Students in Mrs. Jenkins’s Honors American Literature class planned, designed, created, and presented professional Food Truck Companies based on characters of Ray Bradbury’s novel Fahrenheit 451. Students competed in the 2nd Annual Food Truck Wars for ‘Best Food Truck’ based on originality, creativity, novel connection, and professionalism. Juniors and fellow sophomores who studied the book previously served as judges.
Congratulations to ‘Beatty’s Bussin Bytes’ created by Nathan Conway and Gabe Treibley based on the character of Captain Beatty. Honorable mention goes to runners-up Lila Rusin and Kiersten McDonald for their company “Are You Happy” and Taylor Maiocco and Rhayni Carroll for their company “Sips of Serenity.”
In the first picture is the high school team coached by Mrs. Amanda Jenkins. Mrs. Jenkins’ team earned white ribbon status. From left students in Mrs. Jenkins’ team included: William Dwyer, Aurora Morris, Lilly Bernardi, Elizabeth Wasylyk, Lillian Morcom, Tommi Vizcaino, and Josefine Vizcaino. Back, from left: Kailea Sekelsky, Summer Paugh, Emily Brophy, and Ash Mangieri.In the third picture is the middle school team coached by Ms. Starlah Robbins and Mrs. Jessica McLaughlin. This year the middle school team won a yellow ribbon status. From left, back row, standing, middle school participants included: Haley Dougal, Britney Wertman, Grace Owens, Marlee Gifford, and Marilyn Sutton. From left, front row: Liam Pauler, Audrey Capozzi, team captain Audrey Agnello, Oliver Harty, and Annie Williams.In the second picture is the high school teach coached by Mrs. Rebecca Banik and Mrs. Megan Rush. From left, back row, students in Mrs. Banik and Mrs. Rush’s team included: Daniel Hall, Alexis Whitfield, Stephanie Maxwell, Riley Pongracz, and Xenia Gauvain. Front row, from left: Ryleigh Mahon, Zariah Edmunds, and Cailey Fullone.
Western Wayne High School and Middle School students participated in the NEIU-19’s Virtual Reading Relay this past May. The students got the chance to virtually participate. Students read books from a shared list and competed in rounds on their knowledge of the stories. The students were thrilled to share their love of reading in this virtual format and look forward to many reading competitions in the future. There were two high school teams and one middle school team this year.
On May 25th the Pre-Kindergarten classes at EverGreen Elementary had a bus safety presentation. Students learned about safety while boarding and exiting the bus along with proper behavior while being on the bus. Students picture are from Mrs. Hoch’s morning and afternoon classes and Miss Sposto’s morning class. The presentation was by WW School Police Officer Marty Robbins and bus driver Mark Peet. Thank you to Officer Robbins, Mr. Peet and Mr. Henwood from Henwood Bussing for allowing the use of one of his buses.
From left, standing, seniors: Audrey Lawlor, Rebecca Boots, Ella Dougher, Vince Cistulli, Adelaide Treibley, and B. Flannery. From left, sitting, seniors: Carleigh Galliford and Delaney Valinski. Absent from photo: Lowen Weber.
Western Wayne High School artists were thrilled to host their annual art show in the High School Gym on Saturday, May 14, after two years. The students were unable to have their show in 2020, and they held a modified version of it in 2021 in the high school library.
This year the students brought out all of their best work to showcase for their family, friends, and the community. Students in grades 9 through 12 had their artwork featured along with a few pieces from select 8th grade artists.
In addition, nine seniors had their artwork showcased in special displays of their own creation.
Senior Rebecca Boots’ exhibit theme was “Many Dreams, Little Nightmares.”
“This exhibit displays the mind of a teenage girl and her feelings that make no sense and have no correlation,” she explained. “My theme reflects my personal thoughts and feelings growing up as a teenager which is reflected in my work.”
Becca plans to attend Lackawanna College for nursing.
Fellow senior Vince Cistulli’s exhibit theme was “Horror.”
“I have pieces that are inspired from the typical horror clichés and stereotypes painted with a colorful twist,” he said. “Fear has been around since the dawn of time and it’ll never go away and the fact I can convey that in a particular style represents me.”
Vince’s goals post graduation are to either go to college for psychology or to work in the film industry.
Senior Ella Dougher has loved art since she was very young.
“Ever since I was younger, I always loved to draw and paint,” she explained. “Whenever I had free time, I would get my hands on something. My passion for art came from my mother and brother who are both talented artists.”
The theme of her senior exhibit was dreamlike and surrealistic.
Fellow senior B. Flannery has enjoyed art from a young age as well.
“My earliest art-making memory is drawing a pastel portrait of my sister and I in my 8th-grade art class,” B. explained. “I became interested in the arts because it helped me with my mental health. I was at a really low part of my life and I turned to music and art as an outlet.”
B.’s senior exhibit was based on fears.
Post graduation, B. will attend Marywood University to study vocal music therapy.
