Are you familiar with the phrase, “Community happens over coffee”?
If you are interested in learning more about our district, consider joining us for Coffee & Conversation. We hope you will stop by the District office on Friday, October 21, 2022 at 9:00 am – 10:00 am for a cup of coffee and engage in an informal conversation.
Kindly RSVP at the link below by Wednesday, October 19th. We hope to see you.
It was a beautiful night on Friday, Sept. 30, when the Homecoming Court took to the field before the home football game against West Scranton at Western Wayne’s Sharkey-Rossetti Stadium. The court crossed the field prior to the game escorted by their parents to be honored in front of their family and friends before hearing the winners. Seniors Luke Janiszewski and Cyrah Bihler were crowned Homecoming King and Queen respectively. Congratulations to all the members of our court this year! From left, Homecoming Court members: Lucas Putman, Faith Cavage, Kourtney Franklin, Kyle Guarino, Skylar Long, Luke Janiszewski, Homecoming King; Cyrah Bihler, Homecoming Queen; Dustin Ferraro, Niya Acosta, and Marshall Davis.
The Western Wayne Hot Rod Club partnered with the Drama Club hosted their 7th annual Car Show on Sunday, Oct. 2. Despite the brisk weather, the community came out to support the students. Cars filled the parking areas by the football stadium and Hot Rod Club members were able to interact with the owners of a variety of classic cars. In addition, Drama Club students dressed in 50s attire mingled with attendees as old-time music played. There was even an alumni section of cars to be seen. Prizes were awarded to the best in show and over twenty raffle baskets were given to their lucky winners.
“I was thrilled to be able to have my truck in the car show,” Rebeccah King, Class of 2020 said, “I was a part of shop classes and the Drama Club when I was in school.”
The Hot Rod and Drama Clubs look forward to hosting another car show next year and hope to hold it in September of 2023.
The entire Western Wayne Community joined together on Saturday, September 24, for a parade to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the school. A number of groups marched some of which included the Western Wayne faculty and staff, members of the chorus in the middle school, high school, and chorus alumni, the Wildcat Marching Band, some local fire house companies, the members of the 2022 Homecoming Court, the Wildcat Cheerleaders, members of Wildcat sports teams, the Spanish Club, and others.
It was a beautiful day and community members lined up at the Western Wayne Middle and High School campuses to watch the parade that went around the school grounds.
“It was awesome to be back to celebrate this event with my friends in the music community at school,” Nick DeCandis, Class of 2022, said.
Western Wayne has a variety of other alumni events planned throughout the year and look forward to hosting more of our past students for these activities.
The Western Wayne School District invites the community to attend its annual homecoming game this Friday, Sept. 30.
The Western Wayne Homecoming Game against West Scranton will begin at 7 p.m. with the presentation of the Homecoming Court about a half hour before kick-off. The ten seniors on this year’s court feel extremely honored and excited to be a part of this ensemble.
Members of the court include: Niya Acosta, Marshall Davis, Cyrah Bihler, Dustin Ferraro, Catherine Cavage, Lucas Putman, Kourtney Franklin, Kyle Guarino, Skylar Long, and Luke Janiszewski.
All of our senior court members have been highly involved during their time at Western Wayne in a variety of clubs, sports, and other activities.
Senior Niya Acosta has done Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) for three years; girls varsity tennis for two years, and National Art Honor Society (NAHS) for three years. Niya plans to attend a community college under a liberal arts program to pursue a degree in computer programming.
Next, Marshall Davis has played soccer since childhood; has been a member of Boy Scout Troop 102 for six years; National Honor Society (NHS) for three years; and absolutely loved his experience with Ultimate Frisbee when he was an underclassmen. Marshall plans to go to college for environmental studies and then attend law school to become an environmental lawyer.
Marshall really enjoyed his high school years at Western Wayne.
“I will remember most being part of an amazing group of people who manage to keep me in a good mood everyday,” he said.
Fellow senior Cyrah Bihler will also cherish the memories she made in school especially with her soccer teammates. Cyrah is a varsity soccer player for four years; FBLA for four years; NHS for three years (held the position of secretary), CATS Club for two years; wrestling manager for two years; Western Wayne Advisory Board Representative for CYS; and Lackawanna Student Athlete Leadership Program. Cyrah plans to attend college and major in physical therapy and continue her soccer career.
Also, highly involved in sports, senior Dustin Ferraro will remember the time he spent with his teammates the most fondly. Dustin is a triple-sport athlete who played baseball, soccer, and basketball for four years; FBLA for three years; and NHS for three years. Dustin plans to major in business in college.
Another senior also interested in a business-related career field after graduation is Catherine Cavage. Catherine has done FBLA for four years; NHS for three years; and is a member of Student Council. Catherine plans to attend a four-year university to major in fashion merchandising.
