Western Wayne FCCLA presented a check to The Wayne County Children’s Christmas Bureau in the amount of $455.09. The money was raised at the recent FCCLA Drive Through Breakfast with Santa which was planned by students Kennedy Mistishin and Zoey Goldman as part of FCCLA’s STAR EVENT participation (Student’s Taking Action for Recognition). Kennedy and Zoey will be presenting on the topic of Community Service at the virtual FCCLA State Leadership Conference this spring.
From left: Western Wayne high school principal Paul Gregorski; Western Wayne FCCLA Members and event Co- Chairs Zoey Goldman, Kennedy Mistishin; and a representative from the Wayne County Children’s Christmas Bureau Mr. John Carmody.
Due to the impending winter storm starting Wednesday afternoon into Thursday, schools will be dismissed tomorrow at 12:00 PM. There will be no afternoon Early Intervention. Also, school is cancelled on Thursday December 17th.
From left, back row: Kennedy Mistishin and Zoey Goldman, who served as chairpersons for the FCCLA Drive Through Breakfast. From left, kneeling: Kaitlyn McDermott, FCCLA Secretary, and Caitlyn Burdick, FCCLA President. Students are holding items that were distributed at the event.
First Row Front (Left to Right) – Kennedy Mistishin, Zoey Goldman. Second Row (L to R) – Katarina Wood, Paige Lee, Lena Piccolino, Maggie Millon (Mrs. Claus), Kyle Guarino (Santa), Caitlyn Burdick FCCLA President, Kaeli Romanowski, and Kailey Tickner. Third Row (L to R) – Jaiden DeRosa, Luke Janiszewski, Thomas Chernasky, Caden Brungard, and Paige Bell. All in photo attended and worked at the FCCLA Drive Through Breakfast.
The magic of the holiday season was in the air for Western Wayne’s FCCLA Club as they hosted their first drive-through Holiday Breakfast on Saturday, Dec. 12, with all proceeds benefitting the Wayne County Children’s Christmas Bureau. FCCLA has held this event in the past hosted in the high school cafeteria. Due to COVID-19, they worked, just as hard as Santa’s best elves, and found a way to make this event possible for the community even during this challenging time. Instead of serving food in the cafeteria, the FCCLA students brought food out to their customers waiting in their cars. Even Santa made a socially distanced appearance on a local fire truck. Instead of having stations for people to shop at, this year, the FCCLA students made sure to have all gifts for the little ones ready ahead of time for none other than Mrs. Claus to pass out to the eager kids in their family cars. Some of the items distributed included: lollipops, coloring books, crayons, and McDonald’s coupons among other fun gifts. Many of FCCLA’s club members worked to make this event possible. This year’s club officers include Caitlyn Burdick, president; Zoey Goldman, vice president; Kaitlyn McDermott, secretary; Tarena Strasburger, treasurer; Paige Bell and Kailey Tickner, public relations.
