K-12 students in all Wayne County schools are invited to bring their artistic talents and enter the Wayne County Drug and Alcohol Prevention “Red Ribbon Week” contest. Wayne County has declared October 23-31 2023 “Red Ribbon Week”, which is a national campaign to raiseawareness and prevent drug use/abuse and violence among youth and adults. We are asking students to design a picture around this year’s theme, “Be Kind to Your Mind. Live Drug Free.”
The student’s submissions will be posted anonymously on social media and voted for by the public. We will have two 1st place winners, one in grades K-5 and one in grades 6-12 whose designs will be placed on a billboard in Wayne County generously donated by Lamar Advertising. The 2nd and 3rd place winners from each age group will receive a prize as well.
Contest submissions will be accepted through November 3rd, voting will take place from November 6-10 and the winner will be announced November 13th 2023. For more information or questions please contact Wayne County Drug and Alcohol Commission at (570) 253-6022.
Fire Safety was held at EverGreen on Friday, October 13th. 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 different pieces of equipment that they use. Students also were able to tour apparatus that local companies had on hand that day. The fire companies presented t-shirts to all students highlighting the 3 companies involved and notating the significance of fire prevention during National Fire Safety Week. We would like to thank these fire companies for coming to EverGreen for the presentation and helping our students understand ways to be safe.
The students at RDW have been working hard to make Autumn inspired artwork! Students across grade level have used the changing seasons and weather, as inspiration for paintings, drawings, and collages! They have observed the environment around them and utilized a variety of techniques to create beautiful seasonal art!
From left: Science Teacher, Dr. Mark Nebzydoski; Presenters Eugene Shultz; and Principal Paul Gregorski. Teacher Sara Brzycki and her student Anthony Zoppi. Brzycki is one of the teachers who will benefit from the grants along with all of her students including Anthony.
On October 10th Western Wayne High School Students in grade 9 experienced the THINK! ENERGY Innovation Program. This program is an interactive, hands-on presentation with a take home energy efficiency kit for each participating student and teacher. The program teaches the importance of energy, natural resources and environmental resources, and gives each participating student’s family energy-efficient technologies to install at home. Students and Staff in the high school received innovation kits on October 10th. The kits included faucet aerators, , a furnace filter whistle, a water conserving shower head, three LED light bulbs as well an advanced smart energy power strip. 136 innovation kits were distributed overall. This comes to 5230 new LED bulbs distributed to the Western Wayne School District since the program’s launch in 2015.
This program will also result in a number of mini grants for the teachers in the high school as well. The Western Wayne High School teachers who will receive grants this year include: Dr. Mark Nebzydoski, Sara Brzycki, Christine McClure, Maria Phillips, and Helene Tscheschlog. The Think Energy Innovation Program has been brought to the schools by the National Energy Foundation, PPL Electric Utilities and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. For more information or questions, please contact National Energy Foundation at 1-855-494-2942 or email amy.lamielle@nef1.org
On Thursday, October 12th, EverGreen Elementary Administration and Office Jorge Maldonado of the WW School Police Department held bus safety presentations for students ahead of bus safety week. Officer Maldonado discussed safety procedures with students when getting on and off a bus and stressed the importance of always crossing in front of a school bus by the school bus crossing arm so that the driver can always see you. Other topics discussed were proper procedures when a bus is in motion, noted all emergency exits on the bus, and a school bus driver’s job is to get all students home safely. Thank you to Caruth Bus Lines for allowing us to use a bus for the bus safety presentation.
It was a beautiful night on Friday, Oct. 6, when the Homecoming Court took to the field before the home football game against Mid Valley at Western Wayne’s Sharkey-Rosetti Stadium. The court crossed the field prior to the game escorted by their parents/ guardians to be honored in front of their family and friends before hearing the winners. Seniors Frankie Leyshon and Allie Pauler were crowned Homecoming King and Queen respectively. Congratulations to all the members of our court this year! From left, Homecoming Court members: Vinny Tomasetti, Gunnar Minor, Ethan Grodack, Carter Mistishin, Frankie Leyshon, Homecoming King; Allie Pauler, Homecoming Queen; Lexi DeSiato, Brooke Kellogg, Rhayni Carroll, and Taylor Maiocco.
Picture Four, from left: Elijah Sledzinski, Amelia Kosciuk, Avery Orloski, Ella Yedinak, and Calista Gregorski.Picture One, from left, Western Wayne Band Members: Will Dwyer, Makayla Walton, Lillian Maros, Nicholas Fisichella, Anthony Redmond, Zach Wilbur, Logan Jezorwski, Kalob Franko, Caden Wilson, Joey Regalbuto, and Brad Miehle. Band students at the event, not pictured: Adrianne Waller and Xavier Graham.Picture Three , from left, the 2023 Homecoming Court: Carter Mistishin, Brooke Kellogg, Frankie Leyshon, Lexi DeSiato, Rhayni Carroll, Allie Pauler, Vinny Tomasetti, Taylor Maiocco, and Ethan Grodack (absent from photo Gunnar Minor).Picture Two, from left: Amelia Kosciuk, Avery Orloski, and Ariana Marsan.
