Trina was a 6x Dist. Champion at Lakeland High School. Also PIAA State champion, high jump ’04; PIAA State runner-up, high jump ’06; SX PIAA State medalist; She was 3X Lackawanna League Div. All-Star; 2X Scranton Times All-Reg. Girls’ track Performer of the Year; member of Lakeland Girls’ 4×400 relay team, running Lacka. Track Conf. All-time best time of 4:00.86 in ’05. She was a key member of Girls’ track teams, with 4 straight div. championships; 3 Jordan relay titles & 2 Dist. championships. At East Stroudsburg University, Trina was a 3X NCAA National Championship qualifier (Heptathlon/Pentathlon); Women’s track/field All-Time Cont. Championship point scorer; 2x Conf. champion; ranks top 5 All-Time @ ESU in 4 Indoor track events, and top 5 All-Time in 6 outdoor track events.
On Friday, October 10th, in celebration of the 2026 WCAA Student Art Show theme “Trees”, RDW Elementary partnered with the Wayne County Arts Alliance and the Wayne County Conservation District to plant a native Pin Oak tree. First and fifth graders helped make the day a success, with beautiful weather, art, and learning rooted in nature!
On Friday, October 10th, Robert D. Wilson Elementary School was proud to host a tree planting ceremony in cooperation with the Wayne County Arts Alliance (WCAA). First and fifth grade students participated in this special event celebrating art, nature, and community! Each year, RDW art students take part in the annual WCAA Student Art Show. The theme for the upcoming 2026 show is “Trees.” To celebrate this theme and promote the exhibit, the WCAA—along with forest specialist Trevor Tochydlowski of the Wayne County Conservation District—donated a native tree to each participating school as a lasting reminder of the art show’s message. During the ceremony, WCAA Director Debby Pollack read a poem by Sarah Coleridge and excerpts from Wishtree by Katherine Applegate, encouraging students to reflect on the importance of trees, growth, and imagination. Mr. Tochydlowski spoke about the value of planting and conserving native species and shared interesting facts about the Pin Oak. He then planted RDW’s new Pin Oak tree beside the Buddy Bench, where it will provide shade and inspiration for years to come. In preparation for the ceremony, RDW art students created tree- and nature-inspired projects. Kindergarteners made acorns and. First graders studied the art of Gustav Klimt, using his famous Tree of Life as inspiration for their own collaborative mural! The students were proud to have their mural on display during today’s ceremony!.
Fire Safety was held at EverGreen on Friday, October 10th. EverGreen Elementary hosted Hamlin Fire & Rescue, Lake Ariel Volunteer Fire Company, and Ledgedale Volunteer Fire Company where local emergency personnel presented students with life saving strategies and showed different pieces of equipment that they use. Students also were able to tour apparatus that local companies had on campus that day. The fire companies presented gloves to all students. We would like to thank these fire companies for coming to EverGreen for the presentation and helping our students understand ways to be safe.
Western Wayne School District hosted their annual Homecoming festivities the first week of October. Members of the Homecoming Court, student athletes, the marching band, and our beloved mascot, Westie, all had the chance to visit with our young Wildcats at EverGreen Elementary, R.D ,and the Western Wayne Middle School on Wednesday,Thursday, and Friday, respectively.
The high school students shared stories and laughter with the elementary students, encouraging them to become active in all of the wonderful activities we have at Western Wayne. Students were inspired to dance to the music and know that one day they, too, can be a member of our talented band!
They also made connections with our student athletes, as they enthusiastically shared their own experiences in sports and encouraged them to continue putting forth their best effort on the field and in the classroom.
Members of the Homecoming Court enjoyed talking with the students and seeing the smiles on their faces as they realized they had something in common, whether it was sports, music, or a hobby. At the conclusion of the visits, the younger students were all invited to attend the Homecoming ceremony and football game on Friday, Oct. 3.
“It was really fun to interact with the younger students and promote Homecoming,” Xavier Graham, homecoming court member, said.
Prior to the ceremony and football game, high school students gathered in the afternoon for a Pep Rally and an after-school tailgate, where they were provided with free food, ice cream, and a chance to vote for their favorite chili in the administrator/faculty/staff annual Chili Cook-Off!