Senior Carleigh Galliford is another one of our artists who was inspired by her family.
“My mother is an artist and inspired me to become interested in the arts,” Carleigh explained. “I am also inspired by the emotions I feel dealing with mental health, leaving behind childhood and friendships, and being in nature.
The theme of Carleigh’s exhibit was “Self-Expression.”
After graduation, she will attend Marywood University to study music therapy.
Fellow senior Adelaide Treibley, like some of her classmates, was inspired to enjoy art in her younger years.
“My love for art began in elementary school,” Adelaide said. “Art was my favorite class, and I enjoyed the creative challenge of each new assignment.”
Her senior art exhibit theme was “Life and Nature.”
She will attend Moravian University majoring in chemistry in the fall.
Soon-to-be graduate Audrey Lawlor also had her creativity sparked for art as a child.
“My grandmother and my father have inspired me to pursue art as a subject of study in high school because they are both very talented and artistic,” she explained. “Growing up, my father was always sketching and drawing.”
Audrey’s post-graduation plans are to attend Duquesne University and study business.
Another one of our seniors also planning to attend Marywood University in the fall, is Delaney Valinski. She plans to study psychology.
One way she keeps down her stress level is through art.
“I enjoy creating and the stress relief it provides,” she explained. I also enjoy how creating helps bring me joy but what I create provides joy for others.”
Her senior collection was inspired by nature.
Finally, senior Lowen Weber’s display had the theme “Habits and Dependency.”
“My inspiration comes from allegorical stories, true crime, and personal life experiences,” Lowen explained.
Lowen’s goals after graduation are to take a gap year and save up to go to York College to study acting and illustration.
The Western Wayne School District congratulates all of the artists involved in this year’s art exhibit and wishes the seniors the best with their future plans.
Western Wayne High School musicians came together on Saturday, May 14th, in an exhibition of the arts in the Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium for their annual spring concert for both band and chorus students.
The concerts showcased the groups’ musical abilities honed after months of hard work. Both the band and choir have faced challenges, again, this school year, but put on a great show for the community. Pictured are Western Wayne High School chorus students under the direction of Mr. Taber Starnes and band students under the direction of Mrs. Elaine Ort.
The Cat Pack Games were held on Tuesday, May 24 at Sharkey Rosetti Stadium. Students from EverGreen, RDW and Middle and High Schools were greeted by the Western Wayne Marching Band. Student volunteers from the Middle and High Schools assisted in the games. The day was a perfect highlight of some of the many talents of our students-running, jumping, throwing, and playing! Thank you to everyone who helped make it a great day!
Western Wayne Middle School students couldn’t hide that Wildcat Pride during the week of May 9 through May 13. They had a variety of dress-up days such as character day and Rockstar day to show their school spirit throughout the week ending with the school’s traditional spirit games celebration for students in grades 6 through 12. Students enjoyed playing a variety of games including dodgeball, minute-to-win-it games, and musical chairs, among others. All of the students enjoyed this bonding exercise with their classmates and look forward to the rest of their end-of-year activities.
On May 20, 2022 students at the Western Wayne High School and Middle School complex were visited by the LifeNet of New York Helicopter crew. Students had the opportunity to watch the helicopter land on campus and then were greeted by the crew members. Two life flight nurses and the helicopter pilot spent time with the kids describing the educational pathway that led them to a career in life flight. Students then had the opportunity to tour the helicopter, learn about the care that can be administered in flight, the mechanics of the helicopter and the logistics of life flight. This invaluable experience allowed students to see potential careers in medicine and aviation. Students used their scientific background knowledge to ask great questions and learn more about this life saving career. Students then enjoyed lunch sponsored by the WW Science Club and watched the helicopter take off. The experience was organized and presented by the Western Wayne Education Foundation which is supported financially by local business EITC donations. For more information about the Western Wayne Education Foundation please email wweducationfoundation@gmail.com. For more information about LifeNet of New York please visit https://lifenetny.com/index.html Thank you to all of the faculty and staff who made this visit possible.
From left: seniors Hudson Malinowski and Jenny Guadagno.
This past April, seniors Hudson Malinowski and Jenny Guadagno represented Western Wayne at the PMEA All-State festival for exemplary high school musicians. Following a series of virtual auditions and progression through the District and Region festivals, the two clarinet players qualified to attend the first in-person All-State festival since 2019! Hudson was selected as one of only four clarinets to perform in the orchestra, while Jenny was selected as a member of the concert band.
Both students have been heavily involved in music over the years. Hudson has previously been accepted to the NAfME All-Eastern Concert Band, an ensemble consisting of select students across eleven states, and has qualified for District and Region Band for three years and Orchestra for two years. She currently serves as one of the drum majors for the Western Wayne Marching Band and plans to attend Mount Holyoke College to study music education. Jenny has qualified for District and Region Band for one year on flute and for one year on clarinet. She is a section leader and an officer of the Western Wayne Marching Band and plans to attend Case Western Reserve University with a minor in music. The two are proud to have performed in the All-State ensembles and are grateful for all of the support they have received throughout their musical careers to achieve this.