Members of the Western Wayne Marching Band, Homecoming Court, some varsity athletes, and beloved school mascot Westie visited both EverGreen Elementary and RDW Elementary on Oct. 3 to perform songs, do meet and greets, and invite the students and their families to the Homecoming Game and ceremony on Friday, October 6, starting at 6:30 p.m. A fun time was had by students of all ages during the elementary school visits!
Picture Two, from left: Amelia Kosciuk, Avery Orloski, and Ariana Marsan.
Picture Three , from left, the 2023 Homecoming Court: Carter Mistishin, Brooke Kellogg, Frankie Leyshon, Lexi DeSiato, Rhayni Carroll, Allie Pauler, Vinny Tomasetti, Taylor Maiocco, and Ethan Grodack (absent from photo Gunnar Minor).
Pictured are members of the 2023 Western Wayne Homecoming Court (picture one), from left, front row: Frankie Leyshon, Ethan Grodack, Carter Mistishin, Gunnar Minor, and Vinny Tomasetti. Back row, top, from left : Lexi DeSiato, Taylor Maiocco, Brooke Kellogg, Rhayni Carroll, and Allie Pauler.Second photo, front row from left: Lexi DeSiato, Brooke Kellogg, Rhayni Carroll, Taylor Maiocco, and Allie Pauler. Back row from left: Frankie Leyshon, Carter Mistishin, Gunnar Minor, Ethan Grodack, and Vinny Tomasetti.
The Western Wayne School District invites the community to attend its annual homecoming game on Friday, Oct. 6th. The Western Wayne Homecoming Game against Mid Valley will begin at 7 p.m. with the presentation of the Homecoming Court about a half hour before kick-off. Western Wayne High School’s senior class nominated this year’s Homecoming Court and the whole student body is eagerly awaiting Homecoming Night to see who wins the title of Homecoming King and Queen! This year’s court is composed of Rhayni Carroll, Lexi DeSiato, Brooke Kellogg, Taylor Maiocco, Allie Pauler, Ethan Grodack, Frankie Leyshon, Gunnar Minor, Carter Mistishin, and Vinny Tomasetti. 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 Brooke Kellogg has been on Varsity Soccer for four years, Varsity Basketball for four years; track and field for one year; National Honor Society for three years and served as treasurer, and Student Council for three years and served as Student Body President. In addition, she has done 4-H for nine years and served as treasurer for the 4-H Club along with being a member of CATS Club for three years, and Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science for two years. Brooke plans to attend college to pursue a degree as a large animal vet tech. She will always cherish her memories at Western Wayne, especially her time in sports. “ My favorite school memory was in 7th grade at track practice when I jumped over a hurdle,” Brooke said, recalling how fellow Homecoming Court member Lexi DeSiato thought it was hysterical. Fellow senior Taylor Maiocco will also cherish the memories she made in school, especially her time participating in sports. Taylor has been a member of Varsity Volleyball for four years; Varsity Softball for two years; National Honor Society for three years and served as president; Student Council for four years and served as treasurer, vice president, and president; and FBLA for four years where she was a national qualifier. In addition, she serves as Student Ambassador along with being a member of the Prom Committee, Yearbook Committee, Scholastic Team, and PBIS. She also participated in the Advanced Medicine and Healthcare program at Johns Hopkins University. Upon graduation, Taylor plans to further her education to become a nurse anesthetist. Taylor remembers having many fun times in her sporting activities. “My favorite member is when When Mr. Butler was trying to throw a ball to Rhayni but ended up hitting me directly in the forehead,” she said. Fellow Homecoming Court member Rhayni Carroll agrees that this is a moment both of the girls will never forget. Rhayni has been involved in many of the same activities as Taylor. She has been involved in Soccer for four years and serves as a Captain; Softball for four years; FBLA for four years with 3 years as a national qualifier; three years as vice president of National Honor Society; and she is Junior Class Secretary and Senior Class Vice President. In addition, she has been involved as Student Ambassador for two years; PBIS for three years; along with serving on the Youth Advisory Committee; Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, and the Scholastic Team. Rhayni plans to further her education at a four- year university in health sciences and eventually become an optometrist. Her favorite memory is with her friend fellow Homecoming Court member Taylor Maiocco in her statistics class. Senior Allie Pauler also plans to further her education upon graduation in a science field. She has been a member of Volleyball, Basketball, and Track & Field for four years; FBLA for four years; and National Honor Society for three years. In addition, she has worked as a member of PBIS and the Coaches Alliance Program. She plans to pursue a degree in psychology at a four year college. She fondly remembers her time in FBLA, especially going to Hershey with her friends in that organization. Next, another highly involved student athlete is Lexi DeSiato. Lexi has been a member of Varsity Wrestling for four years with one year as Captain; Varsity Soccer for three years; and Track & Field for three years. In addition, she was on the National Honor Society for two years and served on the Prom Committee and was a Co-Organizer of 2023 Powder Puff. For her future plans, Lexi plans to further her academics and athletics at a collegiate level. She will always remember her time