Students enjoyed music, games, and time with their friends, teachers, administrators, faculty and staff members before going to the stadium to see our Homecoming King and Homecoming Queen crowned!
The winners were Vinny Baldini and Audrey Agnello, both of Waymart. High school students culminated the week’s fun festivities with a Homecoming Dance on Saturday evening!
Photos courtesy of Madelyn McClure.
Picture one, Homecoming Court on Friday, Oct. 3, at the Homecoming Game vs. West Scranton, from left: Xavier Graham, Logan Vinton, Paul Borowski, Robbie Carrelle, Vinny Baldini, homecoming king; Audrey Agnello, homecoming queen; Madison Trapanese, Hannah DeStefano, Khloe Mistishin, and Maggie Kotchessa.
Picture two, Homecoming Court during their Western Wayne Middle School visit, from left: Xavier Graham, Audrey Agnello, Logan Vinton, Madison Trapanese, Khloe Mistishin, Paul Borowski, Robbie Carrelle, Maggie Kotchessa, and Hannah DeStefano. Missing from photo: Vinny Baldini.
Photo three, EverGreen Elementary students with Westie the Wildcat, from left: Hattie Williams, Amelia Kosciuk, Avery Orloski, Henry Williams, Nathan Kloss, and Jack Shehadi.
Photo four, Western Wayne High School students promote Homecoming at EverGreen Elementary School, from left: Adam Erb, Nicholas Fisichella, Gideon Jezorwski, Antonio Fisichella, Maggie Kotchessa, Audrey Agnello, Khloe Mistishin, Hannah DeStefano, Madison Trapanese, Logan Vinton, Robbie Carrelle, Vinny Baldini, Paul Borowski, Xavier Graham, Kaitlin Wargo, Lola Vertalics, Mackenzie Warnock, Laila Rainford, Lucky Balmer, Bella Hayden, and Lylah Bucksbee. From left, seated: Charlotte Nutt, Alex DeCandis, Judah Strocchia, Braden Laity, Ciarra Kidder, Phoebe Schmitt, Cassidy Levens, Joey Tickner, Olivia Haines, and Tori Walton.
Photo five, Western Wayne High School students promote Homecoming at RDW, standing, row four: Lucky Balmer, Zachary Wilbur, Noah Sandifer, and Mackenzie Warnock. From left, standing, row three: Evan Davitt, Jacob Wells, Graysen Valinski, Aiden Matthews, Michael Kaminsky, Adam Erb, Gideon Jezorwski, and Bella Hayden.
From left, seated, row two: Roxie Dugan, Makayla Moser, Jason Vass, Joseph Roses, Tori Walton, Madie Kizer, Makenzie Chearney, and Kera Edwards. From left, seated, row one: Xavier Graham, Robbie Carrelle, Paul Borowski, Vinny Baldini, Hannah DeStefano, Khloe Mistishin, Maggie Kotchessa, Madison Trapanese, and Audrey Agnello.
Western Wayne hosted their fall bi-anual cavalcade this past Oct. 1 to a near sold out stadium. Nine local high school marching bands performed their field shows for each other and the community. It was a beautiful night to celebrate music with this group of talented students.
The following bands performed: North Pocono, Dunmore, Greater Nanticoke Area, Abington Heights, Valley View, Honesdale, Delaware Valley, and Riverside. To close the evening, Western Wayne had the honor of performing their 2025 Monsters themed field show featuring the following songs: Beetlejuice, Godzilla, Devil Went Down to Georgia, and Frankenstein .
The Western Wayne School District thanks the schools who attended this event and the community for their support as well.
The Western Wayne Marching Band is under the direction of Mrs. Elaine Ort. Western Wayne drum majors this year are Isabella Hayden and Antonio Fisichella; color guard captains Kayelin Martin and Emma DeNunzio.
“A home cavalcade performance always feels exceptionally special when the audience gets on their feet for our closing performance,” Kayelin, five-year member and three-year captain said. “We are all so grateful for their support. I am glad to have had the opportunity to participate in a home cavalcade as part of my senior year.”
