During 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).
Five 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.
The 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.
Western Wayne sophomores Donovan Gregorski and Isabella Kolp have been chosen to represent Western Wayne at the 2025 Central Pennsylvania HOBY Leadership Seminar this June 2025.
Donovan is an accomplished Western Wayne honor roll student who enjoys being a part of a variety of sports and clubs at school including: football, basketball, outdoor track, and FBLA.
In Donovan’s leadership essay for HOBY, he explained what leadership means to him by discussing how it relates to his life, and its overall importance in the world who benefits from it in so many ways.
“Leadership influences my life through its role in sports, work, and so many other things,” Donovan said. “Through using leadership skills in my life, I feel more determined to accomplish my goals.”
After high school, Donovan aspires to study sports analytics in college to work as a sports statistician in the future.
“I have a strong love for both sports and math, and I really want to pursue a career path that will let me combine these interests,” he explained.
Donovan’s classmate Isabella Kolp, a sophomore honor roll student, also, is a HOBY winner for Western Wayne and shares a similar view on leadership as Donovan.
“I think it is important for the world to have good leadership,” Isabella explained. “This is necessary for things to run well.”
Isabella participates in the following activities: tennis team, Cats Club, FBLA, and student council.
After high school, Isabella plans to major in international business. She loves to travel with her family and has gone on a variety of trips abroad during her high school years so far to places such as France, Japan, and Spain with Japan being her favorite experience at present.
“I really like learning about different cultures and want my future career path to include a way to foster my passion for travel,” she explained.
Both students look forward to attending the conference in the spring and meeting other student leaders from various districts.
The Western Wayne School District wishes them both much success at the conference and in their very bright futures.
From left: Isabella Kolp, Mr. Paul Gregorski, high school principal; and Donovan Gregorski.
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.
The first ever Western Wayne Girls on the Run summer camp has been declared a “runaway success!!” Twenty-three students from EverGreen and R.D. Wilson Elementary schools spent a week running, playing, creating arts and crafts, and team building at the EverGreen campus in June.
Well-deserved thanks to coaches Bernadette Metschulat, Taryn Vitris, Dr. Stephanie Major, Kristin Rock, and Sara Orlosky.
The group would also like to recognize our junior coach, high school student Annie Williams. High School students earn volunteer hours by coaching with GOTR!
Finally, thanks to our unbelievably supportive Western Wayne Administration and the United Way for fully funding all twenty-three students.
Rachel Fitzmorris, GOTR site liaison and middle school staff member said,
“We are focused on growing this wonderful program, and we would love to recruit more coaches! We are hosting a fall season of GOTR starting in September. Practices will be held on Wednesdays after school at the Middle School for 6th to 8th grade. We are firming up a location and time for the Elementary school students (3rd through 5th). The program culminates with a celebratory 5K at Keystone College (transportation provided) with dozens of schools in attendance.
Coaches only need to be willing to pitch in and support the students. No running experience is needed.”
Student sign-ups will start on our return to school. For more information or to volunteer, please email rfitzmorris@westernwayne.org.
A monetary donation was made to Treasurer, Roger Dirlam of Wayne Pike/Shriners Club on behalf of the Western Wayne fashion students and teacher Colleen Carmody. This year’s proceeds were collected at this year’s show, titled “Fashion is Daunting” held on May 21, 2024 in WW Veterans Memorial Auditorium. While raising funds to help our community; this annual charitable event also allows for a display of students’ senior collections, competitive pieces, yearly projects and the continued support of the sewing and design vocation.
Western Wayne’s Girls on the Run coaches are excited to announce that our program is expanding to serve more students. Girls on the Run combines life skills lessons, games and discussions with physical activity. The focus is on having fun while moving and learning.
Firstly, there will be a GOTR summer camp for our Elementary students at the EverGreen campus this June! This will be followed by a Fall season of Girls on the Run for grades 3 – 5 (location TBA) and at the Middle School for grades 6 – 8. The Fall season starts in September and runs for 10 weeks. It ends with a celebratory (non-competitive) 5k at Keystone College in November.
Summer Camp will be held at EverGreen Elementary school from Monday, June 17, to Friday, June 21, 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Registration opens May 6. Flyers will be sent home with students on that date with sign-up info! For more information email rfitzmorris@westernwayne.org.
