The Western Wayne High School CATS Club donated 50 blankets to the Project Linus Organization. Project Linus provides blankets to children 0-18 who are seriously ill, traumatized, or in need of a handmade blanket. These fleece blankets will be completed by Project Linus blanketeers. In photo: Western Wayne senior Alyson Buchinski with the blankets she helped to prepare.
Middle School students participate in minute-to-win-it spirit games.Western Wayne High School students who helped during the spirit games: Robert Scramuzza, who served as master of ceremonies; Lillian Maros, who served as master of ceremonies; Kallie Wehrmann, who helped set up games; and Julia Wehrmann, who helped set up games.Middle School students participate in spirit games.Western Wayne Middle School Student Council officers Laila Rainford, secretary; Emma DeNunzio, vice president; Dakota Douglas, president; and Olivia Black, treasurer.
Western Wayne Middle School students couldn’t hide that Wildcat Pride during the week of May 8 through May 12. They had a variety of dress-up days such as character day and decades day to show their school spirit throughout the week ending with the school’s traditional spirit games celebration for students in grades 6 through 12. Students enjoyed playing a variety of games including dodgeball, minute-to-win-it games, and musical chairs, among others. All of the students enjoyed this bonding exercise with their classmates and look forward to the rest of their end-of-year activities.
The Western Wayne Hot Rod Club and Drama Club will host their 2023 Car Show on Saturday, September 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the high school parking lot, 1970A Easton Turnpike, Lake Ariel, PA, near the football stadium. Food to be sold at the concession stand. Registration fee is $10. Spectators are free. The Hot Rod Club will give prizes for best car, truck, tractor, motorcycle, and best in show. In addition, the Drama group will sell a variety of concessions. There will also be a raffle of baskets and gift certificates generously donated by businesses and families in the local community. Drama Club president Nate Conway is excited to partner with the Hot Rod Club for the fourth time for the Car Show. He explained how the Drama Club students will be dressed in 50s attire for the event. “We wanted our presence at the event to go along with the variety of cars from the past that surely will be there,” Nate said. “We hope that the public comes out to enjoy the cars and to have some good food and purchase some chances to win baskets and gift certificates.” Members of the Drama Parents Club are working to gather a variety of items for the raffle at the Car Show from many very generous businesses and families in our Wildcat community. The students involved in the Hot Rod Club and Drama Club can use the funds raised from this event for their club activities. The Hot Rod Club meets on a regular basis to work on a variety of automotive projects after school and can use the funds for their projects among other activities. The Drama Club meets on a regular basis after school to work on a variety of projects and activities. “Drama Club gives students a place where they can express themselves,” senior member Robert Scramuzza, club co-vice president, explained. “We are like one big family in our club and really enjoy coming together to work as a team on events such as the Car Show.” All of the members of the Hot Rod Club, Drama Club, and Drama Parents Club cordially invite the public to attend this fun-filled event on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the High School parking lot near the stadium. Come out and see some great vehicles, take some chances on our basket raffle, enjoy some food, and enjoy some time socializing. Rain date is Sunday, September 10.
The Western Wayne Drama Club rounded out their 2022-23 season with a field trip to The Scranton Cultural Center to see Disney’s The Little Mermaid. It was a great experience for the students because they recently put on their own production of the same show this past April. The students look forward to their next season, and the club wishes it’s seniors the best in all of their future endeavors!
The Sixth Grade Middle School ChorusThe Seventh Grade Middle School ChorusThe Eighth Grade Middle School Chorus
The Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grade Middle School Chorus groups recently went on a variety of fun and educational spring field trips. All groups are under the direction of the Middle School Chorus and General Music teacher, Mrs. Joyce Covaleski. The Eighth Grade Chorus’s field trip to Knoebels Amusement Resort was a reward for three great years in Middle School Chorus. The second trip was the Sixth Grade Chorus who enjoyed some fun and sun at McDade Park after seeing Disney’s The Little Mermaid at the Scranton Cultural Center. The third trip was the Seventh Grade Chorus’s field trip to Bethel Woods to visit the field where Woodstock took place, see the 1960s Music and Art Museum, and learn about the 1960s, protest music, and visual arts. Mrs. Covaleski is proud of all of her students’ accomplishments this year and was glad they could enjoy their field trips!
From left: Emily Brophy, Lillian Morcom, Alex Wallace, Eleanor Black, Kourtney Franklin, Alice Davis, Angelina Salvatore, Eriana Figueroa, and Anjali de Leon-Bello.
