Author: Brian Seaman

Students Present Research at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Regional Meeting

Congratulations

 to the following students who presented scientific research at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Regional Competition on March 1st.  These students investigated a scientific question, carried out controlled scientific research, and presented their findings to a panel of professionals in the scientific fields. 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. First award winners will present their research at Penn State Main Campus in May.

High School:

Cassidy Zeiler- 1st award with a perfect score for her research in the field of Biology as she studied the Effects of Statins on Tendon Elasticity.

Cassidy was also awarded an academic scholarship to Marywood University.

Mackenzie Adams- 1st award for her research in Behavioral Science as she studied the Effects of Sports Injuries on Mental Health in High School Students.

Audrey Agnello- 1st award with a perfect score for her research in Behavioral Science studying the Effects of Posture Reminders on Improving Posture in Students. Audrey was also awarded the Excellence Award in Senior High Behavioral Science

Madelyn McClure- 1st award for her research in the field of Biology in her research on Quantifying Impact Resistance: An Experimental Analysis of Force Distribution on Equestrian Helmets Under Simulated Weight Drop Conditions

Raegan Fox- 2nd award for her research in Biology as she studied the Effectiveness of Sunscreen as a UV Protectant.

Aiden VanOrden- 2nd award for his research in Biology as he studied the Effects of Administration Method on Drug Delivery.

Sadie Booths- 2nd award for her research in Biology as she studied the Effects of Equine Masks on Preventing UV Radiation in Horses.

Abbie Washine- 2nd award for her research in Biology as she studied the Effects of Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatories on Bone Density.

Middle School:

Andraye Agnello- 1st award for his research in Microbiology as he studied the Bacterial Load found on Artificial Turf.

Charlie Vinton- 1st award for his research in Ecology as he studied the Effects of Tree Species on Heat Production.

Ryder Glasner- 1st award for her research in Zoology as she studied the Effects of Soft Drinks on Daphnia magna Heart Rate

TJ McClure- 1st award for his research in Chemistry as he studied the Effects of Corrosion Protectors on Preventing Oxidation.

Igor Barth- 2nd award for his research in Zoology as he studied the Effects of Environmental Conditioning on Isopod Behavior.

Other PJAS researchers included:

Cameron Press

Congratulations to these exceptional students for representing the district well and showing their Wildcat PRIDE.

Faculty Club Advisors:  Christine McClure and Maria Masankay

Picture One, High School, from left:  Aiden VanOrden, Sadie Booths, Abbie Washine, Mackenzie Adams, Raegan Fox, Cassidy Zeiler, Audrey Agnello, and Madelyn McClure.

Picture Two, Middle School, from left: Andraye Agnello, TJ McClure, Charlie Vinton, Ryder Glasner, and Igor Barth.

Drama Club Now Accepting Reservations for Mamma Mia! Character Breakfast

The cast and crew of The Western Wayne Drama Club’s production of Mamma Mia! will host a Character Breakfast on Saturday, March 29, 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/1gVnf3Ksp9totPPKbD_FSbtNG1QY4yF20lWjmBryZn2Q/edit

TICKET ORDER DEADLINE IS MARCH 19. Any questions, email jmclau@wwsd.io

Save the date for our performances of Mamma Mia! on Friday, April 4 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 5 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 6 at 2 p.m. in the High School Auditorium.  Mamma Mia!  is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

RDW to Host Annual Read Across America Night THURS., FEB. 27 

Members of the local community are cordially invited to Western Wayne’s RDW Elementary School’s annual Read Across America Night starting at 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 27.  Guests in attendance will surely leave singing their favorite ABBA tunes, because the Western Wayne Drama Club will treat people in attendance to a sneak peak of their spring musical Mamma Mia! as one part of the night’s entertainment. 

The annual Book Fair will take place between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Classroom readings will begin at 6 p.m. followed by the Cat in Hat and then the Mamma Mia! sneak peek performance around 7 p.m.  

Mamma Mia!  is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 

All are invited to come and enjoy Read Across America Night on Thursday, February 27, at the RDW Elementary School, a free evening of entertainment and events perfect for kids of all ages.

From left:  Stephanie Maxwell as Rosie; Lilly Maros, as Donna; and Jade Wetherington as Tanya.

