As of October 1, 2022 and through the end of the 2022 – 2023 school year, schools participating in the School Breakfast Program will be able to serve students a school breakfast at no charge as per the plan announced back on September 9, 2022 by Governor Wolf.
This change only applies to the School Breakfast Program in the 2022 – 2023 school year and does not affect a student’s eligibility status for lunch (free, reduced, and paid respectively).
Any family who is experiencing economic hardships and would like to apply for the free/reduced school lunch program, please contact the Food Service Office at (570) 937-3085.
By Kristin Hauenstein, Western Wayne Band Senior Public Relations Officer
The Western Wayne Marching Band invited the 8th grader band members interested in doing band for the upcoming school year to be a part of it with them under the lights Friday, Sept. 16. After the school day ended, high school students made signs for the middle schoolers, showed them how to march, hold their instruments, and the basics of being a high school band member.
In addition, 8th graders watched the band practice their field show and fix anything needed before heading into the building for a team dinner. Sitting next to these wonderful 8th graders and learning a lot about them and what made them try band was an amazing experience for all involved.
Marching down with the group of kids in the big block reminded a lot of current high school band members what it was like when they did 8th grade band night.
“It was scary because everyone was grown up, but then I got used to it. It was very exciting and made me want to join. I started off with a mellophone,” said senior and section leader Aidan Donnini.
Senior Danny Merone has similar memories, “ Going into it I was very skeptical. Concert band is boring for me, but then I get to marching season and it’s so much fun!”
Senior Ash Mangieri added, “I started off with Color Guard then I played flute, and I already knew the basics because of guard. It opened my eyes to what I actually wanted to continue with.”
Having experience with 8th grade band night made it a lot easier for everyone else as well. It wasn’t a stressful night and, as the night ended, the band congratulated the 8th graders and wished them all the best of luck if they choose to be part of this wonderful band next year. Make us proud on that field and continue to do what you love!
Western Wayne Senior Evan Peirce has been named a Commended Student in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®), which conducts the program, was presented by the principal to this scholastically talented senior. About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2023 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2023 competition by taking the 2021 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®).
“Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”
Evan is a member of the student council and NHS. In addition, he is one of the drum majors for the Western Wayne Wildcat Marching Band and is incredibly proud of the work he does with the band and of all of the band students he works with. He also is a tutor through Khan Academy. Evan plans to join the Naval Academy upon graduation.
The Western Wayne School District congratulates Evan on his latest accomplishment.
The Western Wayne Drama Club will host a Cabaret Night the evening of Saturday, January 7, in the high school auditorium in celebration of Western Wayne’s 50th Anniversary. Any alumni who participated in musicals at Western Wayne is invited to participate in the event. You can sing a song from one of your favorite shows or help our stage crew. The community is invited to the event as well! If you are interested in participating, please use the following link to register for the event. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mHgN-uSGv3zLyWFpRJNhOz93Ww8tcwGflmxKA_dXSik/edit
We would like to have registration complete to help us further plan by November 18. Any questions, please email Mrs. Jessica McLaughlin at jmclau@wwsd.io We look forward to seeing you back up on stage in 2023!
Members of the class of 2023 gathered on the football field on the first day of school to reminisce while the sun rose on the start of their senior year. Senior class advisors Ms. Helene Tscheschlog and Ms. Carrie Wittenbrader worked to plan the event. Seniors Evan Peirce, Tommi Vizcaino, and Ava Daniels made the senior class banner that was displayed at the field for the event which made a perfect place to take pictures. The idea of the event is to symbolize a good start to the school year with all of the seniors who wanted to participate together at the beginning of the first day. Following the sunrise, students enjoyed a pancake and sausage breakfast. Most of the breakfast was graciously donated by Weis Markets, Hamlin. In addition, a coffee bar was donated by the High School PBIS team. A great time was had by all!
It’s never too early to try out a future Wildcat activity. Western Wayne cheerleaders, football players, and the band showed their Wildcat Pride through hosting young Wildcats at the home game on Friday, Sept. 16, versus Abington Heights at the Sharkey Rosetti Stadium. Junior Wildcat players and cheerleaders got a taste of what it is like to play and perform under the Friday night lights. In addition, the band hosted students from 8th grade considering joining the high school marching band. They got to play stand tune music with their assigned band buddies during the game. All of the young cheerleaders, football players, and band students had an excellent experience and look forward to possibly participating in their respective activities in high school.
On Homecoming Day, September 30, 2022, we are planning a school-wide event to assemble students at the Sharkey Rossetti Stadium to form the letters “WWHS” on the field. We will use a drone to take a photograph of the student body in formation as a fundraiser for our high school PBIS team. PBIS is a nation-wide evidence-based program that is used in all Western Wayne buildings. PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, and it is a team of students and teachers that function to support our student body by rewarding good behaviors to improve the climate of the school.