FCCLA members Kennedy Mistishin and Zoey Goldman worked as student chairpersons for this event to lead the students in making the breakfast a success. Kennedy had worked to lead the event last year. This year Zoey stepped into a co-leadership position. Both girls found planning this event to be a very rewarding experience. “My favorite part is the execution of putting together an event of this nature,” Kennedy explained. “I love when it all comes together at the end. This is very different than our event last year, but it is still very rewarding in different ways especially because we have the chance to do this for the community during this challenging time.” The students have been busy working to plan this event for a few weeks by making decorations, getting gift bags together, and preparing other items and aspects of the event. It truly was a team effort by all students and staff involved. The drive- through breakfast with Santa was not FCCLA’s only event this year. The group also, earlier this school year, assisted the Blue Star Mothers of Northeastern Pennsylvania in writing 100 cards to active patriots. Students got to hand-write personal letters to patriots stationed all over the world. Zoey Goldman, vice president of FCCLA, said this activity was special to her. “I have a number of family members who have served, so writing these letters felt especially meaningful to me,” Zoey explained. Along with writing letters to patriots and hosting their breakfast, FCCLA has held a few meetings this year mostly online. Secretary of the club Kaitlyn McDermott explained how it has been challenging to get information out to members. “I have used email and Google Classroom to distribute a lot of information to our members,” Kaitlyn explained. “I think it has been successful because we have 30 members in the club this year.” As a group FCCLA has many purposes including to provide opportunities for personal development and preparation for adult life, to strengthen students for society, to encourage individual and group involvement in helping achieve global cooperation and harmony, to encourage democracy through cooperative action in the home and community, and to promote greater understanding between youth and adults and many more. FCCLA is so grateful to the district for allowing the events they had this year so far to be possible. The group looks forward to finding creative ways to hold more events in the future for all to enjoy.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving Western Wayne School District worked with several individuals and organizations to conduct a food drive to help families in need in their district this holiday season. Mrs. Bernice Fiorella, Western Wayne School Board President, worked to coordinate the event with many others. Harry Howell has worked on this endeavor for the last twelve years with the American Legion and the veterans. This year Mr. Howell donated $500. Also, the Hamlin Rotary donated $500 dollars and Dave’s Super Duper in Honesdale donated over $1,000. There were also several other doners who wished to remain anonymous. In addition, Jen Wargo from the Salem Township building did amazing work to coordinate the building, packing, and delivery of donated items with her husband and son. Sue Schlasta, Western Wayne social worker based at Evergreen Elementary, and the Western Wayne Guidance Department in all buildings coordinated the families in the district who needed assistance. Cindy Gibb and the Hamlin Rotary also helped to pack goods. The American Legion and veterans had their trucks ready to pick up at Dave’s Super Duper and some also helped to deliver to the Middle School. The Western Wayne CATS club helped to further organize items for distribution once they arrived at the Middle School. High School CATS Club members who helped included: Zoey Goldman, 11th grade; Kaitlyn McDermott, 11th grade; Maggie Millon, 12th grade; and Makayla Gregory 12th grade. “Our work is worth it just knowing that a family will have a good Thanksgiving dinner,” Makayla said. “It is good to help others and not expect anything in return.” Fellow senior Maggie Millon agrees. “I like helping people out and being there for others like we are all one big Western Wayne family.” All the many individuals involved in this effort to help Western Wayne families are so glad they could make Thanksgiving better for their fellow Wildcats.
Western Wayne Middle School held a Turkey Trot for students on the morning of November 24 as a part of their PBIS initiative which involves successfully creating a proactive positive school environment in which students are demonstrating their Wildcat PRIDE daily.
PBIS is an ongoing effort of the Western Wayne School District to guide students in behaving and interacting with others in such a way as to promote an effective learning community.
The Western Wayne High School Cross Country Team hosted the students who completed the course. Middle School students signed up to attend the Turkey Trot. Some of the students who participated gave donations of canned goods for local food pantries.
The Middle School students who participated in the Turkey Trot did many fun activities such as participating in raffles for prizes, completing a one-mile run, and dancing with the Turkey. High School Cross Country student George Lee donned the Turkey costume for the occasion and entertained the students.
The Middle School students who participated were directed, guided, and cheered on by members of the High School Cross Country Team that included: Sydney Hutchinson, Jamie Bryan, Haley Estus, Julie Bryan, Maddie Kammer, Lucas Putman, Kris Maloney, Tarena Strasburger, and Kailey Tickner.
All the students who attended had a great time at the event. Eighth grader Raegan Palmer came in second place for the girls in her grade at the race.
“I really liked getting to see the older students and hang out with them briefly after the race,” Raegan, who plays basketball for Western Wayne, said.
Fellow 8th grader Timmy Roberts also had a great time at the event. He came in first place for the boys for the second year in a row and won a turkey.
“We plan to donate the turkey,” Timmy, who plays for the Western Wayne Soccer Team said.
Also, for the second year in a row 8th grader Hayden Romanskas came in second place for the 8th grade boys.