in Western Wayne sports especially when she wrestled her way through every soccer game. The five gentlemen on this year’s Homecoming Court also have been involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities and sports. Senior Vincent Tomasetti is a member of Varsity Wrestling for four years and a three-year National Honor Society member. Upon graduation, he plans to attend Johnson College and expand his knowledge in HVAC and electrical. His favorite senior memory was competing in the regional wrestling tournament as a freshman. Fellow senior Carter Mistishin also wants to study HVAC and electrical upon graduation at Johnson College. Carter is a member of Varsity Football for three years; National Honor Society for three years; Varsity Wrestling for two years; and FBLA for two years. He most enjoyed his time playing football at Western Wayne. Senior football player Frankie Leyshon is also a part of this year’s Homecoming Court. He is a four-year Varsity Football team member along with being a Captain; Varsity Basketball for three years; Varsity Baseball for three years; and he earned an honorable mention for quarterback in All-League All Stars. In addition, he is a first honors student and a member of FCS. Upon graduation, Frankie plans to attend a four-year college and hopefully play football. He will always remember the fun memories he made with his coaches and teammates on and off the field. Another fellow football player on the court is Ethan Grodack. Ethan is a four year Varsity Baseball player; Varsity Football for three years; National Honor Society for three years; and Student Council for one year. In addition, he is a volunteer with the Varden Conservation Area. Ethan plans to pursue a dual major in history and secondary education and play baseball at Wilkes University. “My favorite high school memory is playing football under the lights with the whole town supporting the team,” Ethan said. Our final member of the court is senior Gunnar Minor. Gunnar spends his time after school hours working hard to earn money. His future plans include going into the workforce or going to a trade school for welding. Gunnar 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, Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m. for the Homecoming festivities followed by the game.
Pictured are Lia Hartman, junior, drum major; and Caden Wilson, senior, drum major, leading the band on the field at a home football game earlier in September, along with the Western Wayne Marching Band and Color Guard entering the field behind them for their performance.
The Western Wayne School District will host a cavalcade of bands on the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 27, at our football stadium. A total of eight schools will participate including: Abington Heights, GNA, Carbondale Area, Delaware Valley, North Pocono, North-West Area, Honesdale, and, of course, Western Wayne will close out the show.
“It is exciting to perform for a home cavalcade crowd,” senior, drum major Caden Wilson said. “I hope everyone comes out to enjoy our show!”
The public may start arriving at the stadium as early as 5:45 p.m. Abington Heights will be the first school to perform starting at 6:30 p.m. with the National Anthem being played shortly beforehand.
Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for children under 12 and senior citizens, a portion of this cost will be donated to a local charity.
In addition, concessions will be sold with all proceeds benefiting Western Wayne band and color guard students.
Western Wayne’s field show this season is a Spy-Themed Show with the selections of “Men in Black,” “Soul Bossa Nova,” “Skyfall,” and “Mission Impossible,” Come out and enjoy the hard work of all of the local school bands participating in this event.
Western Wayne Middle School is excited to announce that the popular national Girls on the Run program is now ‘up and running’ on our campus! Girls on the Run is a non Profit organization which offers a running based after school program to Elementary and Middle School students. The 6th to 8th grade program is called Heart and Sole. Each week our students play team building games, followed by a strength workout AND a running workout…phew! Our Fall season is underway, and there will be a Spring season too…both lasting 10 weeks. At the end of each season, students will take part in a celebratory, non-competitive 5k with hundreds of other GOTR members. Girls on the Run has awarded Western Wayne 15 full scholarships, so there is no charge for our students. The program is coached by Rachel Fitzmorris, who is a Paraprofessional at the MS and by Rachel Dennis, MS secretary. They are assisted by Amanda Steinmetz from our District Office and parent coach Bernadette Metschalut. Mrs Fitzmorris said “This program offers students who may not be in organized sports a chance to participate and discover the joy of movement. It also helps them build connections and self confidence.” Mrs Jennifer Bradley, Principal, said “I am very excited about the opportunities that the Girls on the Run will provide for our Middle School students. GOTR empowers Middle School girls to lace up their sneakers, chase their dreams, and build resilience, proving that the journey to self -confidence and success begins every step they take together😊” Any parents or staff interested in volunteering with Girls on the Run, or helping as ‘Running Buddies’ for our students in the 5k on November 18th are invited to email rfitzmorris@westernwayne.org
ALL NEWS
Special OlympicsApril 23, 2025Thank you to everyone who participated in the Special Olympics. [...]
