The PA Friends of Agriculture Foundation’s 2023 Ag Literacy Week kicked off this week at EverGreen Elementary. A special thank you to our guest reader, Mr. Peifer, for reading The Day the Farmers Quit to the K-2 graders. This book helped the students see that we all depend on the hard work of farmers.
The Western Wayne Track Foundation in conjunction with REMAX Best will be sponsoring a pole vault clinic at the Western Wayne Middle School on Saturday, March 25th from 1-4pm.
Our lead clinician for the event will be two-time Olympian and World Champion Pole Vaulter Lawrence Johnson.
Western Wayne Middle and High School students participated in the NEIU-19’s annual Reading Relay at the beginning of March. In preparation, students read books from issued lists consisting of 25 book choices. The students then competed virtually against teams from other local districts in 50-question rounds based on details of reading comprehension.
The middle school and high school teams consisted of 34 dedicated readers and represented Western Wayne with the best of wildcat pride. This year was competitive as Mrs. Robbins’s team was just short of top-ranking with her middle school team and Mrs. Banik’s high school team awarded medals. Mrs. Jenkins’s team went on to score in the Elite 8 and were awarded medals and swag bags.
Mental Health First Aid training is an 8-hour evidence-based curriculum created by the National Council for Mental Well-being. This course helps adults working with youth ages 12-18 to identify, understand, and respond to the early signs of mental health and substance use challenges using the ALGEE action plan.
Please download the following flyer for more details.
Members of Western Wayne FBLA attended a Wayne County Commissioners meeting to receive an FBLA Week proclamation. At the meeting, Colette Schmitt, 2023-2024 Region 22 Secretary, Western Wayne FBLA President Alex Chapman, and Western Wayne FBLA Sophomore Vice President Mackenzie Adams spoke on behalf of Western Wayne FBLA and Region 22 FBLA.
Western Wayne FBLA members recently had an opportunity to tour the Wayne County Courthouse and sit in on sentencings in President Judge Janine Edwards courtroom.
Attorney Chole Romanowski, Wayne County Court Law Clerk, gave the members a of tour of the courtrooms and explained the responsibilities of some of the various jobs that are part of the court system, include tipstaff, court stenographer, and chief clerk. Attorney Romanowski also spoke about how the court system in Pennsylvania works.
During a break afterwards, President Judge Janine Edwards spoke with the members about the sentences that were imposed to individuals in her courtroom. In addition, members also met with Judge Matthew Meagher in his chambers and in his courtroom. Judge Meagher explained his role and the types of cases he typically hears in his courtroom.
The cast and crew of The Western Wayne Drama Club’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid will host a Character Breakfast on Saturday, April 1, at 10 a.m. in the High School cafeteria. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children and senior citizens. You can reserve tickets by using the following Google Form. Form link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZtWzzGw-i-qWFih5Ko_EKW_Da0Da_Qkno8STonKGapc/editTicket order deadline is Monday, March 20. Any questions, email jmclau@wwsd.io
Our young guests attending are encouraged to dress up like their favorite Disney princesses and princes!
Save the date for our performances of The Little Mermaid on Friday, April 14 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 15 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 16 at 2 p.m. in the High School Auditorium.
After school on February 14th, Western Wayne High School Chorus students had the opportunity to bring some Valentine’s Day love to the family and friends of Western Wayne students. They collected requests from their peers for $5 to sing their loved ones either “You Are My Sunshine” or “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
Chorus member Xenia Gauvain shared, “I think that doing Singing Valentines was a really fun way to share a bit of what we do in chorus with the community.”
The chorus students split into groups to bring love to many people and overall the fundraiser was a great success. Vice President of Chorus Nate Conway has been doing this for two years and was happy to be able to send valentines to his grandmother and girlfriend Trinity, who is also a chorus alumni.
“I would love to do more opportunities like these; music is such an amazing thing and brings happiness to so many people’s lives,” Nate said.
We are honored to present this publication in celebration of 50 years of Western Wayne High School! As a
tribute to a half-century of black and gold pride, this magazine showcases the memorable milestones and
moments of our beloved school from the years that led to its opening in 1973 up to today. To commemorate our roots, we have made it our mission to uncover artifacts that date back decades. History is written by its victors, who tirelessly worked to lay the foundation that has created the honorable structure in which Wildcats have learned and grown for generations. From the one-room schoolhouses to the sprawling campus of Western Wayne High School, all ages of students share the memories and traditions of being a Wildcat. Students—past and present—have demonstrated PRIDE within our school by exhibiting Preparedness, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and by being Extraordinary. As Nelson Mandela famously quoted, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” This year, we appreciate and observe the great traditions that have had a longstanding place in our Alma Mater, and we also look to the future as Wildcats carry their PRIDE from these hallowed halls to the world that awaits them.
