From left, standing: Aurora Morris, Keyura Neve, Leila Whitfield, Alexis Whitfield, Riley Pongracz, Madelyn Chrobak From left, kneeling: Xenia Gauvain (CAPTAIN), Vallita Belinova Not pictured: Zariah Edmunds (CAPTAIN), Cailey Fullone, Josefine Vizcaino From left, standing: William Dwyer, Stephanie Maxwell, Summer Paugh, Cassidy Zeiler, Ryleigh Mahon, Lillian Morcom, Ash Mangieri (CAPTAIN) From left, sitting: Anita Vanyo, Natalia Borrelli, Edith Sheehan, Emily Brophy, Elizabeth WasylykFrom left: Britney Wertman (CAPTAIN), Sean Soom, Charlotte Skelton, Cullen Fox, Haley McGuire, Sofie Fiorella, Alex Bernardi, Paige Barattucci, Audrey Capozzi, Haley Dougal (CAPTAIN) Not pictured: Thomas Williams.
Western Wayne Middle and High School students participated in the NEIU-19’s annual Reading Relay at the beginning of March. In preparation, students read books from issued lists consisting of 25 book choices. The students then competed virtually against teams from other local districts in 50-question rounds based on details of reading comprehension.
The middle school and high school teams consisted of 34 dedicated readers and represented Western Wayne with the best of wildcat pride. This year was competitive as Mrs. Robbins’s team was just short of top-ranking with her middle school team and Mrs. Banik’s high school team awarded medals. Mrs. Jenkins’s team went on to score in the Elite 8 and were awarded medals and swag bags.
Mental Health First Aid training is an 8-hour evidence-based curriculum created by the National Council for Mental Well-being. This course helps adults working with youth ages 12-18 to identify, understand, and respond to the early signs of mental health and substance use challenges using the ALGEE action plan.
Please download the following flyer for more details.
Row 1: Colette Schmitt, Alex Chapman, and Mackenzie Adams. Row 2: Theresa Lubash, Western Wayne FBLA adviser; Addie Griffin, Hunter Smith, Ethan Lamberton, and Commissioner Brian Smith. Row 3: Brian Field, Wayne County Treasurer; and Commissioner James Shook.
Members of Western Wayne FBLA attended a Wayne County Commissioners meeting to receive an FBLA Week proclamation. At the meeting, Colette Schmitt, 2023-2024 Region 22 Secretary, Western Wayne FBLA President Alex Chapman, and Western Wayne FBLA Sophomore Vice President Mackenzie Adams spoke on behalf of Western Wayne FBLA and Region 22 FBLA.
Mackenzie Adams, Alex Chapman, Chloe Romanowski, Judge Matthew Meagher, Colette Schmitt, Ethan Lamberton, Hunter Smith, and Addie Griffin.
Western Wayne FBLA members recently had an opportunity to tour the Wayne County Courthouse and sit in on sentencings in President Judge Janine Edwards courtroom. Attorney Chole Romanowski, Wayne County Court Law Clerk, gave the members a of tour of the courtrooms and explained the responsibilities of some of the various jobs that are part of the court system, include tipstaff, court stenographer, and chief clerk. Attorney Romanowski also spoke about how the court system in Pennsylvania works. During a break afterwards, President Judge Janine Edwards spoke with the members about the sentences that were imposed to individuals in her courtroom. In addition, members also met with Judge Matthew Meagher in his chambers and in his courtroom. Judge Meagher explained his role and the types of cases he typically hears in his courtroom.
Pictured are some of the cast at their recent performance at RDW’s Read Across America Night. From left, front row on floor: Stephanie Maxwell, Molly French, Joey Regalbuto, Colette Schmitt, Mrs. Jessica McLaughlin, musical director; Brenna McGlone, Kenzie Kennedy, and Caden Wilson. Standing: Lillian Morcom, Madison Trapanese, Dakota Douglas, Jade Wetherington, Julia Phillips, Amanda David, Owen Obloshny, Nate Conway, Bobby Scramuzza, Lillian Maros, Emily Lescinski, and Cassidy Levens.
The cast and crew of The Western Wayne Drama Club’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid will host a Character Breakfast on Saturday, April 1, at 10 a.m. in the High School cafeteria. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children and senior citizens. You can reserve tickets by using the following Google Form. Form link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZtWzzGw-i-qWFih5Ko_EKW_Da0Da_Qkno8STonKGapc/editTicket order deadline is Monday, March 20. Any questions, email jmclau@wwsd.io Our young guests attending are encouraged to dress up like their favorite Disney princesses and princes! Save the date for our performances of The Little Mermaid on Friday, April 14 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 15 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 16 at 2 p.m. in the High School Auditorium.
Pictured, from left: Xenia Gauvain, Karina Sims, Ella Merring, Mikayla Fullone, and Jonathan Dwyer. Holding phone in picture: Colette Schmitt. Absent from photo: Nate Conway and Owen Obloshny.