Pictured are student leadership from all nine schools in attendance from left Mrs. Elaine Ort, Western Wayne band director, Western Wayne, North Pocono, Delaware Valley, Greater Nanticoke Area, Riverside, Valley View, Dunmore, Honesdale, and Abington Heights.
Pictured are members of the 2025 Western Wayne Homecoming Court, front row, from left: Maggie Kotchessa and Xavier Graham. Second row, from left: Paul Borowski, Khloe Mistishin, Audrey Agnello, and Vinny Baldini. Third row, from left: Robbie Carrelle, Hannah DeStefano, Logan Vinton, and Madison Trapanese.
The Western Wayne School District invites the community to attend its annual homecoming game this coming Friday, Oct. 3 vs. West Scranton. The public is encouraged to bring a donation for our Food Drive to the game and will gain free admission for doing so. The donation truck will be near the gate of the Sharkey Rosetti Stadium.
The Western Wayne Homecoming Court presentation will begin about 6:30 p.m.. 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: Hannah DeStefano, Xavier Graham, Audrey Agnello, Maggie Kotchessa, Khloe Mistishin, Robbie Carrelle, Vinny Baldini, Paul Borowski, Madison Trapanese, and Logan Vinton.
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.
First, Hanah DeStefano, South Canaan, has participated in four years of softball and volleyball; three years of basketball; four years of Student Council, and three years of Future Business Leaders of America, FBLA.
Upon graduation, she plans to play softball at a four-year university and major in medical sonography. She has thoroughly enjoyed her science classes at Western Wayne with some of her favorite times being in those classrooms.
“Some of my favorite high school memories were spending all of my free time in Ms. Masankay’s room,” she said.
Next, Xavier Graham, Lake Ariel, has been involved in four years of Drama Club, Marching Band, and Ultimate Frisbee; three years of Stage Crew; two years of Chess Club; and one year of Anime Club.
For his future plans, he wishes to attend Marywood University to major in arts and performance.
One of his most memorable moments in high school involved one of his favorite teachers.
“I will always remember dancing to ‘Soda Pop’ with Mrs. Ort in the band room,” he said.
Another featured member of our court is Audrey Agnello, Waymart, who has participated in numerous activities including: ten years of competitive swimming; six years of Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science, PJAS; fours years of track and field, cross country, Youth Advisory Committee, high school swimming, FBLA, Student Ambassador group, and CATS Club; three years of National Honor Society, NHS; and one year of Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.
In addition, she has held the following leadership positions: current vice president of CATS Club, four years as Student Council class president, and current president of NHS.
She plans to use all of her leadership experience to help her pursue her career goal of becoming a labor and delivery nurse. Audrey has always been a person who has worked to overcome any obstacles in path to excellence.
“I will always remember returning to school after my spinal fusion,” she said. “I walked into the gym and was surrounded by a warm welcome of friends and teachers that made me feel so loved.”
Another featured court member is Maggie Kotchessa, Lake Ariel, who has also been involved in many activities including: four years of volleyball, basketball, FBLA, and Student Council; three years of NHS; and two years of softball.
Upon graduation, she wants to attend a four-year university to become a special education teacher.
She has always valued friendship and helping others during her time at Western Wayne.
“Some of my best times in school were walking with my friend Anthony between classes,” she said.
Next, Khloe Mistishin, Lake Ariel, is another member of our court who has been highly involved during her time in school with the following activities: four years of varsity soccer, basketball, softball, FBLA and Student Council; and three years of NHS.
Her future plans are to attend college with a major in speech pathology. She has enjoyed her time with both her guidance counselor and best friend the most in her high school years.
“I will always remember hanging out in Mrs. Gribble’s office with Grace,” she said.
Next, featured gentleman on our court is Robbie Carrelle, Sterling, another highly involved student who has participated in the following: four years of indoor and outdoor track and soccer; and three years of FBLA, NHS, and Envirothon.
Upon graduation, he wishes to pursue track in college and aspires to become a financial advisor.
