The NEIU Scholar of the Year Ceremony took place at Lackawanna CTC on May 10. The recipient of the award for Western Wayne High School was Kylie Merring. Pictured below from left to right is Mr. Paul Gregorski, high school principal; Kylie Merring, Western Wayne NEIU Scholar of the Year, and Mr. Bill Gershey, who serves on the Western Wayne Board of Education and the NEIU Board of Directors.
From left, senior creative construction students Angelina Salvatore, Ava Daniels, and Analise DeLeon-Bello.
Western Wayne Fashion students are thrilled to invite the community to their annual Catwalk Fashion Show on Tuesday, May 23, at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. This year the show titled “Fashion Flix” is a dedication to Western Wayne’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. The admission fee for adults is $2 dollars. All proceeds will be donated to a local food pantry. Students get in for free. The students will also host the show for an audience of their peers during the school day on Tuesday, May 23.
Pieces made by students in grades 9 through 12 will be featured. The students also worked in teams led by senior fashion students Analise DeLeon-Bello, Angelina Salvatore, and Ava Daniels. The feature fashions of the Catwalk came from an inspiration of movies from the 1970s to the present which honors the decades of Western Wayne’s 50 years. The show will also feature some video clips of Western Wayne alumni who are working in the fashion industry.
The students worked on a set timeline to design a series of pieces for the competition portion of the show. The winner of the competition will be announced at the show on the evening of Tuesday, May 23.
All students involved did an amazing job with this year’s theme Fashion Flix. The student designers used popular decade flicks as inspiration for their garments. The garments were designed to be street wear, not costumes, with the flicks providing the theme and music only for the competition.
The decade themed flicks included Rocky to represent 1970-80; Dirty Dancing to represent 1980-90; Harry Potter to represent 1990- 2000; Avatar to represent 2000-2010; and Stranger Things to represent 2010-2020.
Colleen Carmody, show director and fashion teacher, feels proud of all of her students—especially her three seniors who have their collections featured in the show.
Senior Analise DeLeon-Bello’s collection has the theme EcoLeon which represents how sustainability in fashion is important.
“You can use materials and repurpose them for a variety of things,” Analise explained.
Her favorite garment from the collection is a transformation piece.
“It is symbolic to me,” Analise said. “It is a gray dress that represents industrialized pollution and then when it is released it turns into another green dress that represents how nature overcomes.”
Analise also headed up the competition team called Carmody’s Angels for the show. She feels very proud of her team and especially enjoyed the dress inspired by Dirty Dancing that they made. She described the dress as yellow with flower appliqués on it.
“It was the most fun dress out of every piece that we made,” she explained. “We were able to have a lot of creativity in making it.”
Analise looks forward to continuing to grow her creative skills in college next year. She will attend Albright College and major in fashion design. She is interested in both the business and design aspects of a career in fashion.
Fellow senior Angelina Salvatore will also attend Albright College next year with a major in costume design. She always enjoyed fashion from a young age when she would color designs in coloring books. She remembers getting fabric for holiday gifts growing up and falling in love with her first sewing machine.
“I enjoy making pieces that are unique,” Angelina said.
Her senior collection has many such pieces. It is called Ang-Vant-Guard, a play on the words of the French term avant-garde. As the title suggests, her collection features a lot of unconventional fashion.
“Since I want to major in costume design, I used this opportunity to experiment with different things,” she explained.
One piece in her collection that stands out to her is her prom dress which she made from scratch. It is a floor-length gown with an olive green metallic underlay and a fully-boned corset top.
The piece is especially meaningful because it was the first project in her freshman design class that she drew and then was able to create in her senior year.
“I’m really proud of my prom dress,” she said.
Angelina also felt proud to work to lead her group Backstreet Girlies for the competition portion of the show. She especially liked working on the team’s Stranger Things inspired piece because of the challenges it presented.
They created a garment made of vinyl and bubble wrap. Angelina described the challenges of sewing those types of materials together.
“It took some time to get the materials to go together on the sewing machine, but once we figured it out, we were really happy with the results.”
Fellow senior team member Ava Daniels also worked to lead the Backstreet Girlies for the competition. Ava was really happy with how her group excelled at working together.
“If someone was down in the group, then someone else would help out right away,” Ava explained.
Ava’s senior collection is called AvFall’n. It is a play on words for her name and the fall tones that are featured in her ensemble of pieces. All of her garments have fall tones of yellow, brown, etc. She loved how all of her pieces turned out. One piece that she really likes is a V-neck summer dress in yellow. She used two different patterns for the dress including a top portion that she created herself.