After school on February 14th, Western Wayne High School Chorus students had the opportunity to bring some Valentine’s Day love to the family and friends of Western Wayne students. They collected requests from their peers for $5 to sing their loved ones either “You Are My Sunshine” or “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
Chorus member Xenia Gauvain shared, “I think that doing Singing Valentines was a really fun way to share a bit of what we do in chorus with the community.”
The chorus students split into groups to bring love to many people and overall the fundraiser was a great success. Vice President of Chorus Nate Conway has been doing this for two years and was happy to be able to send valentines to his grandmother and girlfriend Trinity, who is also a chorus alumni.
“I would love to do more opportunities like these; music is such an amazing thing and brings happiness to so many people’s lives,” Nate said.
We are honored to present this publication in celebration of 50 years of Western Wayne High School! As a tribute to a half-century of black and gold pride, this magazine showcases the memorable milestones and moments of our beloved school from the years that led to its opening in 1973 up to today. To commemorate our roots, we have made it our mission to uncover artifacts that date back decades. History is written by its victors, who tirelessly worked to lay the foundation that has created the honorable structure in which Wildcats have learned and grown for generations. From the one-room schoolhouses to the sprawling campus of Western Wayne High School, all ages of students share the memories and traditions of being a Wildcat. Students—past and present—have demonstrated PRIDE within our school by exhibiting Preparedness, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and by being Extraordinary. As Nelson Mandela famously quoted, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” This year, we appreciate and observe the great traditions that have had a longstanding place in our Alma Mater, and we also look to the future as Wildcats carry their PRIDE from these hallowed halls to the world that awaits them.
Members of the community who come out to enjoy the annual Read Across America Night at Western Wayne’s RDW Elementary School on Thursday, March, will surely leave thinking about the magic of mermaids and the sea because the Western Wayne Drama Club will treat people in attendance to a sneak peak of their spring musical. Western Wayne Middle and High School musical students will put on a performance from their upcoming spring production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid as a part of the entertainment at Read Across America Night. DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. The event will kick-off at 4:45 p.m. and is free to the public. Kids of all ages can enjoy a variety of activities in celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday. There will also be a Book Fair at the event hosted by the PTA, and attendees can meet The Cat and Hat along with Thing One and Thing Two. From 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. guests can tour the RDW building and stop in classrooms to hear stories read by RDW staff and friends. Starting at 5:30 through 6 p.m., there will be a concession stand open. Then at 6 p.m., Little Mermaid cast members will put on a performance. Seniors Amanda David and Julia Phillips return to the stage at RDW after first performing there in their 8th grade year when the Drama Club performed Annie. “It is amazing to be back on the RDW stage playing another lead role for such an exciting and well-known show,” Amanda David, who also serves as a student director and secretary of the Drama Club along with playing Ariel, said. Her fellow student director and cast mate Julia Phillips agrees. “I have always loved performing since I was very young and have had a great time in my five years working with the musical theater department at school,” Julia, who plays Sebastian, said.
The entire cast of The Little Mermaid are excited to entertain the audience at RDW. “This is my first year performing at RDW,” Nate Conway, who is the president of the Drama Club, a student director, and a four-year musical cast member, said. “I love going out into the community and sharing what we have been working to create. I can’t wait to see all of the students in attendance enjoy it.” The Western Wayne community cordially invites the public to come and enjoy Read Across America Night on Thursday, March 2, at the RDW Elementary School, a free evening of entertainment and events perfect for kids of all ages. The public can also look forward to the upcoming Little Mermaid Character Breakfast on Saturday, April 1, at 10 a.m. in the High School cafeteria. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children and senior citizens. You can reserve tickets by emailing Mrs. McLaughlin at jmclau@wwsd.io or talk to your favorite cast or crew member. In addition, you can also mark your calendar with the dates for our performances of The Little Mermaid at Western Wayne High School’s Veterans Memorial Auditorium on Friday, April 14, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 15 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and students, and Western Wayne students are free with a student ID. Pictured is some of the cast of Western Wayne Drama Club’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid at a recent Alumni Cabaret event.
In celebrating Western Wayne High School’s 50th anniversary, the Art Department is excited to invite WWHS alumni to join us in exhibiting their artwork at our Annual Art Exhibit on Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 1-3 p.m. We welcome WWHS graduates to drop off one piece of artwork to the high school office by May 1, 2023. Your favorite piece may have been created while you were a student at WW or after graduation! Please include the following: Your name (first, maiden, last), your year of graduation from WWHS, artwork title, and medium. The entry form is included with this information below for your convenience. Also, a phone number for contact purposes is required. Please have artwork matted and we prefer no framed pieces with glass. If you have any questions, please contact Justin Hayden at jhayden2@westernwayne.org
Fourth and fifth grade students at RDW are excited to share an informational video to promote attendance. In a lesson with Mrs. Germani, students worked in groups to answer attendance-related questions. These answers then became the “lines” for the movie. Some of the students were even dressed up for Halloween during the recording! Click the link below to hear what they have to say and to see which of our students are on their way to becoming movie stars!
ALL NEWS
Student Council Homecoming Food DriveNovember 13, 2024Western Wayne High School Student Council recently delivered donations to the food pantry volunteers in Waymart as run by the Calvary United Methodist Church.