“It was fun to get to go outside for a while,” Hayden, who has been racing BMX bikes since he was about five years old said. “I think my experience with BMX helps to give me endurance for something like this. I thought the race was really close this year.”
In addition, on Nov. 24, Middle School students were treated to a special lunch time reward for PBIS. Beloved School Resource Officer Marty Robbins acted as D.J. for lunch periods that day. The students always look forward to occasions such as this one. Robbins also initiated a special board for students to write and display what they felt grateful for during the holiday season.
The students all had a lot of fun on Nov. 24 and look forward to other PBIS activities such as these where they can demonstrate their Wildcat Pride as the school year continues.
Winners of the Turkey Trot held at Western Wayne on November 24 are as follows.
Sixth graders: Eric McGrath, 1st place; Damian Glackin, 2nd place; Giana Tomasetti, 2nd place; and Makenzie Chearney, 1st place.
Seventh graders: Robert Carrelle, 1st place; Mia Gifford, 2nd place; Peter Race, 2nd place; and Audrey Agnello, 2nd place.
Excited seniors on Western Wayne’s Homecoming Court got the opportunity to walk out under the Friday night lights to crown a King and Queen in this time-honored tradition on Friday, Nov.6, at a game against Wallenpaupack High School. All the seniors who participated felt thrilled to have this chance in a year of such uncertainty. Members of the court included: Matthew Henneforth, Colin Mead, Sydney Hutchinson, Madison McGlone, Zane Janiszewski, Matt Leslie, Julien Walck, Jada Siino, Leno Piccolino, and Cassidy Asinski. “It was a lot of fun,” Western Wayne Homecoming Court member Jada Siino said. “I was thankful that everyone voted for me to be on the court.” Jada has been highly involved during her time at Western Wayne and felt grateful to have this opportunity to make her senior year special. She had participated in the following activities during her time at Western Wayne: volleyball for three years; National Honor Society for three years; yearbook for two years; Student Council for two years; CATS Club for one year. Of all her activities Jada has enjoyed her time on the volleyball team the most. “This is the activity that I have been a part of the longest in high school,” Jada explained. “I have made a lot of great relationships on the team.” Jada plans to attend a four-year university for early childhood education. “I think I have learned about how not to procrastinate from my time in high school,” Jada explained. “I have learned about the importance of planning.” Jada will be able to put this skill to good use in the future in her career path to be a teacher of young children. Jada explained that she first realized she wanted to pursue this avenue through her volunteer work with Pocono Community Church. Jada’s classmate and fellow homecoming court member Cassidy Asinski agrees with Jada that the time management she learned in Western Wayne will stick with her long after graduation. “I think I learned so much about time management from doing as many clubs and honors and advanced placement classes as possible,” Cassidy, who plans to attend a four-year university, explained. Cassidy has participated in the following activities during her time at Western Wayne: soccer for four years; track and field for three years; basketball for two years; FBLA for four years; Spanish Club for two years; Girls Lead Club for two years; FCCLA for one year; and tennis for one year. “It was a surprise to be nominated for the court,” Cassidy said. “Some of my favorite high school memories involve Friday Night Lights and playing sports with my friends, so this experience was very meaningful to me.” The remaining members of the Homecoming Court are also extremely involved at school. Matthew Henneforth participated in the following activities during his time at Western Wayne: volleyball for four years; basketball for four years; NHS for three years; FBLA for two years; and Junior Leadership of Northern Poconos. Matthew says he has had many great memories at Western Wayne and plans to attend a four-year university. Another court member Sydney Hutchinson participated in the following activities during her time at Western Wayne: cross country for two years (team captain); indoor track for four years; outdoor track for four years; NHS for two years; FBLA for three years; and yearbook for two years. She plans to attend a four-year university for tech education and to continue her running career which she is passionate about. Next, member Madison McGlone took part in the following activities during her time at Western Wayne: varsity track and field, varsity tennis, FBLA, Student Council, prom committee; Science Olympiad; Envirothon; Student Ambassador Program; and she organized her own club called “The Green Group.” Madison plans to attend a four-year university for entrepreneurship/ marketing. Another member of the court is Zane Janiszewski. Zane