Robbie has always enjoyed using humor to brighten his classmates and teachers’ days. One such moment like this led to his favorite memory.
“I will always remember when I told my friend Logan he couldn’t fit under the bus, and Ms. Masankay sent us to the guidance,” he said.
In addition, Vinny Baldini, Waymart, an accomplished Western Wayne athlete is also a member of this year’s court having been involved in the following: four years of varsity football and baseball; two years of varsity track and field; and three years of FBLA and Student Council. Also, he is the current student body president.
For his future plans, Vinny wishes to attend a four-year college to play football and major in education.
Vinny has always enjoyed spending time with his friends in school.
“I especially enjoyed the moments I spent with my friends throughout my junior year,” he said.
Next, Paul Borowski, Waymart, is another accomplished Western Wayne student, who has participated in the following sports and activities: four years of football and wrestling; three years of FBLA and NHS; and two years of track and field and Envirothon.
Upon graduation, he plans to attend a four-year college and major in civil engineering.
He has many favorite memories with the best ones involving sports travel.
“I will always remember staying overnight at the hotels during wrestling tournaments,” he said.
Our final featured young lady on the court is Madison Trapanese, Lake Ariel, who has also done many activities throughout her school years including: FBLA, Envirothon, 339 group, Avedium, Student Council, Student Ambassador group, NHS, Yearbook, Junior Leadership Northern Poconos, and National Honor Society of High School Scholars. In addition, she also notes going to the gym and helping with her family businesses as important parts of her high school years.
Upon graduation, she wishes to either attend Lackawanna College to earn an associate’s degree in ultrasound or to attend St. Joseph’s University to earn an associate’s degree in nuclear medicine technology.
As is the theme with many of our Homecoming Court students, her favorite memory also included beloved teacher Ms. Masankay.
“I will always remember her Honors Chemistry class,” she said.
Finally, Logan Vinton, Waymart, is a featured gentleman on our court who is highly involved in sports and school clubs including: four years of Hot Rod Club; three years of NHS and soccer, and one year of baseball. In addition, he is an Aevidum member.
For his future plans, he wishes to attend college at Lackawanna for petroleum and natural gas.
He will always remember his time with his teammates in school.
“My favorite memory is hanging out with my friends on the way to soccer games,” he said.
All of the members of our 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, Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m. for the homecoming festivities followed by the game.
Pictured are members of the 2025 Western Wayne Homecoming Court, front row, from left: Maggie Kotchessa and Xavier Graham. Second row, from left: Paul Borowski, Khloe Mistishin, Audrey Agnello, and Vinny Baldini. Third row, from left: Robbie Carrelle, Hannah DeStefano, Logan Vinton, and Madison Trapanese.
New to 6th Grade? New to our school? This night is for you! Orientation Night will help you kick off a year full of Growth, Resilience, Integrity, and Tenacity!
Wildcat Pride was bursting from the audience at Western Wayne’s Veterans Memorial Auditorium on the evening of Friday, June 6, for the graduation of the class of 2025. This is a bright class of students who have excelled in academics, athletics, and club activities having gained a total of $6,075,675 in college scholarships and grants at their recently held senior night. Student speakers at graduation gave their classmates advice for the exciting and new journey that lies ahead of them for their very bright futures. Senior Lillian Maros, president of the class of 2025, gave the welcome address. Lillian ended her speech in a unique way by having her class honor the many role models who have shaped their life journey thus far. “I was once told that everyone, at least once, deserves to be on the receiving end of a round of applause,” she said. “As a theater kid myself, I couldn’t agree more, and I ask any parents, guardians, siblings, teachers, and administrators to stand, and let our class applaud you for all of the opportunities you have given us.” Later, Lillian presented the Class Mantel to Audrey Agnello, junior class president. Following the presentation of the mantle, the class salutatorian and valedictorian gave speeches. Senior David Elias III, Hamlin, was named the salutatorian of the class of 2025 with a final overall GPA of 100.41.
David is the son of Carrie and David Elias. Along with being an excellent academic student, David was involved in Western Wayne clubs and activities including: FBLA, basketball, PBIS, and track and field.