Next, senior Lucas Putman had done FBLA for four years; volleyball for three years; NHS for three years; Gold for two years; and Spanish Club for two years. He aspires to attend college and study abroad in the future.
Fellow senior Kourtney Franklin has been on Student Council for three years; NAHS for three years; and CATS Club for one year. She wants to attend Penn State for nursing and become a midwife.
In addition, senior Kyle Guarino has many fun memories of his time in school, especially when he was playing basketball in gym class with his friends. Kyle had played football for four years; basketball for three years; FBLA for four years; and Family, Career, Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) for three years. Kyle plans to attend a four-year university to major in early education.
Fellow athlete, senior Skylar Long is also excited to be on the Homecoming Court. Skylar has done volleyball, basketball, track, FBLA, and has been a student ambassador all for four years; NHS for three years; Student Council and FCCLA for two years; and has been involved in Tomorrow’s Leaders Today. Skylar plans to attend college and major in either finance or statistics and continue with track and field.
Skylar discussed her favorite high school memory.
“It was having the opportunity to see a women’s Penn State volleyball game my freshman year with the whole volleyball team and getting to experience the main campus,” she fondly recalled.
Finally, senior Luke Janiszewski can’t wait to take the field on Friday night for the football game and Homecoming. Luke has been in varsity baseball for four years; varsity wrestling for three years; varsity football for three years; varsity basketball for one year; FBLA; and FCCLA. Luke plans to join the Marine Corp.
“I am glad to get to have the experience of being on the Homecoming Court with my friends for my senior year,” Luke said.
Luke and all of the members of the Homecoming Court look forward to bonding with each other and making memories during homecoming at Friday’s game. The court along with the rest of the Western Wayne community invite the public to join them on Friday, Sept. 30 at 6:30 p.m. for the homecoming festivities followed by the game.
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.
Maria Liptak, RD
Food Service Director
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!
Western Wayne High School Hosts Graduation for Class of 2026June 8, 2026
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 [...]
Middle School Holds Annual 8th Grade Moving-Up CeremonyJune 4, 2026At the annual 8th Grade Moving-Up Ceremony, held at the Sharkey Rosetti football stadium on Tuesday, June 2, Western Wayne Middle School Principal Casey Newcomer talked to students and families in attendance about the importance of hard work and determination in the face of obstacles and setbacks, a term he called “grit.”
“Education is about growth,” Newcomer, who is in his second year at the district, said. “We have a group of students here today that represent a woven tapestry of skills.”
He told the crowd about how students excel in a variety of ways, some in the classroom and some in activities outside of it.
“No matter what you are trying to excel at,” he explained. “The one characteristic that will continue to stand above all others is called grit. Grit is the determination to keep going when quitting is the easier option. Grit is the voice in your head telling you to keep going.”
Newcomer encouraged students to continue to listen to that voice as they head into their high school years.
“Be ready; dig in; hold tight,” he told the students. “You got this.”
Mrs. Joyce Covaleski, middle school chorus teacher, then had select 8th grade chorus singers perform the National Anthem and alma mater. Makayla Franckowiak and Maria Shemanski sang the National Anthem; and Patience Strocchia sang the alma mater. All three girls love to sing and are highly involved in the Middle School Chorus.
Makayla is looking forward to high school where she plans to continue participation in basketball and softball. She also plans to play volleyball in her freshman year. She aspires to be an aerospace technologist, because she has always had a fascination with studying space. She also enjoys working with technology in her free time and has created robots as a hobby.
Her fellow classmate Maria aspires possibly to be a teacher when she is older, and she is also interested in exploring the idea of pursuing the military as a part of the Marines. She will play basketball next year and possibly volleyball and softball.
Finally, Patience, who greatly excels in her ELA class with her strong writing skills, is excited to join the track team for her freshman year.
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 Wildcat Pride, for students who go above and beyond in showing school spirit and being kind aned upstanding school community citizens; Grit, for students who showed outstanding qualities of hard work in the face of adversity and hardships; 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.
In addition, a new award called The Inclusion Award was given this year by special education teacher Ms. Gillian Groom, who was assisted in presenting the award by her student Daisy Diehl. Groom explained how the award recognizes students who go above and beyond to create a welcoming, supportive, and respectful environment for peers with special needs. This award honors students who demonstrate kindness, patience, empathy, and leadership by including all classmates in activities, friendships, and everyday school experiences. Recipients of this award model acceptance and understanding, helping others feel valued, supported, and connected within the school community.
“The recipients of this award see and treat my students as friends,” Groom said.
Then Daisy used her communication device to announce award winners who included: Alexandra Churmblo, Eli Gragnano, Julia Kosciuk, and Machaela McGrady.