has been involved in the following activities during his time at Western Wayne: NHS for three years; FBLA for three years; FCL for three years; football for four years; baseball for four years; basketball for three years; and wrestling for one year. He plans to attend a four-year university majoring in education and minoring in business. “My favorite memory was beating Valley View this year [in football], becoming the schools all-time leading tackler, and being the first team to win the Division Championship,” Zane said. Fellow court member Matt Leslie is also highly involved in sports at Western Wayne. Matt has participated in the following activities during his four years of high school: wrestling for four years; soccer for three years; FBLA for three years; and he served as the 2019-2020 Junior Class President. Matt aspires to attend a university where he can continue his wrestling career. “I will always remember my years spent with the wrestling teams and my friends at Western Wayne,” Matt said. “They are memories that I will have forever.” Another member of the homecoming court that will have many long-lasting memories from sports is Julien Walck. Julian has taken part in the following activities during his time at Western Wayne: football for four years (senior captain of football team); and baseball for four years. He plans to attend Wilkes University to further his football career and major in early childhood and special education. He especially will cherish all the fun memories he made on Western Wayne’s football team. The final two members of the homecoming court had the distinct honor of winning the titles of Homecoming King and Queen through the votes of their classmates. Senior Lena Piccolino felt completely surprised to be chosen for Homecoming Queen. “I definitely did not expect it,” Lena said. “Some of my favorite memories at Western Wayne, other than being on Homecoming Court, are my final soccer season this year. I thought everyone did a great job. I am also excited to be accepted to Wingate University in North Carolina to study pre-pharmacy. I recently received a scholarship. I always wanted to do work behind the scenes in the medical field, and I think that studying pharmacy will be a great fit for me.” Lena has been involved in the following activities during her time at Western Wayne: soccer for four years; track and field for four years; indoor track and field for three years; NHS for three years; SADD for two years; and FBLA for two years. “I think I learned the most about time management through my experiences at Western Wayne,” Lena explained. Lena will always cherish all her memories at Western Wayne both inside and outside of the classroom. She said that her favorite part of Homecoming did not have anything to do with her winning the title of Queen. “I was definitely the happiest to hear that Colin Mead won Homecoming King,” Lena explained. “He was my partner that I walked on the field with. I thought that he deserved to win. He really is always so nice to absolutely everyone at school.” Colin was excited and surprised to win Homecoming King. “It was crazy, and I didn’t expect it,” Colin said. “I was excited that I got so many votes. I like to make it appoint to be friendly to as many people as I can at school.” Colin has greatly enjoyed all his shop classes at Western Wayne. He would like to pursue either being a mason or welder after graduation. Colin has worked on both skills at Western Wayne and with his dad. He also likes to spend time fixing cars. “The best part about Homecoming was walking out on the field and hearing all of my buddies cheering for me,” Colin said. The entire Western Wayne Homecoming Court is thankful to have had the opportunity to experience this milestone event and look forward to the rest of their senior year.
Please see the updated requirements from the Pennsylvania Department of Health that all students, staff, and visitors must follow:
Latest Guidance on masks – In Pennsylvania, masks must be worn whenever anyone leaves home. Masks are mandatory in all public spaces. Have questions about mask wearing? View the Universal Face Coverings Order FAQ.
Travelers – By Order issued November 17, 2020, the Wolf administration is requiring that travelers entering Pennsylvania from other countries and states, as well as Pennsylvanians who are returning home from other countries or states, have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to entering the Commonwealth or quarantine for 14 days upon entry into Pennsylvania.
According to the PA Department of Health:
MASKS:
Masks are required to be worn indoors and outdoors when away from home
When outdoors, a mask must be worn if you are not able to stay at least 6-feet away from someone not in your household the entire time you are outdoors
When indoors, masks will now be required even if you are physically distant from members not in your household. This means you will need to wear a mask inside if with people other than members of your household.