In the future, he plans to attend Marywood University with an undecided major.
“My favorite memory from high school was attending the FBLA state conference as a freshman in Hershey,” David said. “While at Western Wayne, I’ve learned important skills such as critical thinking and time management that will help me through college and beyond.” In his salutatorian speech, David let his classmates know it is ok to be undecided about their futures as long as they follow their inner drive. “We have the ability to blaze our own paths different from what our parents did and what others expect of us,” he said. “As long as we follow what truly matters to us, we will get where we are supposed to go.” David summed up the evening with a quote from LeBron James, “Education is the most important thing in life. No matter what you do, you have to be educated, and you have to learn.” He then ended his speech with these encouraging words to his class, “We are closing a major chapter in our lives, but with the hope that we will be able to keep learning throughout whatever endeavors come next with the goal of reaching greatness.” Fellow classmate Lia Hartman, Lake Ariel, was named valedictorian of the class of 2025 with a GPA of 100.94. Lia is the daughter of Chad and Mayumi Hartman. Lia also has done numerous activities both inside and outside of the classroom at Western Wayne. She has participated in NHS, Student Council, Marching Band, serving as a drum major her junior and senior years; District and Region Band, Envirothon, Science Olympiad, and FBLA. In the future, she plans to attend The University of Scranton as a biochemistry major and then attend medical school to pursue pathology. “My favorite moment throughout high school was seeing the smile on people’s faces after having a good field show,” Lia said. “I believe the teachers at Western Wayne have pushed me to succeed and provided me with many meaningful opportunities.”
In her valedictorian speech, Lia reminisced about how in her freshman year when she saw that she was ranked first in her class that she had a fleeting thought about what it would be like to deliver a graduation speech. At that time, all she felt was anxiety, but now faced with the reality, she said she felt nothing but honor and pride to get to deliver this speech to her class. Her speech focused on the idea of how motivation is a key aspect in life especially when facing a milestone moment like graduation. “Motivation is a truly powerful force,” Lia said. “It is a psychological drive and combination of our values, goals, and beliefs. It pushes us toward success.” Lia said in preparation of her speech she asked many of her classmates to discuss with her their motivations and found them to be a variety of forces including God, drive for success in sports and academics, along with wanting to inspire others to work hard, and to make family proud. She quoted one of her favorite books, The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, “What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well.” She told her classmates to not lose hope if they find themselves lost in their journey after high school at times, “As long as you latch onto your own motivations, you will continue to trek forward towards the future, and you will undoubtedly find your own well.” She then left her classmates with these words of advice, “Always remind yourself why you decided to go on this journey in the first place. Never let go of that initial spark. I encourage you to go out there and become the inspiration that gives others their sparks.”
Following the speeches, all graduates received their diplomas and were presented as the Class of 2025 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: Senior Elizabeth Washine works on one of her many art projects at Western Wayne. After graduation, she will attend Duquesne University to study secondary education English and creative writing.
Picture two: from left: David Elias, salutatorian, and Lia Hartman, valedictorian, hard at work on a project after being named “most likely to be your boss” for their high school yearbook.
Picture three: from left: Allyson Irvine and Grace Lidy taping a segment for Western Wayne Broadcast which they both worked on this year.
Picture four: from left: high school English teacher Amanda Jenkins, student council co-advisor; Madison Stiffler, Prom Queen; and high school Spanish teacher Sara Orloski; student council co-advisor; at the Homecoming game this past fall when Stiffler was named queen.
Picture five: from left: High School Principal Paul B. Gregorski; senior Mason Rush, Prom King, and his mom Western Wayne high school English teacher Megan Rush. Mason will attend Juniata College this fall with a merit scholarship to study criminal justice and education.
Picture six: from left: Colette Schmitt, who played Sophie; and Lillian Maros, who played Donna; in Western Wayne’s production of Mamma Mia this past spring for their senior year. Lillian has won numerous creative writing and band awards over her time in high school. She plans to start her own business upon graduation and move to Texas with her family. Colette Schmitt will serve an 18 month mission trip for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints after graduation and plans to study to become a chiropractor as her career path.