The cost of the photo will be $15.00 for an 8×10 image. All checks can be made out to WWHS PBIS. Cash will also be accepted. Please send your cash or check to the high school Guidance Office to complete your purchase. Checks can be mailed to: WWHS Guidance 1970A Easton Turnpike, Lake Ariel, PA 18436.
All money is due prior to your order being placed. Orders will be accepted and money collected until November 1, 2022. An email will be sent to the address you provide when the orders have arrived. Orders are expected to be fulfilled in November.
Jenna Kwiatkowski, Evan Peirce, Eleanor Black, and Kylie Merring
Western Wayne High School students Eleanor Black, Evan Peirce, Jenna Kwiatkowski, and Kylie Merring have earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs. These National Recognition Programs grant underrepresented students with academic honors that can be included on college and scholarship applications and connect students with universities across the country, helping them meaningfully connect to colleges and stand out during the admissions process. Colleges and scholarship programs identify students awarded National African American, Hispanic, Indigenous and/or Rural/Small Town Recognition through College Board’s Student Search Service. All of the Western Wayne students who were recognized received the National Rural and Small Town Award.
The Western Wayne students who achieved this honor are excited to be recognized and are pleased to be back in school experiencing their senior year and look forward to attending college next fall.
Eleanor Black plays soccer and is a member of FBLA, student council, and the literary magazine. She is also a member of NHS and NAHS. She intends to study English or design in college.
Fellow senior Evan Peirce is also a member of the student council and NHS. In addition, he is one of the drum majors for the Western Wayne Wildcat Marching Band. He also is a tutor through Khan Academy. He plans to join the Naval Academy upon graduation.
In addition, Jenna Kwiatkowski is highly involved in school. She is a member of FBLA, envirothon, science olympiad, and CATS Club, along with being a member of NHS. She aspires to study biochemistry in college.
Finally, Kylie Merring also has many accomplishments. She is a member of FBLA, FCCLA, and Spanish Club along with being a member of NHS. She hopes to attend Marywood University in the fall to study mathematics.
“We’re thrilled that our students have earned this recognition. We are very proud of them for their achievements in their classrooms and on College Board assessments,” said Paul Gregorski, Western Wayne High School principal. “These programs help students from underrepresented backgrounds stand out to colleges during admissions.”
Students who may be eligible have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have excelled on the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10, or earned a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP Exams; and are African American or Black, Hispanic American or Latinx, Indigenous, and/or attend school in a rural area or small town.
Eligible students will be invited to apply during their sophomore or junior year and will be awarded at the beginning of the next school year. Students will receive their awards in time to include them on their college and scholarship applications.
“We want to honor the hard work of these students through the College Board National Recognition Programs. This program creates a way for colleges and scholarship programs to connect directly with underrepresented students who they are hoping to reach,” said Tarlin Ray, College Board senior vice president of BigFuture. “We hope the award winners and their families celebrate this prestigious honor and it helps them plan for their big future.”
ALL NEWS
Western Wayne Car Show and Lead Motorcycle Run on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 May 19, 2026The 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. [...]
9th Graders Explore Outdoor Education at Varden Conservation AreaMay 14, 2026On 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. [...]
Paul Borowski & Jade Wetherington – NEIU 19 Scholar of the Year & Performing Artist of the Year – Western Wayne High SchoolMay 12, 2026Congratulations go out to Paul Borowski for being name the NEIU 19 Scholar of the Year for Western Wayne High School for the 2025-26 school year. Paul was recognized, with 23 other students from the NEIU 19 Region, at a ceremony at Lackawanna Trail High School.
Congratulations also go out to Jade Wetherington for being name the NEIU 19 Performing Artist of the Year for the 2025-26 school year. Jade was the lone recipient of the award, being chosen over other students from the entire NEIU 19 Region. [...]
Grace Moser – The Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstar – Western Wayne High School – 2026May 11, 2026Congratulations to Grace Moser on being selected to The Times-Tribune 37th Annual Scholastic Superstars.
The Times-Tribune has sponsored the annual Scholastic Superstars ceremony for nearly 40 years. This year, 25 students were selected from 15 local schools, culminating in the ceremony at Peoples Security Bank Theater of Lackawanna College for a celebration of their academic achievement, extracurricular endeavors, community service and plans for the future. Each high school in The Times-Tribune coverage area is invited to nominate three students. Sixty-eight nominations, with the names and schools redacted, were judged by a panel of local college officials. [...]
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.
