kidder

Joseph Kieva

Jayden Dennis Knittle

Briana Alena Konan

Maggie Grace Kotchessa

Raeleigh Ann Kromko

Scott Alan Kurent, Jr.

Braden Christopher Laity

Aedan Joseph Lampman

Jacob Owen Lawlor

Kayla Marie Leahy

Samantha Nichole Lee

Cassidy Marie Levens

McKayleigh Marie Lokuta

Beja Marie Marcel

Kayelin Rae Martin

Aiden Manuel Matthews

Lance A. McAndrew

Jordan R. McDonald, Jr.

Karina Elizabeth McLeod

Brendan C. Mistishin

Khloe S. Mistishin

Grace Marie Moser

Makayla Claire Moser

Matthew Moyer

Carly Lynn Muniz

Kiera Murphy

Trista Aileen Murphy

Katelyn Marie Nunez

Jake Joseph Obloshny

Owen Chase Obloshny

Francis Pane

Ethan T. Paugh

Logan Michael Pauler

Norman Zachary Phillips

Michael Pongracz

Liza Elaine Pontosky

Matthew Pontosky

Isaac Francis Quiros

Nathalie Ramos

Hazel Ratliff

Shauna Ann Rodger

Jasmine M. Rodriguez

Katherine Melissa Roedel

Landon W. Romanaskas

Ronnie Ronnow

Joseph Christopher Roses

Gianna Ryelin Rosetti

Ethan Rutkowski

Phoebe Elizabeth Schmitt

Katarina Elizabeth Shumski

Kameron Bishop Sic

Christiana Catherine Smith

Sydney Rae Sosa

Ismael Sosa II

Ryan Matthew Sparks

Ryan Richard Stokesberry

Ashan D. Stookey

Judah Strocchia

Calvin H. Supanek

Brenden Patrick Thomas

Carin Ambrose Thomas

Joseph S. Tickner

Annette Lucille Torres

Ashley Lynn Toscano

Daniel Michael Toscano

Madison Elyse Trapanese

Graysen Edward Valinski

Omar Vargas, Jr.

Giuliana Velazquez

Logan James Vinton

Madelyn Lois Vinton

Landon Visceglia

Ryan Jacob Walton

Hailey Marie Wasman

Alexis Anna Weist

Jacob Remington Wells

Jade Wetherington

Zachary J. Wilbur

Anthony Ernest Zoppi

The following students were recognized by the Student Council as students of the month for May. Their teachers and administrators weighed in on the decisions.  All of the students chosen hold a high standard of academic and personal excellence. They are true examples of the P.R.I.D.E. standards for PBIS at our school. 

  First, is our selected freshman Reyna Weaver.  She is described as a creative thinker, hard worker, having a positive attitude, and is always engaged.  Reyna is always willing to go the extra mile in class with her attentive, mature, and respectful attitude.  In addition, it is noted she always has a smile and is kind and polite to all she meets.

Next, Archer Long is our chosen sophomore this month. He has excelled in golf this year along with having other accomplishments in art where he placed at the Western Wayne High School Art Show with many pieces and has been chosen to have his artwork on display at a local community exhibition to be announced later this spring.  In addition, he has worked hard this year in his academic classes and has done quality work in English.  It is noted by his teachers that he is resilient and always assists everyone with needed academic tasks in class.

  In addition, Dylan Caracciola is this month’s featured junior. His teachers note him to be courteous, extremely helpful, polite, and respectful. In addition, he is a great student who puts quality work and effort into all he does.  He also embodies the quality of humility and has a great sense of humor as well.  He is a very well-rounded young man.

  Finally, Daniel Toscano is our senior spotlight this month.  He is noted to be a hard worker, funny, resilient,  kind, and focused on his goals. In addition, it is noted by his teachers that he is extremely helpful and gets along with everyone. He is also very polite, respectful, and humble– truly a person who does what is needed with sincerity in all tasks.