Picture seven: from left: Stephanie Maxwell, who played Rosie; and Robert Scramuzza, who played Bill in Western Wayne’s production of Mamma Mia this past spring for their senior year. Stephanie will attend The University of Alabama in the fall to study pre-law and minor in theater. Robert will attend RIT in the fall to study engineering.
Picture eight: is senior Rebekah Palko on her horse Paxil at Salem View Farms She has done competitive equestrian for many years, and Paxil was her first horse.
Picture nine: Salutatorian, David Elias III
Picture ten: Valedictorian, Lia Hartman
Picture eleven: The class of 2025 after receiving their diplomas
Picture twelve: The class of 2025 celebrating
List of 2025 Graduates
Mackenzie Jean Adams Zoe Lorah Albitz Thomas John Bain Lily Barber Jacob Alexander Barna Alexis Barr Vallita Princess Belinova Aubrey Shay Bell Jamal Lee Benedict Kayne Michael Bihler Theodore Robert Black Natalia Lydia Borrelli Lillian Grace Bronson Matthew T. Brown Connor Howard Bryant Anthony Canzano Douglas Robert Chapman James Samuel Chapman Stacey Christopher Madelyn Rose Chrobak River Collins Nikko Condi Angelina L. Correa Nicholas Cotter Andrew Crissey Addison Grace Daniels Evan Joseph Dean Emily Ann Dicello Annaliese Dickison Hannah Lee Dockemeyer Anthony John Donnini Lauren Letizia Dramisino Michael Samuel Durso Jonathan Hunter Dwyer Zariah Edmunds David John Elias III Jayla C. Fiorella Jeffrey David Foote, Jr. Olivia Giovanna Ford Aiden Patrick Forney Kalob Alejandro Franko Jordan Frisbie Sean James Galliford Colton Michael Geary Zachary Aiden Gibbs Cedar C. Gilpin Jared Joshua Goldman Addison Lynn Griffin Bryan James Guarniz Daniel Hall David J. Hallberg Lia Mimi Hartman Paige Elizabeth Haswell Jaden Desire Headen Chase Hobgood MaKennah Lynn Holbert Colton J. Hoose Brianna Michelle Hoyer Jak Michael Hubinger Allyson Grace Irvine James Ethan Jimenez Sydney Grace Justice Alyssa Lynn Ellis Kapalski Jayden Kellachow Austin D. Kenyon Kendra May Kerylovicz Lily Patrice Kieva Nicole Marie Klim Ethan Tyler Lamberton Grace K. Langendoerfer Frederick Frances Leonetti III Grace H. Murphy Lidy Travis Mark Locker Ryleigh Niccole Mahon Lance Maiocco, Jr. Matvey Mamoshuk Lillian Grace Maros Addison Brooke Matthews Stephanie K. Maxwell Daymon Robert McGuire Robert William Mildner, Jr. Nelson Edgardo Miranda-Miranda Seth Montijo Bryson Moscarelli Hayden William Mundrake Teagan S. Murphy Brendan Joseph Olivo Michael Banavan Olivo Tyler Ovens Sean Davon Owens Rebekah Lane Palko Owen S. Palkovic Raegan Alaina Palmer Jessica Rose Palopoli Nicholas Anthony Pane Mercedes D. L. Pedersen Robert F. Phillips, Jr. Addyson Bailey Pruss John Patrick Pyatt III Aliyah S. Ratchford Anthony Joseph Redmond Hunter Baron Reichling Jayden Michael Rivera Karter M. Rizzi Timothy Richard Roberts, Jr. Noel Michael Rodriguez Hayden Timmy Romanaskas Evan John Ronchi Ayden K. Rosengrant Nikita Rud Mason Scott Rush Abigail Faith Sadowski Ryan Michael Schane Colette Ann Schmitt Kennedy Carolyn Ortman Scott Robert Nicholas Scramuzza Davis M. Sheppard Vincent Charles Silon Kathryn E. Skirpan Thomas Joseph Smith Neima Marie Smith-Horst Sienna Skye Stevens Madison Naomi Stiffler Dylan David Stookey Ashley Lynn Toscano Bella Marie Trumbull Noah Vail Joshua Shawn Vinton Makayla Marie Walton Ava Michell Ward Landon R. Wargo Elizabeth Blaire Washine Logan Weaver Julia Ross Wehrmann Kallie May Wehrmann Cassidy Ann Zeiler
ALL NEWS
Student Council Attend Pennsylvania Association of Student Council Regional ConferenceApril 23, 2026Members of Western Wayne High School Student Council attended the Pennsylvania Association of Student Council Region H’s Annual Conference on Friday, April 17, hosted by Wyoming Valley West. There were hundreds of middle and high school students from area schools in the region in attendance.