Western Wayne hosted their annual spring Art Show on Saturday, May 13, for the community with a special section of pieces from Western Wayne alumni this year in honor of Western Wayne’s 50th Anniversary celebration. The show featured art from students in grades 8 through 12 and art from graduating seniors. The following list of nine seniors exhibited their portfolios at the art show: Eleanor Black, Emily Brophy, Alice Davis, Anjali de Leon-Bello, Eriana Figueroa, Kourtney Franklin, Lillian Morcom, Angelina Salvatore, and Alex Wallace. Their displays represented an accumulation of up to four years of artwork.
Senior Eleanor Black’s senior exhibit was titled “Our Past.”
“My portfolio theme centers around the concept of childhood,” Eleanor explained. “I wanted to convey senses of uneasiness and sadness within youthful and vibrant images.”
Eleanor plans to attend Vassar College and major in English.
Fellow senior Emily Brophy also had her display in the art show titled “Garden Party”.
She particularly likes drawing insects.
“I believe my specialty has become creating Greek and Roman statues as well as insects,” Emily said. “I enjoy more than just drawing insects, but also pinning and displaying them.”
Emily plans to attend Delaware Valley University to major in botany. She would like to have a future career working in environmental conservation at a local national park or for an agricultural business.
Another featured senior is Alice Davis who titled her display “Ghost Town.”
“In truth, I’ve always thought how fun it would be to be a ghost, to be so free and to not worry about the consequences of my actions, to just be able to have fun and to enjoy life to the fullest,” Alice explained. “I think I’ve shown my desire to be free and to be able to have that fun within my pieces.”
Alice plans to attend Lackawanna College this fall to study culinary arts.
Senior Anjali de Leon-Bello also had a featured display centered around the concept of “Change.”
Anjali doesn’t particularly like change and wanted to represent that concept in her senior collection.
“Change has always made me uneasy,” she said. “I don’t like surprises and I don’t like not knowing things. I’m at the part of my life where everything is a gigantic unanswered question and it drives me crazy. I wanted to represent that hardness of letting go, but keeping the constants in my life.”
Anjali will pursue a degree in art education at Kutztown University after graduation.
Fellow senior Eriana Figueroa’s senior collection was centered around animals.
“I like to explore various subject matter forms, but my favorite art is that which enhances the beauty of animals,” she explained. “I love all the details animals possess; therefore, I enjoy the challenge of trying to paint them, and it is why I chose this theme for my exhibit.”
Eriana believes her art is like a “form of medicine” which is fitting since she plans to attend Penn State in the fall to study nursing.
Senior Kourtney Franklin’s collection was titled “Enchanted Garden.”
“I enjoy doing mostly colored pencil, for I have always loved the outcome of it,” Kourtney explained. “I chose to base my portfolio around flowers and plants because the colors are beautiful and it is unique.”
Kourtney currently works as a CNA and plans to achieve a nursing degree at Penn State.
Senior Lillian Morcom also had a featured display titled “Me.”
“I want to convey to my viewers my life through all of my pieces,” Lillian said. “The theme I chose reflects the things I like and the things I enjoy. I chose my room as my display because I feel it reflects me the most. I can’t control everything in my life, but I can control how my room looks.”
Lillian plans to attend East Stroudsburg University with a major in English.
In addition, senior Angelina Salvatore had a display centered around people’s insecurities and things that people see as weird or unconventional.
Angelina has been very inspired by her family to pursue art.
“I want people to look at my art and feel it,” she said. “I want to capture emotions in my art and immortalize them.”
She plans to attend Albright University to pursue a degree for fashion and costume design.
Finally, senior Alex Wallace had a very unique senior display titled “Mind on a Permanent Vacation.”
“I chose this theme because my thoughts are literally everywhere,” he explained. “Throughout senior year, there were a lot of things going on and being able to mentally check out and work on my art provided me with an outlet. I want to convey to my viewers a sense of calmness and peace. I believe it’s okay to be busy and have a lot of things going on, but it’s important to reign it in and be proud of how far you have come.”
Alex plans to attend East Stroudsburg University in the fall with a major in integrated arts.
Many of the seniors plan to pursue art as a hobby if it is not part of their chosen career field. They are grateful for the experiences they had at Western Wayne in their art classes.