Drama Club presents Mamma Mia! the Weekend of April 4

Western Wayne Drama Club’s production this year is Mamma Mia!  The cast, crew, and pit band are excited to perform the show for the community. Performances of Western Wayne Drama Club’s Mamma Mia are at Western Wayne High School’s Veterans Memorial Auditorium on Friday, April 4, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 5 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 6 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.  Follow us on Instagram at ww_drama_club

 This year we will have pre-sale reserved seating tickets available for purchase at the high school auditorium doors on Saturday, March 22, and Saturday, March 29, from 1 to 4 p.m. on both days.  All ticket sales will be final.  Tickets will also be available at the door. There are no online sales.

Mamma Mia! is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).  All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com The production is also licensed by Music Theatre International.

All involved with the show are grateful to have the opportunity to perform for an audience and cordially invite you to their show.

Any questions, email jmclau@wwsd.io

High School January Students of the Month

The following students were recognized by the Student Council as students of the month for January. 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, Grace Owens is our selected freshman.  Grace is dedicated to all of her studies in school and is looking forward to her honors English class next year.  In addition, Grace is a member of the Wayne County Youth Advisory Committee this year.  She also is a member of the high school CATS Club.  In addition, she plays volleyball and will be playing lacrosse this spring. Grace is also highly involved in her church LCBC in Dickson City. Her faith is a large part of her life.  She has always enjoyed helping others and just completed the Unified Bocce Ball season at Western Wayne in which she participated with special needs and regular education students.

“It is such a cool experience,” Grace said.  “This is because the atmosphere is always positive.”

Grace aspires to be an agricultural engineer and a student pastor in the future. 

 Next, Madelyn McClure is our chosen sophomore this month. Madelyn is highly involved in FBLA having been recently elected as the FBLA regional secretary.  She will go with Western Wayne FBLA students chosen to compete in states this April. Her event is Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure.  In addition, she is an honor roll student involved in many other clubs, sports, and activities at school including:  Envirothon, Science Olympiad, PJAS, tennis team, and Unified Bocce Ball.  She aspires to be a physician’s assistant.

“I think the time management skills learned through FBLA competitions will help me in the future,” she said.  “For one test you get only 40 minutes to answer the questions correctly and this really makes you learn how to think quickly.”

 In addition, Zachary Wilbur is this month’s featured junior.  He is extremely involved in the performing arts at Western Wayne.  He has been in the Pride of Western Wayne Wildcat Marching band since his freshman year playing percussion.  This year he serves as a band librarian.  Zachary also is highly involved in the school’s Drama Club since his freshman year.  This year he serves as the show’s student music director and is an essential part of the club’s creative team that works to create the musical.  

In addition, Zachary is a member of NHS and aspires to be a constructional electrician.  He is currently working to explore the many college degree paths that could lead him to his end career goal.  He is grateful for the many leadership opportunities he has had working in performance arts in high school.

“My leadership roles have taught me a lot about responsibility,” Zachary said.

 Finally,  Nicole Klim is our senior spotlight this month.  Nicole is dedicated to her academic studies and is a member of NHS. She has currently been accepted to three local colleges and wishes to pursue her degree in early childhood education having always enjoyed spending time with children.  

“Their personalities are great and the stories they tell are so entertaining,” Nicole said of her time working with kids and babysitting over the years.  “I love to watch how children develop.”

Nicole is also highly religious and dedicated to Thrive Church in Honesdale. She enjoys being a part of their youth group and has made many great friendships through being a part of it.

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

From left: Grace Owens, Madelyn McClure, Zachary Wilbur, Nicole Klim, and Mr. Paul B. Gregorski, high school principal.

High School Receives 2025 ExxonMobil Grant

The Western Wayne High School received a 500 dollar 2025 ExxonMobil Educational Alliance Grant to support STEM education.  ExxonMobil and Onvo present these grants to various area schools each year.  The check was awarded to Western Wayne recently.  Western Wayne Administration and staff are excited to use these funds to better the educational experiences of their students. The District intends to use these funds to enhance students’ experiences in STEM related studies.   From left:  Mr. Paul B. Gregorski, high school principal; and Mike Kizis, Onvo District Manager.

Internet Safety Matters: Empower Yourself to Protect Your Child Online

Jesse Weinberger, former programmer, nationally recognized speaker and author of The Boogeyman Exists: And He’s in Your Child’s Back Pocket, 2nd ed., will be presenting to Parents/Guardians Only on March 26th from 6-8 PM at the Wallenpaupack Area High School Auditorium!