ALL NEWS
Students Present 4th Grade Watershed Field Trip Project at Regional BanquetMay 9, 2025On May 6, 2025, 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—a hands-on ecology field trip to Varden Conservation Area for Western Wayne’s 4th grade students—was designed, researched, and organized entirely by the high school team.
This presentation was the culmination of months of work as part of the Community Connections to Our Watershed program, a regional environmental initiative that began over 20 years ago. Each year, groups of five students and one teacher from schools across Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties participate in the program, which is coordinated by the education teams at Lackawanna and Nescopeck State Parks. The goal is to engage students in meaningful learning about watershed science and conservation through outdoor field experiences and professional mentorship.
Western Wayne students applied their knowledge by creating an original educational experience for younger learners. They began by researching costs for transportation and supplies, identifying local agencies that could provide environmental programming, and crafting a detailed plan for the trip. The students collaborated with representatives from Lacawac Sanctuary, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the National Park Service, and the Wayne County Conservation District to develop engaging, standards-based ecology activities. They then proposed the idea to their principal and worked with school administrators to schedule the trip, which will take place later this month.
To fund the initiative, the students successfully applied for a mini grant from the Wayne County Community Foundation. Their proposal was approved by the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) and presented to the Foundation’s Board for final approval. The grant provides funding for transportation and program costs to make the field trip possible for all 4th grade students at Western Wayne Elementary.
During their presentation at the banquet, the Western Wayne team shared how their participation in field trips to Keystone College, Lackawanna State Park, the Old Forge borehole, Alliance Landfill, the University of Scranton, Pennsylvania American Water Treatment and Sewage Treatment Facilities, and the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail shaped their understanding of watershed science. They explained how those experiences informed their vision for teaching younger students about local water ecosystems.
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, HAAS, HACC, Hazleton, Northwest, Tunkhannock, and Wyoming Area in Luzerne County.
The program is made possible with the support of Pennsylvania American Water Company, DCNR, and the DCNR Watershed Education Program.
To learn more and view highlights from the 2023–2024 program, visit: https://tinyurl.com/CCTW2025
From left: Mark Nebzydoski Ph.D. advisor; Jerrah-Ann DeBree, Kyleigh Turner, Aliyah Gregory, Dakota Douglas, and Giuliana Velazquez. [...]
Ms. Siena Cardamone honored as NEPA’s Outstanding TeacherMay 9, 2025PA Live (WBRE) — Congratulations to Western Wayne School District’s Ms. Siena Cardamone with being honored as NEPA’s Most Deserving Teacher. “Ms. C” as her students know her as is a Skill-Based Learning Support Teacher for grades Kindergarten through 2nd grade.
Walmart loves to support the communities where it does business, and with this being Teacher Appreciation Week, local Walmart store at Wilkes-Barre Township Marketplace – the closest Walmart to our 28/22 PA Live studio – reached out to ask for our help surprising Ms. C as the outstanding teacher in northeast and central Pennsylvania!
To celebrate the contributions of Ms. C – and to further their good work – Walmart committed to gifting $500 worth of classroom supplies and other essentials. <Read More> [...]
Junior Leadership Northern Poconos Graduation 2025May 8, 2025Congratulations to our Junior Leadership Northern Poconos graduates:
Ciarra Kidder
Phoebe Schmitt
Madison Trapanese
Graysen Valinski
Logan Vinton
The Chamber of the Northern Poconos is pleased to present the Junior Leadership Northern Poconos program. Our goal is to develop mutual understanding, respect, civic engagement, leadership and the interpersonal skills of high school juniors by proving real-world experiences. In addition to the skills learned and topics explored, the opportunities and challenges of the region are discussed as participants network with community leaders and other high school students. This program is for high school juniors from Forest City Regional, Wallenpaupack, Wayne Highlands and Western Wayne School Districts. [...]
Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Graduation – 2025May 2, 2025Congratulations go out to our two Tomorrow’s Leaders Today graduates… Audrey Agnello and Khloe Mistishin.
Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Program:
Leadership Lackawanna’s seven-month Tomorrow’s Leaders Today program develops the leadership, interpersonal and managerial skills of high school juniors and provides real-world experiences in the areas of health care, STEAM, history and heritage, crime and corrections, financial literacy, philanthropy, non-profit organizations, and community service.
Each year, a class of approximately 60 students, representing various geographic areas and schools, is selected to participate. The program runs from October through May. Sessions are held one full weekday each month from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. A graduation ceremony is held in the Spring. Upon completion of the program, participants will have the necessary skills to become concerned and committed citizens who participate and invest in our community. Tomorrow’s Leaders Today turns aspiring teens into future adult leaders. [...]
Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention
program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize
warning signs and signals, especially within social media,
from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others
and to “say something” BEFORE it is too late.