The District wishes them the best on their future endeavors and congratulates the Art Department on another successful Art Show.
The Third Annual Cat Pack Games were held on Wednesday, May 24 at Sharkey Rosetti Stadium. After a musical welcome from the Western Wayne Marching Band, student CAThletes from EverGreen, RDW, and the Middle and High Schools spent the day running, jumping, throwing, and playing! Student volunteers from the High School assisted in setting up and running the games and activities, taking photographs, and face painting. The day was a perfect highlight of some of the many talents of our students. Thank you to everyone who helped make it a great day!
EverGreen Elementary’s First Grade welcomed Dr. Tickner to share his knowledge about bees. After learning and writing about bees this past month, students got to see firsthand what all the buzz is about. He even brought in one of his active hives for the students to check out. Lots of curiosity was in the air and questions were asked and answered! Thank you Dr. Tickner!!!
EverGreen First Graders had the opportunity to explore the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Airport for their field trip. They visited and learned about the parts of the airport and were even able to visit the airport firehouse. They were guided through their day by a retired pilot. He showed them all the many airport job opportunities that are available and challenged everyone to dream BIG!
On Wednesday, May 17th, the Pre-Kindergarten students at EverGreen Elementary participated in a bus safety program. They learned many important safety tips and were able to take a ride around the school grounds. Thank you to Mr. Henwood, Mr. Peet, and Officer Maldonado!
ALL NEWS
High School Students Explore Cutting-Edge Medical Science at Penn State College of MedicineMay 20, 2025 Western Wayne High School science students embarked on an educational field trip to Penn State University College of Medicine in Hershey, PA, this past April. The visit, made possible through a partnership with the Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center (PA-AHEC) and supported by the Western Wayne Education Foundation, offered students an immersive, hands-on experience with groundbreaking medical technologies and healthcare professions. Students were accompanied by Mrs. Christine McClure, Dr. Mark Nebzydoski, Mrs. Denise Johnson, and Mr. Matthew Fitzsimmons.
Throughout the day, students engaged in an array of interactive learning experiences. In the genomics lab, they explored the role of genetic sequencing in modern medicine. At the MRI and Cryo-Electron Microscope Core Facility, they witnessed the advanced imaging tools used to visualize the molecular structures of cells and tissues with astonishing precision.
A highlight of the visit was a stop at the Technology Center, where students learned how 3D printing is revolutionizing medical education by creating lifelike organ models. They also stepped into the human body—virtually—using state-of-the-art virtual reality technology to take a guided tour through major organ systems and diseases that affect those systems.
The experience extended beyond the lab as students participated in a professional panel featuring a nursing student and a public health doctoral candidate who gave students an insight into their journey from high school to healthcare and encouraged students to keep moving forward to follow their dreams. Students also had the opportunity to learn about child life services at Penn State Health’s Children’s Hospital and mental health services provided through Penn State Children’s Hospital’s Child Psychiatry and Behavioral Health department. These experts shared their career journeys, provided insights into their fields, and answered questions about working in healthcare today.
Another exciting moment came during the tour of the Life Lion medical helicopter. Students met with the flight crew—including the flight nurse, paramedics, and pilot—who explained how rapid-response care and critical patient transport services are conducted across the region.
“This trip opened our students’ eyes to the wide array of opportunities in healthcare and science,” said Christine McClure, who coordinated the trip. “The level of engagement, from both the professionals and our students, was truly inspiring.”
The field trip was coordinated in partnership with PSU College of Medicine’s liaison through PA-AHEC, whose mission is to strengthen the healthcare workforce in underserved areas by connecting students to academic and professional opportunities. Additional funding from the Western Wayne Education Foundation helped ensure that students had access to this enriching experience.
For more information about education through PA-AHEC or to support future science initiatives, please visit https://www.paahec.org/.
Kneeling, from left: Maggie Kotchessa, Raegan Fox, Audrey Agnello, Abigail Washine, Madelyn McClure, and Abigail Bell.
Row one, from left: Mrs. Denise Johnson, Alana Swingle, Laylah Epstein, Roxanne Dugan, Jade Wetherington, Beja Marcel, Grace Moser, Sydney Sosa, and Grady Farley.