Members of the community who come out to enjoy the annual Read Across America Night at Western Wayne’s RDW Elementary School on Thursday, March, will surely leave thinking about the magic of mermaids and the sea because the Western Wayne Drama Club will treat people in attendance to a sneak peak of their spring musical.
Western Wayne Middle and High School musical students will put on a performance from their upcoming spring production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid as a part of the entertainment at Read Across America Night. DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
The event will kick-off at 4:45 p.m. and is free to the public. Kids of all ages can enjoy a variety of activities in celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday.
There will also be a Book Fair at the event hosted by the PTA, and attendees can meet The Cat and Hat along with Thing One and Thing Two.
From 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. guests can tour the RDW building and stop in classrooms to hear stories read by RDW staff and friends. Starting at 5:30 through 6 p.m., there will be a concession stand open.
Then at 6 p.m., Little Mermaid cast members will put on a performance. Seniors Amanda David and Julia Phillips return to the stage at RDW after first performing there in their 8th grade year when the Drama Club performed Annie.
“It is amazing to be back on the RDW stage playing another lead role for such an exciting and well-known show,” Amanda David, who also serves as a student director and secretary of the Drama Club along with playing Ariel, said.
Her fellow student director and cast mate Julia Phillips agrees.
“I have always loved performing since I was very young and have had a great time in my five years working with the musical theater department at school,” Julia, who plays Sebastian, said.
The entire cast of The Little Mermaid are excited to entertain the audience at RDW.
“This is my first year performing at RDW,” Nate Conway, who is the president of the Drama Club, a student director, and a four-year musical cast member, said. “I love going out into the community and sharing what we have been working to create. I can’t wait to see all of the students in attendance enjoy it.”
The Western Wayne community cordially invites the public to come and enjoy Read Across America Night on Thursday, March 2, at the RDW Elementary School, a free evening of entertainment and events perfect for kids of all ages.
The public can also look forward to the upcoming Little Mermaid Character Breakfast on Saturday, April 1, at 10 a.m. in the High School cafeteria. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children and senior citizens. You can reserve tickets by emailing Mrs. McLaughlin at jmclau@wwsd.io or talk to your favorite cast or crew member.
In addition, you can also mark your calendar with the dates for our performances of The Little Mermaid at Western Wayne High School’s Veterans Memorial Auditorium on Friday, April 14, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 15 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and students, and Western Wayne students are free with a student ID.
Pictured is some of the cast of Western Wayne Drama Club’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid at a recent Alumni Cabaret event.
Hot Rod Club and Drama Club Car Show on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6June 5, 2025The Western Wayne Hot Rod Club and Drama Club will host their 2025 Annual Car Show on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 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.In addition, the Drama group will sell a variety of concessions. 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 on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the High School parking lot near the stadium. 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! [...]
Project SEARCH Graduation 2025June 5, 2025Project SEARCH Class of 2025 Graduates
Austin Weist & Mya Lukas [...]
Middle School Holds Annual 8th Grade Moving-Up Ceremony June 3, 2025At the annual 8th Grade Moving-Up Ceremony, held at the Sharkey Rosetti football stadium on Tuesday, June 3, Western Wayne Middle School Principal Casey Newcomer talked to the students and families about the importance of hard work and determination in the face of obstacles and setbacks, a term he called “grit.”“Grit is what comes into play when you have many things on the to-do list,” Newcomer, who is new to the district this year, said.He told the crowd about a recent tug of war competition held during the middle school’s annual end-of-year field day event.“The advice I gave students during tug of war is applicable to the advice I want to give them as they move forward to high school,” he explained. “Dig in. Do your best. Persevere and believe in yourself.”Mrs. Joyce Covaleski, middle school chorus teacher, then had select 8th grade chorus singers perform the National Anthem and alma mater. Ruthann Neve and Reyna Weaver sang the National Anthem; and Elizabeth Bilski and Ayvari Ford sang the alma mater.The featured event of the Moving-Up Ceremony was many of the 8th grade students receiving awards in various categories for excellence in all academic and unified arts classes. In addition, students received awards for good citizenship, excellent work habits, and for a variety of high academic achievements such as making the honor roll for 11 quarters in middle school from 6th through 8th grade. Some also received the new Grit Award instituted for the first time this year by Newcomer for students who showed outstanding qualities of hard work in the face of adversity and hardships.It is also a Western Wayne Middle School tradition for many years that two outstanding students, one male and one female, are recognized for their patriotism and