Mr. Mason Wooldridge gave a presentation. Wooldridge encouraged students to remember that “things don’t happen to you; they happen for you” and encouraged them to take on challenges in life and know that everything is an opportunity for learning and growth.
In addition, Pennsylvania State Representative Mr. Alec Ryncavage, who represents the 119th Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, serving parts of Luzerne County, also gave a presentation. He was a WVW graduate who spoke about feeling called to public service at a young age and the responsibility he holds for representing 65k residents and encouraged students to follow their calling.
Another part of the experience involved students attending three different workshops of their choice. The workshops all focused on student leadership, teamwork, mental health, fundraising, and making connections with a fun twist. For example, they were able to make slime, friendship bracelets, and participate in breakout rooms.
Finally, there was a College/Vendor Fair that had 44 tables at the event.
Front row, from left: Evan Davitt, Ava Fiorella, Layla Persaud, Leah Reeger, Raelyn Simpson, and Meghan Rath. Back row, from left: Haley McGuire, Lillian Gilchrist, Olivia McGlone, Jailah McRae, Mackenzie Wehrmann, and Alexis Gill. [...]
High School March Students of the MonthApril 23, 2026The following students were recognized by the Student Council as students of the month for March. 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 Xavier James. He’s a hard worker who actively participates in class and is extremely polite and respectful. He always strives to push himself to be his best. He is described as respectful, polite, hardworking, and all-around great young man, strong athlete with a commitment to his academics, kind, gets along well with both classmates and teachers, and diligent. It is also noted that he works hard to stay on top of his sports and classes.
Next, Leah Reeger is our chosen sophomore this month. She always participates during class, does her own work, and wants to learn. She is described as polite, hardworking, dependable, a stand-out amongst her peers, helps others, kind, a role model, and has integrity. In addition, it is noted that she is creative, insightful, dedicated, mature, hard-working, and courteous.
In addition, Makenzie Chearney is this month’s featured junior. She is noted as hard-working, completes all assignments on time, helps her peers, intelligent, friendly, determined and caring.
Finally, Katarina Shumski is our senior spotlight this month. Katarina’s teachers say she quietly goes about her business and is impeccable with her organization, school work, and time management. In addition, they note she is hard-working, dependable, considerate, reliable, and dependable because she is always on task.
The Western Wayne School District congratulates these March students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.
From left: Katarina Shumski, Leah Reeger, Makenzie Chearney, and Xavier James. [...]
FBLA Students Shine at PA State Leadership Conference in HersheyApril 23, 2026HERSHEY, PA — Students from Western Wayne High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter demonstrated outstanding achievement, leadership, and professionalism at the Pennsylvania FBLA State Leadership Conference held this week in Hershey.
Throughout the multi-day conference, students participated in a wide range of enriching experiences designed to build career readiness and leadership skills. Attendees engaged in competitive events, attended dynamic leadership workshops, explored career pathways at the expo, and collaborated with peers from across the state. These sessions provided students with opportunities to strengthen their communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, hallmarks of FBLA’s mission to prepare students for success in business and beyond.
Western Wayne proudly celebrates Grady Farley, who earned an impressive 4th-place finish in the event of Agribusiness, qualifying him for the FBLA National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas, in June. This exceptional accomplishment reflects his dedication and expertise.
The chapter also congratulates Kaelyn Chearney for her 10th-place finish in Introduction to FBLA, showcasing her strong foundational knowledge and competitive spirit.