Dr. Mark Nebzydoski Receives Prestigious Charlie Bright Award from Wayne Pike Trout UnlimitedApril 15, 2025On Saturday, April 12, 2025, during the annual Wayne Pike Trout Unlimited Banquet and Fundraiser, Dr. Mark Nebzydoski—a science teacher at Western Wayne High School and passionate participant in the Trout in the Classroom (TIC) program—was honored with the 2025 Charlie Bright Award.Presented by the members of the Wayne Pike Trout Unlimited Chapter, the Charlie Bright Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedicated service, and meaningful contributions to cold-water conservation. The award is named in honor of Charlie Bright, a beloved long-time Trout Unlimited member and owner of the Charlie Bright Fly Fishing Shop in Rowland, located on the banks of the Lackawaxen River, which he operated for more than 40 years.“It was truly a humbling experience to be recognized for my work in watershed education and cold-water conservation,” Dr. Nebzydoski said. “I am deeply grateful for this kind gesture.”Dr. Nebzydoski leads the Trout in the Classroom (TIC) program at Western Wayne High School, where students raise rainbow trout from eggs provided by the Pennsylvania Fish Commission. Throughout the school year, students care for the trout and learn about aquatic ecosystems, biology, and the importance of clean, cold water for trout survival. The program culminates in a spring field trip to the Varden Conservation Area, where the trout—now fingerlings—are released into the wild. Wayne Pike Trout Unlimited proudly partners in this annual release, helping to connect students directly with conservation in action.This recognition highlights Dr. Nebzydoski’s commitment not only to science education but also to fostering environmental stewardship in the next generation.
Picture Caption: (Left to Right: Vice President Wayne Pike TU – Tony Capitano; President Wayne Pike TU- Paul Ranello; Western Wayne Science Teacher, Dr. Mark Nebzydoski; Wayne Pike TU Youth Advisor – Don Strathy) [...]
Independent Order of Odd Fellows Freedom Lodge #88 Donates Bench to WWHSApril 15, 2025Western Wayne junior Connor Buchinski is in The Independent Order of Odd Fellows Freedom Lodge #88 in Honesdale. Connor has been a part of this organization for about a year now. Membership in The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is somewhat of a legacy in his family with his grandfather Dennis Buchinski being a member along with his father Doug Buchinski and other family members.
One of the community outreach efforts of Freedom Lodge #88 is collecting soft plastic. There is even a collection bin in the office of the Western Wayne High School. Once 1,000 lbs. of plastic is gathered the organization recycles with the Trex Bench program and donates a Bench to a non-profit organization. It was Connor’s idea to donate one of the benches this year to Western Wayne High School.
“I thought students would enjoy it during their lunch periods,” Connor said. “I really like working with this organization because of the new people I get to meet and the members of the community that I get to help.”
On Monday April 14th Freedom Lodge #88 members donated the Trex Bench to Western Wayne High School.
Freedom Lodge #88 also donated a history book to the Western Wayne High School Library on the Pennsylvania history of The Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Connor plans to work to collect more plastic and donate another bench to the Western Wayne High School before his senior year is over.
From left, standing: Sarah Rickert, high school teacher; Dennis Hiller, Lodge #88; Mr. Paul B. Gregorski, high school principal; Dennis Buchinski, Lodge #88 member; Maria Phillips, high school teacher; and Forrest Goodenough, Lodge #88 member. From left, seated: Doug Buchinski, Lodge #88 member; and Connor Buchinski, Lodge #88 member and Western Wayne junior. [...]
High School’s Student Council attends Student Council ConferenceApril 4, 2025Western Wayne High School’s Student Council was invited to attend the annual Pennsylvania Association of Student Council’s Region H Conference, hosted by Lakeland Jr./Sr. High School, on Friday, March 28th. Several of our students joined the 535 delegates, presenters, and advisors for a day of networking and learning more about what it means to be an effective leader in school and how to become one! Our students were thrilled with the opportunity to attend and left energized to put much of what they learned into practice here at Western Wayne! Pictured from left to right are Autumn Sawicki, Leah Reeger, Sadie Booths, Dakota Douglas, Madison Forgione, Raegan Fox, Makenzie Chearney, and Madie Kizer. [...]
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.