Jesse Weinberger Internet Safety Speaker flyer

Created: 14 - 02 - 2025
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Internet Safety Matters with Jesse Weinberger Flyer

Created: 14 - 02 - 2025
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High School Student Chosen as a Winner of VIP Art Contest

High School Picture 1
Middle School Picture 2
Winner Picture 3

Victims’ Intervention Program of Wayne & Pike Counties held their annual February Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) art contest recently and Western Wayne sophomore Elizabeth St. Louis was one of four winners who will have their art work displayed on billboards in the local community to raise awareness for this cause.  Elizabeth was the only winner from Western Wayne with other winners coming from neighboring schools of Wayne Highlands and Lehman Intermediate.  The winners also received Amazon gift cards and other prizes.

Debbie Cosentino, Children’s Program Manager, Victims’ Intervention Program of Wayne & Pike Counties, explained that the artwork for the contest fit the theme of “What does respect look like in a relationship?”

“The contest is allowing them to have a voice and an opportunity as a young adult to express how they experience and understand these relationships by knowing red flags early,” Cosentino explained.

She also discussed how the Victims’ Intervention Program hosts a yearly program at some local high schools including Western Wayne in which they meet with students in groups to discuss healthy relationships.

Cosentino was thrilled to be able to meet all of the Western Wayne students in the high school and middle school who entered the teen dating violence art contest.

One such student, freshman Layla Persaud explained that her entry which had puzzle pieces on it had a symbolic meaning for teen dating awareness month.

“It is about putting a relationship together on an emotional level,” she explained.  “All of the pieces come together and have a role and meaning.”

Western Wayne winner of the contest Elizabeth St. Louis agrees that there are many pieces to a healthy relationship and that communication is key when putting it all together which is what she revealed in her winning art submission.

“When a couple talks, they should take the communication to heart instead of letting it go in one ear and out of the other,” Elizabeth, honor roll student and wrestling team member, explained.  “Instead my picture shows how what is said should go straight to a person’s heart, because everything said in a relationship has great value.”

Elizabeth, who wishes to pursue elementary education in college, was surprised and honored to receive this recognition.  She was inspired to pursue art from a young age by her mom.  She especially enjoys painting, sketching, and water color with a focus on landscapes and nature overall.  

“I hope that the billboard of my artwork inspires others my age to listen in their relationships.”

High School Pic One:

Back row from left: Mrs. Jessica Gregorski, Family Consumer Science teacher; Khloe Mistishin, Phoebe Schmitt, Sophia Franchak, Ellyana Armstrong, Abigail Brown, Liliana Hayes, Holly Kellogg, and Mr. Paul B. Gregorski, High School Principal.

Front row, from left: Morgan Malloy, Emaan Tanveer, MaKennah Holbert, Debbie Cosentino, Children’s Program Manager, VIP; Julia Hart, Lily Kieva, and Layla Persaud. 

Middle School Pic Two:

From left: Cayden Clever, Mrs. Devon Farley, middle school art teacher; Mackenzie Hoke, and Aubrey Hendricks. Not pictured, middle school participant:  Trinity Leonard.

Winner Pic Three:

From left: Debbie Cosentino, VIP; Elizabeth St. Louis, High school winner; and Mrs. Jessica Gregorski.

SPECIAL NOTICE regarding the CAT PACK games.

The District is aware of concerns and potential misinformation regarding CAT Pack games. To clarify, Western Wayne School District is excited that our student-athletes will once again participate in Special Olympics at Delaware Valley; an opportunity that has not happened since COVID.


We acknowledge the excitement around CAT Pack games, and to increase opportunities for peer engagement, the district plans to incorporate CAT Pack activities into building-level events, such as monthly PBIS, spirit games, and field day. Funds acquired through a local grant will be used to create a memorable experience for those students who may not meet Special Olympic criteria.


Additionally, the district continues to collaborate with Special Olympics to offer extracurricular activities, such as unified track and field and more recently, bocce ball.


We will continue to celebrate all students in district activities throughout the year. Please contact the District Office with any questions. 1-800-321-9973 Option 5.

CAT Pack Games

Created: 05 - 02 - 2025
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District Receives Donation from Jersey Mike’s

Jersey Mike’s recently made a donation to the Western Wayne School District. They held a fundraiser during their grand opening which resulted in a donation of over $3,600 to the district.  The district is very grateful to the restaurant chain for their generous donation in support of our school community.

Pictured left to right: Casey Newcomer – WWMS Principal; Mike Tirko – Jersey Mike’s Regional Director; and Paul B. Gregorski II – WWHS Principal.