The coaches would like to thank our principals, Mr. Pidgeon, Mrs. Miller, and Mrs. Bradley for their support for this program which has such a positive influence on our students!
“It was an out of this world experience for our students at RDW! SPACE was the theme of this years Discovery Day. With all the hard work and dedication from the RDW PTA they were able to give our kids an amazing experience. From learning about the Moon, Star Constellations, the Sun, and Rockets – This years Discovery
Row 1 (l to r): Olivia Gries, Audrey Agnello, Phoebe Schmitt, Taylor Maiocco, Rhayni Carroll, Emily Romanowski, and Madelyn McClure.
Row 2 (l to r): Avery Ulner, Isabella Kolp, Clare Coccodrilli, Connor Bryant, David Elias, Khole Mistishin, Maggie Kotchessa, and Allie Pauler.
The 73rd annual Pennsylvania State Leadership Conference was held this past week in Hershey. Western Wayne FBLA had 32 members competing at the conference this year. Sixteen of those 32 members placed in the top 10 at the state level and were recognized at the Awards of Excellence Program. Eight members have qualified to compete at the FBLA National Leadership Conference this June in Orlando.
The Business Ethics team of Rhayni Carroll, Taylor Maiocco, and Emily Romanowski placed 3rd. Olivia Gries placed 2nd in Introduction to Business Communications. The team of Audrey Agnello and Phoebe Schmitt placed 4th in Introduction to Business Presentation. Maggie Kotchessa placed 5th and Khole Mistishin placed 7th in Introduction to FBLA. Madelyn McClure placed 3rd and Madelyn Vinton placed 6th in Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure. The team of Clare Coccodrilli, Isabella Kolp, and Avery Ullner placed 9th in Introduction to Social Media Strategies. The team of Connor Bryant and David Elias placed 10th in Sports and Entertainment Management. Allie Pauler placed 4th in Word Processing.
In addition, Rhayni Carroll placed 4th, Emily Romanowski placed 7th, and Adrian Agnello placed 8th in Who’s Who in Pennsylvania FBLA and were recipients of the William Seldon Scholarship. Adrian and Emily each received a $1000 scholarship and Rhayni received a scholarship of $1250.
ALL NEWS
Mental Health First Aid Virtual Trainings Cost: FREEDecember 19, 2024Mental 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.
Participants complete a 2.5 hour online self-paced course prior to the virtual training. The next training is on: Thursday, January 16 from 6-9 PM AND Thursday, January 23 from 6-9 PM.
Download the full flyer below. [...]
Guiding Good Choices for 4th-6th grade parents and caregiversDecember 19, 2024Guiding Good Choices for 4th-6th grade parents and caregivers. Attend this FREE VIRTUAL five-session program to help your youth navigate the pressures and expectations of life during their teen years to succeed and achieve a brighter future.Parents and caregivers can enhance their parenting skills by learning how to:
Promote health and well-being during the teen years.
Develop health beliefs and clear standards for behavior.
Deal with anger in a positive way and manage family conflict to strengthen bonds with youth.
Protect their children from substance abuse and other problematic behaviors.
Strengthen family bonds and increase youth’s involvement in the family through the teen years.Youth attend session 4 with their parents and caregivers.The program will be held on five Mondays: February 3, 10, 17, 24 and March 3 from 6 to 8 PM via Zoom.For more information or to register, e-mail or call Christy Tomascik at cat127@psu.edu or 570-814-2392. [...]
“Tangled” Semi Formal sponsored by WWHS Student CouncilDecember 18, 2024On Saturday, December 14th nearly 300 members of the Western Wayne High School community including students, advisors, chaperones, administration, and SROs gathered to celebrate the 2024 Semi Formal at Camp Ladore in Waymart.
This year’s theme elected by Student Council was Disney’s Tangled and included decor complete with elements of long Rapunzel hair, frying pans, illuminated lanterns, and even a castle backdrop adorned with Pascal.
Students spent the time dining and dancing with opportunities to capture memories in the professional photo booth. Students received picture frames as favors to memorialize the event.
As is tradition, attendees voted sophomores Cole Combs and Makenzie Chearney as Price and Princess of the magical occasion.