In the Business Ethics event, the team of Khloe Mistishin, Maggie Kotchessa, and Grace Moser advanced to the final round, demonstrating excellence in ethical reasoning, teamwork, and presentation skills at a highly competitive level.
Western Wayne FBLA members competed across a wide range of events, including:
Abigail Bell – Member at Large/Voting Delegate
Eli Bilski – Human Resource Management
Paul Borowski – Banking and Financial Systems
Julia Burry – Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure
Robert Carrelle – Banking and Financial Systems
Kaelyn Chearney – Introduction to FBLA
Makenzie Chearney – Journalism
Roxanne Dugan – Healthcare Administration
Paityn Duprey – Business Communication
Grady Farley – Agribusiness
Madison Forgione – Future Business Educator
Raegan Fox – Member at Large/Voting Delegate
Lillian Gilchrist – Introduction to Supply Chain Management
Charlianne Hachikian – Business Law
Justin Jimenez – Real Estate
Madison Kizer – Advertising
Kaitlyn Kloss – Introduction to FBLA
Maggie Kotchessa – Business Ethics
Raeleigh Kromko- Computer Applications
Kelsey Lokuta – Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure
Aiden Matthews – Banking and Financial Systems
Kyle Matthews – Introduction to Information Technology
Madelyn McClure – Organizational Leadership
Khloe Mistishin – Business Ethics
Grace Moser – Business Ethics
Madison Trapanese – Hospitality and Event Management
Graysen Valinski – Networking Infrastructure
Avery Vinton – Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure
Bryn Vinton – Business Communication
Madelyn Vinton – Computer Applications
Annie Williams – Job Interview
In addition to competitive success, several students were recognized for their leadership contributions at the regional level. Madelyn McClure was honored for her service as the 2025–2026 Region 22 Treasurer and was officially welcomed into her new role as the 2026–2027 Region 22 President, a testament to her leadership and commitment to FBLA.
The chapter also recognizes Raegan Fox and Abigail Bell, who served as Members-at-Large and voting delegates, representing Western Wayne in important conference decisions and leadership proceedings.
The State Leadership Conference is an incredible opportunity for our students to grow as leaders, connect with peers, and apply their skills in real-world scenarios. As their adviser, I am extremely proud of their hard work, accomplishments, and the way they represented Western Wayne. Students were also accompanied by Mrs. Megan Rush and Mr. Tim McClure, who are themselves WW FBLA Alumni.
The Western Wayne FBLA chapter looks forward to continuing its tradition of excellence and wishes Grady Farley the best of luck as he prepares to compete on the national stage this summer.
Picture one, front row, from left: Lillian Gilchrist, Madison Kizer, Kaelyn Chearney, Madison Trapanese, Khloe Mistishin, Grace Moser, and Maggie Kotchessa. Second row, from left: Madison Forgione, Madelyn McClure, Makenzie Chearney, Bryn Vinton, Annie Williams, Paityn Duprey, Madelyn Vinton, Julia Burry, Kaitlyn Kloss, and Avery Vinton. Third row, from left: Raegan Fox, Grady Farley, Abigail Bell, Eli Bilski, Kyle Matthews, Paul Borowski, Graysen Valinski, Robbie Carrelle, and Aiden Matthews.
Picture two, from left: Kaelyn Chearney, 10th-place finish in Introduction to FBLA; and Grady Farley, 4th-place finish in the event of Agribusiness. [...]
JA Inspire – Career Exploration Experience – 2026April 15, 2026JA Inspire – Career Exploration Experience – 2026 Western Wayne Juniors were able to attend Junior Achievement’s interactive career fair with over 80 different presenting organizations! [...]
Wayne Junior National Honor Society Makes Donation to Ronald McDonald HouseApril 9, 2026Western Wayne National Junior Honor Society students helped collect many necessary items for the Ronald McDonald House. The group was able to help the Wayne County Farm Bureau come up with over $6000 worth of items for the house. Pictured NJHS officers who wherein attendance at the house on the date of donation, from left, Keira Hauenstein, Theodore Wood, Kendall DiPierro, and Harper Bell. [...]
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.