Dan has dedicated himself to self-improvement through his work with school services this year. He is continuing to strive for more and working to provide himself with a good quality life for his very bright future.

 The Western Wayne School District congratulates these May students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.

From left: Archer Long, Daniel Toscano, and Reyna Weaver.  Absent from photo:  Dylan Caracciola.

The following Western Wayne High School and Middle School students presented scientific research at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Regional Competition on May 18. These students investigated a scientific question, carried out controlled scientific research, and presented their findings to a panel of professionals in STEM fields. Students engaged in the engineering design process to develop these projects. The Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) is a statewide organization of middle and high school students designed to stimulate and promote interest in science among its members through the development of research projects and investigations.

High School:

Audrey Agnello- 2nd award for her research in the field of Behavioral Science. Audrey studied Gender Differences in Deceptive Efficiency. Audrey was awarded a perseverance award for her success at the state competition.

Madelyn McClure -1st award for her research in the field of Zoology. Madelyn studied the Thermal Effects of Exercise on Equine Lower Limbs. Madelyn focused on how protective boots may increase tendon damage due to heat retention using a thermal camera and horses that are in training. Madelyn was awarded a perseverance award for her success at the state competition.

Christopher Pane- 2nd award for his research in the field of Biology. Christopher studied How cells are protected from Stress by Antioxidants. Chris’s work is related to cancer development in cells and how antioxidants prevent damage and protect cells.

Ava Karabuber- 2nd award for her research in the field of Botany. Ava studied the Effects of Salt on Plant Germination. Ava focused on how road salt runoff is impacting germination in plants.

Charlie Vinton- 2nd award for his research in Microbiology. Charlie studied the Bacterial Content of Manufactured Snow. Charlie’s work examined the bacterial load in snow that is manufactured at ski resorts compared to natural snow.

Middle School:

Timothy McClure- 1st award for his research in Physics. TJ conducted an Experimental Analysis of Projectile Velocity Consistency. TJ examined how ballistics rounds vary in velocity throughout a lot and between brands as fired through a chronograph. TJ was awarded a perfect score and the State Directors’ Award of Excellence for Junior High Physics as well as a monetary award.

Harper Bell- 2nd award for her research in Physics. Harper studied the effects of softball bat type on ball distance. Harper’s interest in softball drove her research to determine which bat is most effective.

Sophia Shehadi- 2nd award for her research in Microbiology. Sophia studied the Effects of Straw Type on Bacterial Content. Her work involved determining the bacteria that build up in straw materials during use.

Club advisors are high school science teachers Christine McClure and Maria Masankay.

Photo one, from left: Madelyn McClure and Audrey Agnello received perseverance awards for their success at the state competition.
Photo two, from left: Christopher Pane, Madelyn McClure, Sophia Shehadi, Harper Bell, Audrey Agnello, Ava Karabuber, Charles Vinton, and Timothy McClure
Photo three: Timothy McClure received the State Directors’ Award of Excellence for Junior High Physics.

The Western Wayne Hot Rod Club and Drama Club will host their 2026 Annual Car Show on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the high school parking lot, 1970A Easton Turnpike, Lake Ariel, PA, near the football stadium. 

Food to be sold at the concession stand. Registration fee is $10. Spectators are free.   The Hot Rod Club will give prizes for best car, truck, tractor, motorcycle, and best in show.   

The Drama Club will also host a Lead Motorcycle Run the same day starting at BAER Sports Center, Honesdale, with the finish at the Western Wayne High School. Registration for Motorcycle Run from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.  The ride begins at 10:30 a.m.  Cost is $20 per driver and $15 per passenger. Register day of event at BAER Sports Center. Receive a food voucher and basket raffle ticket for Western Wayne Car Show with Lead Motorcycle Run registration.

In addition, the Drama group will sell a variety of concessions at the car show.  There will also be a raffle of baskets and gift certificates generously donated by businesses and families in the local community. 