Row two, from left : Mrs. Christine McClure, Norman Phillips, Jason Vass, Jasmine Rodriguez, Hayley Cordero, Cedar Gilpin, Emaan Tanveer, Scott Kurent, Madelyn Vinton, Mia Arcadipane, Hayden Mundrake, Madison Trapanese, Logan Vinton, Logan Pauler, Mr. Matt Fitzsimmons, Khloe Mistishin, Alicia Wertman, and Dr. Mark Nebzydoski. [...]
High School April Students of the MonthMay 20, 2025The following students were recognized by the Student Council as students of the month for April. 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, Sadie Booths is our selected freshman. Sadie is a dedicated triple-sport athlete participating in track, soccer, and wrestling. In addition, Sadie is part of Science Olympiad and Envirothon. Her favorite subject is math. She aspires to get her teaching degree and come back to Western Wayne as a math teacher who also assists with sports.
“One of my inspirations is my middle school math teacher Mr. Hodorawis,” Sadie said, because he teaches math and coaches at the district.
Next, Emaan Tanveer is our chosen sophomore this month. Emaan has become highly involved in the district this year after moving here from New Jersey. She participates in wrestling, FBLA, NAHS, Spanish Club, and CATS Club. In addition, she takes a boxing class once a week in New Jersey to help enhance her athleticism for wrestling. Her favorite class is English, in which she especially enjoys writing fiction such as short stories and poetry. She also loves to draw with her preferred mediums of pencil and paper and paint.
Emaan wishes to be an entrepreneur when she gets older or to be a part of the FBI. She wants to attend either Boston University or Princeton University.
“I believe the stamina and discipline that I am learning through, especially my sports, is preparing me for my future dreams,” Emaan said.
In addition, Ian Ensley is this month’s featured junior. Ian is a member of the Chess Club and History Club. He greatly enjoys studying history and wishes to become a history teacher, welder or both when he is older.
“I really like to soak up details about the past, and I want to teach them to others one day,” Ian said.
Finally, Noah Vail is our senior spotlight this month. Noah has a variety of interests including music and cooking. He takes the advanced cooking class at Western Wayne this year. In addition, he is a member of both the Volleyball Team and Chess Club. He has played piano for six years and has been accepted to Marywood University to study musical therapy after graduation.
“I love to learn about mental health,” Noah explained. “I want to help people struggling with situations that I have faced. I want the knowledge I learn in college to guide me in helping others struggling with their mental health through music therapy.”
The Western Wayne School District congratulates these April students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.
From left: Mr. Paul B. Gregorski, high school principal; Sadie Booths, Emaan Tanveer, Ian Ensley, and Noah Vail. [...]
Wayne High School May Students of the MonthMay 20, 2025The following students were recognized by the Student Council as students of the month for May. Their teachers and administrators weighed in on the decisions. All of the students chosen hold a high standard of academic and personal excellence. They are true examples of the P.R.I.D.E. standards for PBIS at our school.First, Tori Walton is our selected freshman. Tori especially loves music. She is a proud member of the High School Marching Band. Her instrument is the baritone. She started with the marching band her eighth grade year by participating in color guard. Her favorite thing to do is play her instrument, and she aspires to be a high school band teacher one day like her band director at Western Wayne, Mrs. Elaine Ort.“Playing music helps me forget things I am feeling stressed about,” Tori explained.Next, Aiden Korea is our chosen sophomore this month. Aiden is in both Spanish Club and Envirothon. He is also a member of the National Honor Society. His favorite class is chemistry. His dad and other members of his family have pursued careers in pharmacy, and Aiden wishes to follow in their footsteps.“I really enjoy studying science,” Aiden said. “I think my advanced classes at Western Wayne have really taught me how to study and prepare for the intensity of college studies.”In addition, Aiden Burry is this month’s featured junior. Aiden and his family just moved to the district from Elk Lake this school year. He plays both basketball and soccer. His favorite academic subject is chemistry, and he aspires to pursue a pre-med track in college. In addition, he is a member of National Honor Society and volunteers at his church Nativity BVM in Waymart.“I want to pursue being a doctor, because I like helping others,” Aiden said. “I feel that my time on the soccer team is teaching me what it takes to step up to the plate and do my best work to achieve my future goals.”Finally, Lillian Bronson is our senior spotlight this month. Lillian came to Western Wayne when she started high school. She is involved in soccer, National Honor Society, and CATS Club where she holds the office of treasurer. Her favorite class is Spanish, because she enjoys the challenge of learning a new language. She has been accepted to Cedar Crest College for the fall and will major in environmental conservation. She absolutely loves nature and the outdoors and wants to be a conservationist as her career path.The Western Wayne School District congratulates these May students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.From left: Mr. Paul B. Gregorski, high school principal; Tori Walton, Aiden Korea, Aiden Burry, and Lillian Bronson. [...]