Pictured (left to right):
Mr. Paul Gregorski (Principal), Cole Combs (Prince), Makenzie Chearney (Princess), and Mr. Robert Black (Vice Principal) [...]
High School December Students of the MonthDecember 18, 2024The following students were recognized by the Student Council as students of the month for December. 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, Abigail Wasman is our selected freshman. In school, she loves her art class having a special interest in drawing still life. Her other favorite class is Spanish. Abigail is highly involved in her local 4-H Club for many years. She shows pigs, goats, and cows. Working with and showing animals is her passion.
“I love working with and preparing animals for show and seeing how they turn out in the end,” she said.
Next, Olivia Haines is our chosen sophomore this month. Olivia is a dual sport athlete participating in both track and volleyball at Western Wayne. In the classroom, she enjoys studying history most. In addition, she absolutely loves animals and has ridden horses since she was young. She aspires to be a veterinarian upon graduation.
“I want to study veterinary medicine because of how much I enjoy animals,” she said.
In addition, Lauren Beamer is this month’s featured junior. She is extremely involved in volleyball being both a part of the Western Wayne team and a club volleyball team out of Allentown. Her favorite class is English. In addition, she aspires to go into the nursing field.
“I feel that the competitive environment that I thrive on being a part of through my volleyball experiences will help to prepare me for college,” she said.
Finally, Lance Maiocco is our senior spotlight this month. Lance is also a dual sport athlete having played football and baseball at Western Wayne throughout his high school career. In football, he primarily plays the positions of wide receiver and cornerback. In baseball, he plays pitcher and outfield. In addition, he is a member of FBLA and National Honor Society.
Lance will attend Marywood University upon graduation with a scholarship to play baseball. He plans to study health and exercise science.
“I think that being a part of a team and facing adversity through that experience has helped to better prepare me for the future,” he said.
The Western Wayne School District congratulates these December students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.
From left: Olivia Haines, Lauren Beamer, Abigail Wasman, Lance Maiocco, and Mr. Paul Gregorski, high school principal. [...]
High School November Students of the MonthDecember 18, 2024The following students were recognized by the Student Council as students of the month for November. 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, Maha Tanveer is our selected freshman. Maha is new to the district and has been really enjoying her academic and extracurricular experiences here. She tried out a few after school activities so far including the Drama Club, and she can’t wait to continue the rest of her high school career at Western Wayne.
Next, Gavin Morcom is our chosen sophomore this month. Gavin is a triple sport athlete who also values academic excellence. He plays golf and volleyball along with being a member of the wrestling team.
His favorite subject in school is math, because he has a natural aptitude for it. After high school, he aspires to follow in the footsteps of his father and join the Air Force.
“I think the discipline I am learning in all of my experiences in sports is helping to prepare me to enter the military,” he explained.
In addition, Audrey Agnello is this month’s featured junior. She is an exceptional student involved in numerous sports, clubs, and activities.
She has participated in competitive swimming from a young age. She is currently an athlete with Pacers Aquatic Club out of Marywood University. Also, she has done track since seventh grade and cross country since 8th grade at Western Wayne. Her other activities include: PJAS, FBLA, Student Ambassador, CATS Club, Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, Youth Advisory Committee, National Honor Society, Yearbook Club, and Scholastic Team. In addition, she has the honor of being the elected President of the Class of 2026 through Student Council.
Her favorite class this year is anatomy, and she wishes to pursue a career related to the sciences through studying nursing in college.
“I think that the multitude of experiences I have had in my high school career so far working with various groups of people is preparing me to be a strong leader both now and after graduation,” Audrey said.
Finally, Julia Wehrmann is our senior spotlight this month. Julis is also involved in many activities at Western Wayne including: Student Council, Engineering Competition, Envirothon, and Science Olympiad. Julia enjoys her biology class the most this year. She wishes to pursue a career in Environmental Science upon graduation.
“I want my future career path to involve me helping to make the environment better for everyone,” she explained.
The Western Wayne School District congratulates these November students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.
From left: Gavin Morcom, Audrey Agnello, Julia Wehrmann, and Mr. Paul Gregorski, high school principal. Absent from photo: Maha Tanveer. [...]
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.