Drama Club President Dakota Douglas is excited to partner with the Hot Rod Club for the Car Show. She explained how the Drama Club students will be dressed in 50s attire for the event.

“We wanted our presence at the event to go along with the variety of cars from the past that surely will be there,” Dakota said.  “We hope that the public comes out to enjoy the cars and to have some good food and purchase some chances to win baskets and gift certificates.” 

Members of the Drama Parents Club are working to obtain a  variety of items for the raffle at the Car Show from many very generous businesses and families in our Wildcat community.  The students involved in the Hot Rod Club and Drama Club can use the funds raised from this event for their club activities. 

The Hot Rod Club meets on a regular basis to work on a variety of automotive projects after school and can use the funds for their projects among other activities. 

The Drama Club meets on a regular basis after school to work on a variety of projects and activities.  

“Drama Club gives students a place where they can express themselves,” club vice president, Jason Vass, explained.  “We are like one big family in our club and really enjoy coming together to work as a team on events such as the Car Show.” 

All of the members of the Hot Rod Club, Drama Club, and Drama Parents Club cordially invite the public to attend this fun-filled event. Come out and see some great vehicles, take some chances on our basket raffle, enjoy some food, and enjoy some time socializing. Hope to see you there on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19.  The rain date is Saturday, September 26.

On May 4, 2026, Western Wayne High School 9th grade students stepped outside the classroom and into nature for a day of immersive, hands-on learning at the Varden Conservation Area. This unique outdoor educational experience brought students face-to-face with real-world environmental science through a collaborative effort involving educators from Lacawac Sanctuary, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the Wayne County Conservation District, the Delaware Highlands Conservancy, and Trout Unlimited.

Students rotated through a series of engaging, station-based activities focused on local ecology. These included examining macroinvertebrates in a pond ecosystem to evaluate water quality, practicing fishing and casting techniques, identifying local plants and trees, and conducting chemical testing to assess stream health and pollution levels.

A highlight of the day was the release of rainbow trout, marking the culmination of the Pennsylvania Trout in the Classroom (PA-TIC) program. Throughout the school year, students in Dr. Mark Nebzydoski’s classes raised trout from eggs provided by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. The release was supported by the Pike–Wayne Chapter #462 of Trout Unlimited, with assistance from Chapter President Don Strathy and Conservation Chair and Past President Paul Ranello.

The environmental education team included Sue Cosgrove, Director of Environmental Education at Lacawac Sanctuary, Richard Arthur, Environmental Educator, Lydia Freethy of the Delaware Highlands Conservancy and Jen Campbell of the Delaware Highlands Conservancy, who guided students in macroinvertebrate identification and explained their importance as indicators of water quality. Theresa Black of the Pocono Lake Ecological Observatory Network (PLEON) led students in chemical water testing and analysis. DCNR Environmental Education Specialist Josh Heath, along with Trout Unlimited representatives Don Strathy and Paul Ranello, introduced students to responsible fishing techniques and how environmental conditions influence bait and casting choices. Rachael Marques and Alicia Utegg from the Wayne County Conservation District led a nature walk focused on plant and tree identification, highlighting key characteristics and environmental adaptations.

Prior to the field trip, students participated in classroom lessons focused on water quality, groundwater, surface water, and watershed dynamics. These preparatory activities helped students connect local environmental issues to broader ecological concepts and reinforced the importance of protecting shared water resources.

This enriching educational experience was made possible through an Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) grant provided by the nonprofit Western Wayne Education Foundation. Foundation President Christine McClure was also in attendance. Additional Western Wayne staff supporting the trip included Maria Phillips, Helene Tscheschlog, Anthony Zoppi, and Sara Orloski.

This strong collaboration between local environmental organizations and educators highlights the power of experiential learning and reflects Western Wayne’s ongoing commitment to fostering environmental awareness and stewardship among its students.

The event also received coverage from WNEP-TV, where reporter Emily Kress highlighted the day’s activities.