During Homecoming week, the Western Wayne High School Student Council collected nonperishable food items from the school and community to help stock local food pantries, including items donated as admission into the Varsity football game.
The donations were made to the food pantries at Calvary United Methodist Church in Waymart and St. Thomas More Food Pantry in Lake Ariel.
If interested in these resources or to make donations, please contact the United Methodist Church in Waymart via Donna LaBar at 570-470-3763 and the Thomas More Food Pantry via Jen Cruciani at office@stthomas-stmary.com
From left: Becky Leljedal, Mrs. Jenkins, and Donna LaBar. [...]
Creative Writing Students Compete in “Fright Club” ContestNovember 11, 2024During October’s spooky season, WWHS students in the Creative Writing elective competed to give senior class readers the biggest “fright” by composing a 100-word or less mini saga. Students could opt to submit their sagas to a national level competition via the Young Writers 2024 “Fright Club” contest.
Runners up were senior Anthony Donnini’s “Monster,” junior Makayla Fullone’s “Performance is a Promise to be Kept ,” and senior Vallita Belinova’s “Rite Aid.”
Senior Lillian Maros took the first place “boo-basket” prize for her chilling poetic saga, “Black Sheep.”
Winners (left to right):Anthony Donnini , Lillian Maros, Makayla Fullone, and Vallita Belinova (not pictured). [...]
Students Recognized Nationally for PSAT ScoresNovember 7, 2024Five Western Wayne High School students have been recognized nationally for their PSAT scores this year. They include: Mia Arcadipane, Lillian Bronson, David Elias, Antonio Fisichella, and Hailey Wasman.
The students feel honored for this recognition and look forward to attending college to study a variety of subjects to further their future careers.
First, Mia Arcadipane, junior, is involved in the following school activities: cross county, track, wrestling, FBLA, NHS, Cats Club, and Student Ambassador Program. Mia is excited to study veterinary medicine after graduation.
“I have always loved science and biology and am excited to learn about these subjects,” she said.
Another nationally recognized student is Lillian Bronson, senior.
She participates in the following activities: Envirothon, soccer, NHS, and Cats Club, where she serves as treasurer.
Lillian plans to pursue a career path involving conservation and wants to study related areas in college.
“I grew up constantly being outside and hunting,” she explained. “I like our environment and want to protect it.”
Next, David Elias, senior, participates in basketball, track, FBLA, and PBIS committee.
He wishes to study mathematics further after graduation through a major in mechanical engineering.
“My favorite subjects are calculus and physics, and they go hand in hand in the field I wish to pursue,” David said.
Another high-achieving PSAT student is Antonio Fisichella, junior. Anotonio is involved in a variety of sports and activities including: Envirothon, Science Olympiad, political science club, outdoor and indoor track, cross country, and student council. In addition, he has been highly involved in the school’s band for the past four years playing percussion in the marching and concert band and participating in both the pit and pep bands.
Antonio greatly values his faith and looks forward to pursuing the study of neurology in college.
“God is good,” he said when reflecting on his recognition for his test score and his future plans.
Finally, Hailey Wasman, junior, is an accomplished member of her local 4H club. She has been showing animals since she was four years old. Some animals she has shown include: goats, lamb, dairy, beef, etc. In addition, she is a member of the Wayne County Livestock Judging Team and is a member of NHS at school.
Her path in 4-H and her strong achievements in academics have led her to pursue a career as a large animal veterinarian with a speciality in reproduction. She wants to study this particular field in college.
“This field of study will help me and others to build strength in our animals,” she explained. “I will learn how to do this by studying different aspects of genealogy in my future coursework.”
The Western Wayne School District wishes these nationally recognized students the best in their future studies at Western Wayne and their respective colleges upon graduation.
From left: Antonio Fisichella, Hailey Wasman, Lillian Bronson, Mr. Paul Gregorski, high school principal; David Elias, and Mia Arcadipane. [...]
Drama Club to Host Holiday Murder Mystery Dinner on Dec. 6November 6, 2024The Western Wayne Drama Club is now accepting reservations for our HOLIDAY MURDER MYSTERY DINNER on Friday, December 6, from 6 to 8 pm in the High School Cafeteria.
This event is for adults and students grades 8 and up ONLY. Adult ticket cost $25 dollars; students and senior citizens for $20 dollars. Cost includes: appetizers, soda and water, buffet dinner catered by RPlace, and live show. More information in ticket link.
Reservations accepted now through Nov. 22. PUBLIC IS ENCOURAGED TO DRESS IN 1920s ATTIRE. There will be audience prizes for best costume! We hope you join us for this unique night out hosted by our Drama Club students this holiday season! Questions, email jmclau@wwsd.io
See order link for more details below. Paper order form attached, if preferred.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_2TJjhZqD8u9LolAyFEkoBj1UDIBQhLF7twGyKXJGl4/edit#response=ACYDBNjB1v5pHKuPdYtYBAIQTz4g3JBZuuA8K5HOUNAMe6dEqiym1ckR1-4EAAj8ScB2w2A
Happy early holiday season from the Western Wayne Drama Club! [...]
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.