The order applies to every indoor facility, including homes, retail establishments, schools, gyms, doctors’ offices, public transportation and anywhere food is prepared, packaged or served.
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES
The departments of Health and Education have issued recommendations for colleges and universities to implement a testing plan for when students return to campus following the holidays. This includes routine testing and reporting protocols and posting data online about positive cases and positivity rates.
Colleges and universities should have adequate capacity for isolation and quarantine and should be prepared to enforce violations of policies such as mask wearing and physical distancing.
Every college and university should test all students at the beginning of each term, when returning to campus after a break, and have regular screening/testing throughout the semester.
HOSPITALS
Sec. of Health Dr. Rachel Levine has issued an advisory to acute care hospitals outlining expectations to care for Pennsylvanians who need care during the pandemic. Hospitals should also be working to move up elective procedures necessary to protect a person’s health and prepare to suspend them if our health care system becomes strained.
OUT-OF-STATE TESTING
The Secretary of Health issued an order requiring anyone who visits from another state to have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 prior to entering the commonwealth.
If someone cannot get a test or chooses not to, they must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvanians visiting other states are required to have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to their return to the commonwealth or to quarantine for 14 days upon return to Pennsylvania.
This does NOT apply to people who commute to and from another state for work or medical treatment.
This order takes effect on Friday, November 20.
ALL NEWS
PSAT Exams – October 20th – 10th & 11th GradersSeptember 22, 2026Attentions 10th and 11th graders:
The PSAT will be administered on October 20th during the school day. The cost is $18 and you can sign up in Guidance. Juniors can possibly qualify for a fee waiver, which would allow you to take the exam for free. This is a great opportunity to practice for the SAT, earn potential scholarships and national merit recognition. If there are any questions, please see your school counselor.
https://ww3.westernwayne.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/PSAT-LETTER-2026-2027.pdf [...]
Western Wayne – College & Career Fair – October 14thSeptember 17, 2026The Annual Western Wayne College and Career Fair is Wednesday, October 14th.
As of right now we have 60+ representatives from colleges, military, and local employers. [...]
Electronic Recycling – Saturday, October 3September 17, 2026WAYNE COUNTY YMCA
Join the Y, Honesdale National Bank, Wayne County Fair Association & Advanced Recycling in being environmentally active & recycling your broken, unwanted household or business electronic junk. Special thanks to the Fair Association for allowing us to use their location.All funds raised will support our Financial Assistance program for our community. Cost: Households: $25 per household. Additional $25 for each item with Freon (such as air conditioners) Businesses, Schools, Gov’t Agencies: Pre-registration required at the YMCA 570-253-2083We accept: computers, servers, monitors, printers, keyboards, VCR’s, CP batteries, cell phones, terminals, cables, wires, power supplies, fax machines, radios, modems, CTRs, corded & cordless phones, TVs, CPUs, copiers scanners, cassette/CD/DVD players, typewriters, stereo equipment. We don’t accept: Wooden TV consoles, glass, lightbulbs, cassette/video tapes, alkaline or cadmiumbatteries.
Download the full announcement for more details. [...]
Junior Leadership Northern Poconos 2026-27September 16, 2026Junior Leadership Northern Poconos 2026-27
Gage Roberts, Ava Karabuber, Holly Kellogg & Layla Persaud representing Western Wayne High School.
Students from Forest City Regional, Honesdale, Wallenpaupack & Western Wayne meet monthly and learn about leadership and the Wayne County community. [...]
Thank you to the Salvation ArmySeptember 14, 2026Thank you to the Salvation Army for their generous donation of school supplies to support our students. We are grateful for this partnership and extend our sincere appreciation to the private donors whose generosity made this donation possible.
Your kindness and commitment to our students exemplify the power of a community coming together to make a difference. Because of your support, more of our students will begin the school year with the supplies they need to learn, grow, and succeed.
Thank you for investing in our students and for showing what it means to take PRIDE in our community. [...]
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.
