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
High School Hosts Graduation for Class of 2025June 13, 2025Wildcat 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 AdamsZoe Lorah AlbitzThomas John BainLily BarberJacob Alexander BarnaAlexis BarrVallita Princess BelinovaAubrey Shay BellJamal Lee BenedictKayne Michael BihlerTheodore Robert BlackNatalia Lydia BorrelliLillian Grace BronsonMatthew T. BrownConnor Howard BryantAnthony CanzanoDouglas Robert ChapmanJames Samuel ChapmanStacey ChristopherMadelyn Rose ChrobakRiver CollinsNikko CondiAngelina L. CorreaNicholas CotterAndrew CrisseyAddison Grace DanielsEvan Joseph DeanEmily Ann DicelloAnnaliese DickisonHannah Lee DockemeyerAnthony John DonniniLauren Letizia DramisinoMichael Samuel DursoJonathan Hunter DwyerZariah EdmundsDavid John Elias IIIJayla C. FiorellaJeffrey David Foote, Jr.Olivia Giovanna FordAiden Patrick ForneyKalob Alejandro FrankoJordan FrisbieSean James GallifordColton Michael GearyZachary Aiden GibbsCedar C. GilpinJared Joshua GoldmanAddison Lynn GriffinBryan James GuarnizDaniel HallDavid J. HallbergLia Mimi HartmanPaige Elizabeth HaswellJaden Desire HeadenChase HobgoodMaKennah Lynn HolbertColton J. HooseBrianna Michelle HoyerJak Michael HubingerAllyson Grace IrvineJames Ethan JimenezSydney Grace JusticeAlyssa Lynn Ellis KapalskiJayden KellachowAustin D. KenyonKendra May KeryloviczLily Patrice KievaNicole Marie KlimEthan Tyler LambertonGrace K. LangendoerferFrederick Frances Leonetti IIIGrace H. Murphy LidyTravis Mark LockerRyleigh Niccole MahonLance Maiocco, Jr.Matvey MamoshukLillian Grace MarosAddison Brooke MatthewsStephanie K. MaxwellDaymon Robert McGuireRobert William Mildner, Jr.Nelson Edgardo Miranda-MirandaSeth MontijoBryson MoscarelliHayden William MundrakeTeagan S. MurphyBrendan Joseph OlivoMichael Banavan OlivoTyler OvensSean Davon OwensRebekah Lane PalkoOwen S. PalkovicRaegan Alaina PalmerJessica Rose PalopoliNicholas Anthony PaneMercedes D. L. PedersenRobert F. Phillips, Jr.Addyson Bailey PrussJohn Patrick Pyatt IIIAliyah S. RatchfordAnthony Joseph RedmondHunter Baron ReichlingJayden Michael RiveraKarter M. RizziTimothy Richard Roberts, Jr.Noel Michael RodriguezHayden Timmy RomanaskasEvan John RonchiAyden K. RosengrantNikita RudMason Scott RushAbigail Faith SadowskiRyan Michael SchaneColette Ann SchmittKennedy Carolyn Ortman ScottRobert Nicholas ScramuzzaDavis M. SheppardVincent Charles SilonKathryn E. SkirpanThomas Joseph SmithNeima Marie Smith-HorstSienna Skye StevensMadison Naomi StifflerDylan David StookeyAshley Lynn ToscanoBella Marie TrumbullNoah VailJoshua Shawn VintonMakayla Marie WaltonAva Michell WardLandon R. WargoElizabeth Blaire WashineLogan WeaverJulia Ross WehrmannKallie May WehrmannCassidy Ann Zeiler [...]
Charlotte Nebzydoski, RDW Fourth Grade student achieves perfect attendanceJune 13, 2025Charlotte Nebzydoski, Fourth Grade student at Robert D. Wilson Elementary School, was the only RDW student to achieve perfect attendance for the 2024/2025 school year. Charlotte was present for every day of school and was never tardy or dismissed early. Charlotte is a bright light for everyone in the school. Her academics are top notch and the kindness and positivity that she shows daily is truly inspiring. Having Charlotte in the building every day made RDW a better place. Please congratulate Miss Charlotte Nebzydoski on this seemingly impossible accomplishment. RDW is so proud of you, Charlotte! [...]
Hot Rod Club and Drama Club Car Show on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6June 5, 2025The Western Wayne Hot Rod Club and Drama Club will host their 2025 Annual Car Show on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 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 Dakota Douglas is excited to partner with the Hot Rod Club for the Car Show. She 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,” Dakota 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 obtain 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,” club vice president, Jason Vass, 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, SEPTEMBER 6, 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. Hope to see you there! [...]
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.