High School May Students of the MonthMay 20, 2025The following students were recognized by the Student Council as students of the month for May. Their teachers and administrators weighed in on the decisions. All of the students chosen hold a high standard of academic and personal excellence. They are true examples of the P.R.I.D.E. standards for PBIS at our school.
First, Tori Walton is our selected freshman. Tori especially loves music. She is a proud member of the High School Marching Band. Her instrument is the baritone. She started with the marching band her eighth grade year by participating in color guard. Her favorite thing to do is play her instrument, and she aspires to be a high school band teacher one day like her band director at Western Wayne, Mrs. Elaine Ort.
“Playing music helps me forget things I am feeling stressed about,” Tori explained.
Next, Aiden Korea is our chosen sophomore this month. Aiden is in both Spanish Club and Envirothon. He is also a member of the National Honor Society. His favorite class is chemistry. His dad and other members of his family have pursued careers in pharmacy, and Aiden wishes to follow in their footsteps.
“I really enjoy studying science,” Aiden said. “I think my advanced classes at Western Wayne have really taught me how to study and prepare for the intensity of college studies.”
In addition, Aiden Burry is this month’s featured junior. Aiden and his family just moved to the district from Elk Lake this school year. He plays both basketball and soccer. His favorite academic subject is chemistry, and he aspires to pursue a pre-med track in college. In addition, he is a member of National Honor Society and volunteers at his church Nativity BVM in Waymart.
“I want to pursue being a doctor, because I like helping others,” Aiden said. “I feel that my time on the soccer team is teaching me what it takes to step up to the plate and do my best work to achieve my future goals.”
Finally, Lillian Bronson is our senior spotlight this month. Lillian came to Western Wayne when she started high school. She is involved in soccer, National Honor Society, and CATS Club where she holds the office of treasurer. Her favorite class is Spanish, because she enjoys the challenge of learning a new language. She has been accepted to Cedar Crest College for the fall and will major in environmental conservation. She absolutely loves nature and the outdoors and wants to be a conservationist as her career path.
The Western Wayne School District congratulates these May students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.
From left: Mr. Paul B. Gregorski, high school principal; Tori Walton, Aiden Korea, Aiden Burry, and Lillian Bronson. [...]
Students Present Research @ Pennsylvania Junior Academy of ScienceMay 20, 2025Western Wayne High School and Middle School students presented scientific research at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science State Competition on May 19 at Penn State University Main Campus. These students investigated a scientific question, carried out controlled scientific research, and presented their findings to a panel of professionals in the scientific fields. The Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) is a statewide organization of middle and high school students designed to stimulate and promote interest in science among its members through the development of research projects and investigations. Western Wayne PJAS advisors are Christine McClure and Maria Masankay.The following students won awards in various areas.
High School:
Madelyn McClure- 1st award for her research in the field of Biology in her research on Quantifying Impact Resistance: An Experimental Analysis of Force Distribution on Equestrian Helmets Under Simulated Weight Drop Conditions.
Cassidy Zeiler- 2nd award with a perfect score for her research in the field of Biology as she studied the Effects of Statins on Tendon Elasticity.
Mackenzie Adams- 2nd award for her research in Behavioral Science as she studied the Effects of Sports Injuries on Mental Health in High School Students.
Audrey Agnello- 2nd award with a perfect score for her research in Behavioral Science, studying the Effects of Posture Reminders on Improving Posture in Students. Audrey was also named as a PSTS Talent Search Award Nominee.
Middle School:
Andraye Agnello- 1st award for his research in Microbiology as he studied the Bacterial Load found on Artificial Turf.
Charlie Vinton- 1st award for his research in Ecology as he studied the Effects of Tree Species on Heat Production.
Ryder Glasner- 1st award for her research in Zoology as she studied the Effects of Soft Drinks on Daphnia magna Heart Rate.
TJ McClure- 1st award for his research in Chemistry as he studied the Effects of Corrosion Protectors on Preventing Oxidation.
From left: Mackenzie Adams, Cassidy Zeiler, Madelyn McClure, Audrey Agnello, Andraye Agnello, TJ McClure, Charlie Vinton, and Ryder Glasner. [...]
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.