The news story can be viewed here:
https://www.wnep.com/video/news/local/wayne-county/science-meets-nature-students-release-trout-at-varden-conservation-area/523-3cf2ef49-624d-4f00-95cd-f2573064bf60

Learn more about the partner organizations:
• Varden Conservation Area: www.vardenconservationarea.com
• Lacawac Sanctuary: www.lacawac.org
• Pennsylvania Trout in the Classroom (PA-TIC): www.patroutintheclassroom.org
• Pike–Wayne Chapter #462 Trout Unlimited: https://pwtu.org/

Picture one, from left: Josh Heath DCNR; Caspian Davis, Ryan Geisheimer, Troy Gregorski, Christopher Wright, Daisy Gravell, Addison Bartholomew, Rachel Warnock, and Madalyn Warrick.

Picture two, from left: Haley McGuire, Raelyn Simpson, Aiden Manning, Remmy Fedoryk, and Charlie Vinton.

On May 5, 2026, students from Western Wayne High School proudly presented their student-led environmental education project at the Community Connections to Our Watershed banquet, held at Montage Mountain. Their project, an Aquaponics Challenge System, was designed, researched, and implemented entirely by the student team.
Aquaponics is a sustainable food production system that combines aquaculture (raising fish) with hydroponics (growing plants without soil). In this balanced system, fish waste provides essential nutrients for plant growth, while the plants naturally filter and clean the water for the fish. The Western Wayne team developed their system to demonstrate how this closed-loop approach can support both food production and water quality.
As part of their project, the students raised trout from eggs to approximately three to four months old before preparing them for release into a local stream. A major focus of their work involved addressing water quality challenges, particularly nitrate buildup from fish waste. Through research and problem-solving, the team explored ways to improve natural filtration within their system, including redesigning components and upgrading equipment such as water pumps to maintain optimal conditions.
The project also emphasized key components of the Aquaponics Challenge, including system design, environmental monitoring, and community outreach. Students utilized technology such as climate control tools and irrigation systems while also connecting with local organizations and professionals for support. In addition, they worked to share their knowledge beyond the classroom by engaging others in understanding sustainable practices and watershed stewardship.
This presentation was the culmination of months of work as part of the Community Connections to Our Watershed program, a regional environmental initiative that has been in place for over 20 years. Each year, teams of five students and one teacher from schools across Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties participate in the program. Coordinated by the education teams at Lackawanna and Nescopeck State Parks, the program immerses students in watershed science through field experiences and collaboration with environmental professionals.
Throughout the year, the Western Wayne students participated in field trips to Keystone College, Lackawanna State Park, the Old Forge borehole, the Anthracite Heritage Museum, Lacawac Sanctuary, Pennsylvania American Water treatment facilities, and the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. These experiences deepened their understanding of how human activities impact local watersheds and helped inform their aquaponics system design, particularly in understanding the relationships between aquatic organisms, plants, and water quality.
This year’s Community Connections to Our Watershed program included schools from across the region: Carbondale, Forest City, Lakeland, Mountain View, Old Forge, Riverside, Western Wayne, and Wayne Highlands in Lackawanna County; and Crestwood, Hanover Area, HAAS, HACC, Hazleton Area, Northwest, Tunkhannock, and Wyoming Area in Luzerne County.
The program is made possible through the support of Pennsylvania American Water Company, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and the DCNR
Watershed Education Program.
Picture one, from left: Mark Nebzydoski Ph.D., advisor; Rhys Locklin, Noah Benson, Aidyn Graci, Aliyah Gregory, and Giana Graci.
Picture two, the group from Western Wayne making their presentation, from left: Aliyah Gregory, Giana Graci, Rhys Locklin, Noah Benson, and Aidyn Graci.

Students in Wayne County are getting an up-close look at nature with an opportunity to study what’s right in their backyard.

https://www.wnep.com/video/news/local/wayne-county/science-meets-nature-students-release-trout-at-varden-conservation-area/523-3cf2ef49-624d-4f00-95cd-f2573064bf60