leadership among other qualities. The local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the local American Legion present these awards.The Daughters of the American Revolution Award was presented to 8th grader Kaelyn Chearney.Kaelyn received the good citizenship medal from the Daughters of the American Revolution for being an outstanding student in the 8th grade class who exhibits the qualities of honor and honesty, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism.George Schaffer presented the American Legion Award to 8th grader Charles Vinton.Charles received this annual award for being an outstanding student in the 8th grade class who exhibits the qualities of honor, scholarship, Americanism, leadership, and courage.Both Kaelyn and Charles felt extremely honored to receive their respective awards. They also both, at first, felt shocked to learn the Daughters of the American Revolution and the American Legion had chosen them for these high honors.Kaelyn, an honor roll student and member of NJHS, is a hard-working young woman who especially loves to study science and social studies and participates in soccer and track at Western Wayne. She also studies a variety of dance styles at the Honesdale Dance Studio.Kaelyn aspires to be a meteorologist one day.“All of my activities and academic achievements in school so far have taught me that hard work does pay off,” she explained.Fellow classmate Charles Vinton is also a hard-working honor roll student in NJHS. He enjoys studying math and science the most. Charlie is a member of the soccer and track teams along with being involved in PJAS.“I am most looking forward to participating in high school sports next year,” Charlie said.To close the ceremony, Newcomer reminded the parents not to miss a moment of their students’ upcoming high school experience.“The next time they will be in these seats will be in four years,” he said. “Don’t blink, because you don’t want to miss a minute of what is to come for your students.”Western Wayne faculty, administration, and staff wish the class of 2029 the best on their new journey to the high school.
Picture one, from left: Matthew Barr, middle school assistant principal; Charles Vinton, winner of the American Legion Award; Kaelyn Chearney, winner of The Daughters of the American Revolution Award; and Casey Newcomer, middle school principal.
Picture two, from left: Charles Vinton, winner of the American Legion Award; and Kaelyn Chearney, winner of The Daughters of the American Revolution Award.
Picture three, from left: Charles Vinton, American Legion Award winner, with George Schaffer who presented this prestigious award on behalf of the American Legion. [...]
9th Graders Explore Outdoor Education at Varden Conservation AreaJune 2, 2025On May 27, 2025, Western Wayne High School 9th grade students stepped outside the classroom and into nature during a day of immersive, hands-on learning at the Varden Conservation Area. This outdoor educational experience brought students face-to-face with real-world environmental science, thanks to the collaboration of expert educators from Lacawac Sanctuary, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the Wayne County Conservation District, and Trout Unlimited.Students rotated through three engaging, station-based activities focused on local ecology. They examined macroinvertebrates in a pond ecosystem to evaluate water quality, practiced casting techniques during a fishing demonstration, and conducted chemical tests to assess stream health and pollution levels.A highlight of the day was the release of rainbow trout as the culmination of the Pennsylvania Trout in the Classroom (PA-TIC) program. Throughout the school year, Dr. Mark Nebzydoski and his students 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 Paul Ranello and Youth Advisors Don Strathy and Pat Guinnane.The environmental education team featured Nicole Seul, Director of Environmental Education at Lacawac Sanctuary, and Richard Arthur, Environmental Educator, who guided students through macroinvertebrate identification and their role as indicators of water quality. Theresa Black from PLEON (Pocono Lake Ecological Observatory Network) led students in chemical water testing and interpretation. DCNR Environmental Education Specialist Josh Heath, along with Trout Unlimited representatives Don Strathy and Pat Guinnane, introduced students to responsible fishing techniques and how environmental conditions influence bait and casting choices.Leading up to the field experience, students participated in classroom lessons about water quality, groundwater, surface water, and watersheds. These preparatory activities helped connect local environmental issues to broader ecological concepts, reinforcing the importance of water as a shared natural resource.This enriching day in nature was made possible through an Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) grant provided by the nonprofit Western Wayne Education Foundation, whose president, Christine McClure, also attended the event. Accompanying the students were Western Wayne educators Dr. Mark Nebzydoski, Maria Phillips, Helene Tscheschlog, and Christine McClure.This collaboration between environmental organizations and local educators highlights the power of experiential learning and reinforces Western Wayne’s commitment to fostering environmental stewardship among students.Learn more about the partners involved:• Varden Conservation Area:www.vardenconservationarea.comFacebook – Friends of Varden Conservation AreaDCNR Varden Conservation Area• Lacawac Sanctuary:www.lacawac.orgFacebook – Lacawac Sanctuary• PA Trout in the Classroom (PA-TIC):www.patroutintheclassroom.org• Pike – Wayne Chapter #462 Trout Unlimitedhttps://pwtu.org/
Pictures show Western Wayne ninth grade students engaged in immersive hands-on learning. [...]