Another honor given out at the ceremony was an award and gift presentation by National Junior Honor Society advisor Nichole Musewicz, middle school science teacher. Last year, Principal Newcomer worked to establish a National Junior Honor Society Chapter at Western Wayne along with dedicated faculty and high-achieving students.
Therefore, since this Moving Up Ceremony marked the inaugural ceremony with NJHS students present, Newcomer and Musewicz wanted to recognize the three eighth grade NJHS officers who helped to establish the program among the students in the school community: Harper Bell, president; Kendall DiPierro, vice president; and Keira Hauenstein, secretary.
All three young women felt honored to be acknowledged at the ceremony and have strong goals and aspirations for their bright futures. First, Harper will continue to play softball, travel softball, and basketball in high school. She aspires to either pursue a degree path in occupational therapy or speech pathology. Next, Kendall is dedicated to playing basketball in high school. She aspires to be an emergency room nurse. Finally, Keira does competitive gymnastics along with soccer and track which she plans to continue in her high school career. She wishes to be a future elementary school teacher.
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 chapters of the American Legion and the Daughters of the American Revolution present these awards.
This year before the presentation of these prestigious awards, Newcomer took time to recognize and honor Middle School guidance counselor Mr. Joseph Totsky. This year marks Totsky’s 34th year of service.
Newcomer noted how Totsky has been a mentor to him for the past two years and noted Totsky’s strong qualities of honesty, sincerity, and hard work as being the pillars his career has been built upon.
“Countless students and staff are better because Joe was here,” Newcomer said. “You will forever be a part of the foundation of the Western Wayne community.”
After the special recognition of Totsky, Bill Gillette, Post 889 Waymart, presented the American Legion Award to 8th grader Benjamin Reifler.
Ben 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.
Then the Daughters of the American Revolution Award was presented to 8th grader Sophia Shehadi.
Sophpia 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, honesty, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism.
Both Ben and Sophia felt extremely honored to receive their respective awards. They also both, at first, felt shocked to learn the American Legion and the Daughters of the American Revolution had chosen them for these high honors.
Ben, an honor roll student and member of NJHS, is a student very dedicated to academic excellence. He also has a passion for automotives and studying trains and their history. He aspires to run commercial trucks one day and is greatly looking forward to his auto shop classes in high school.
“I really enjoy working with my hands,” he said. “I want to use what I have learned about trains and other automotives in a real world setting in my future career.”
Fellow classmate Sophia, an honor roll student and member of NJHS, is also a very diligent student who loves working hard in all subject areas and aspires to be a labor and delivery nurse when she grows up.
“I look forward to trying my best in high school and what comes after,” Sophia 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 2030 the best on their new journey to the high school.
Picture one, from left: Bill Gillette, who presented the American Legion Award, Post 889 Waymart; Benjamin Reifler, winner of the American Legion Award; Sophia Shehadi, winner of The Daughters of the American Revolution Award; and Casey Newcomer, middle school principal.
Picture two, from left: Bill Gillette and Benjamin Reifler.
Picture three, from left, NJHS officers: Harper Bell, president; Keira Hauenstein, secretary; and Kendall DiPierro, vice president.
Picture four, from left: Patience Strocchia, who sang the Alma Mauter; and Maria Shemanski, and Makayla Franckowiak, who both sang the National Anthem.
Picture five: the Western Wayne Class of 2030 stands before their family, friends, and community at the annual Moving Up Ceremony before they embark on their high school journey. [...]
HOBY Leadership Seminar Representatives – Maha Tanveer & Abigail WashineJune 2, 2026Maha Tanveer and Abigail Washine were Western Wayne High School’s HOBY representatives for the 2026-27 school year. They recently attended the HOBY Leadership Seminar at Millersville University.
PA HOBY Leadership provides a 4-day seminar for high school sophomores. Each school in PA is invited to select one student who demonstrates outstanding leadership skill and potential to serve as their school’s ambassador. During the seminar, students participate in panel discussions featuring speakers who are leaders in the fields of government, education, media, and social issues. They spend “a day in the life of a state representative” debating bills on the house floor at the PA Capitol. They spend a half day learning about small and large businesses in PA, then serve for the afternoon at various volunteer sites. Throughout this weekend are many cheers, a dance, a talent show, new friendships, many challenges, and a life-changing experience.
At HOBY, leadership development programs ensure that students gain awareness of themselves and others, practice and apply newly learned skills, and leave feeling empowered to make a positive impact on the world around them. With authenticity, connection, and growth at the core of the programming, student ambassadors learn what it means to be an aware and engaged community member. [...]
High School May Students of the MonthJune 1, 2026The 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. [...]