Ava plans to attend Thomas Jefferson University for fashion design.
Carmody and her students feel so grateful to be able to invite the community to their evening show on Tuesday, May 23, and they look forward to creating more designs to share with the Western Wayne community in the future.
From left: Maria Shemanski, Rachel Enslin, and Hailey McCollum-Fitzpatrick, students from RDW, who competed in the 2023 Girls STEM Competition on April 15 at Valley View.From left: Molly Gifford, grade 4; Taylor Brown, grade 4; and Mia Padula, grade 4; who competed in a total of four events at the 2023 Girls STEM Competition on April 15 at Valley View .Western Wayne Middle Schooler Reyna Weaver who has been selected to attend the Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge this summer.
Western Wayne elementary students placed well in their respective competitions at the 2023 Girls STEM Competition held at Valley View High School on Saturday, April 15. RDW 5th graders, Maria Shemanski (5), Skylar Horst (5), Hailey McCollum-Fitzpatrick (5): placed 3rdoverall in the 4-6th grade age group. In addition, for our RDW students, Rachel Enslin (4) and Makayla Franckowiak (5): placed 5th overall in the 4-6th grade age group. Also, Evergreen Elementary 4th graders, Mia Padula (4), Taylor Brown (4), and Molly Gifford (4): placed 1st overall in the 4-6th grade age group in the Computer Programming event.
The fourth grade students competed in four total events: Programming using Scratch; Mathematics solving problems and puzzle;, Science where they made their own lip-gloss with a Makeup Chemist; and engineering where they had to design, build, and test a vehicle, device and ramp to achieve a common goal. There were 1st place prizes in each of the four categories awarded, and there were overall places 1st through 5th for combined scores from all four events.
Finally, WWMS current 6th grader Reyna Weaver has been selected to attend the Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge this summer before her 7th grade year. She participated in this event when she was in fifth grade and really enjoyed applying her knowledge of science.
Established in 1990, the Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge is a residential, hands-on learning experience for Appalachia’s middle and high school students, as well as high school teachers in STEM-related fields. Hosted by Oak Ridge Associated Universities in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, this program is a gateway to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in the Appalachian Region.
All participants work with award-winning scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, one of the largest U.S. Department of Energy research facilities in the United States. High school and middle school students conduct guided group science, math, and computer science technology research projects, while high school teachers work with science practitioners to develop STEM-related curriculum. The program culminates in a graduation ceremony where participants showcase their work.
Western Wayne Middle Schooler Reyna Weaver is very excited to be offered the opportunity to participate in this experience.
“I really enjoy working on STEM related projects and am excited to be offered the chance to participate in this event,” Reyna said.
The Western Wayne Scholastic Team performed very well this school year. They defeated Valley View at a Scholastic Scrimmage hosted by WVIA by a score of 245-110. Team members are: Kylie Merring, Evan Peirce, Alex Chapman, Emily Brophy, and Bernie Roedel. From left, in both photos: Emily Brophy, Kylie Merring, Alex Chapman, and Evan Peirce.
“Robert D Wilson students give a huge SHOUT OUT to the Hamlin/Lake Rotary Club for the Colorado Blue Spruce. Thank you Jennifer Wargo for the delivery …we appreciate the kindness from all!”
Students in the Gifted program at Robert D. Wilson Elementary studied volcanoes! Avrianna O’Malley and Brinley Jenkins studied the various parts of volcanoes, how volcanoes are formed and how they erupt. They learned about the distinctions between active, dormant and extinct volcanoes, and between lava and magma. The girls then applied this knowledge to building their own functional model volcanoes. They each prepared a presentation to share their research with their respective regular education classroom. Their classmates enjoyed learning about volcanoes, and they especially enjoyed the volcanic eruptions!
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.
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 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@joneser-admin
Fill out this form and please attach to your artwork when you deliver it to the high school.
Flounder, played by Owen Obloshny, and Ariel, played by Amanda David, pose with her human stuff.Ursula, played by Lillian Maros, taunts Ariel, played by Amanda David, with a proposition to trade her voice to become human.Ariel, played by Amanda David, stands in her grotto with her “human stuff.”Chef Louis, played by Joseph Regalbuto leads the chase after Julia Phillips, Sebastian; in our dining hall scene.: From left: Owen Obloshny, Flounder; Colette Schmitt, Scuttle; Robert Scramuzza, Grimsby; Nathan Conway, Prince Eric; Amanda David, Ariel; Caden Wilson, King Triton; Lillian Maros, Ursula; and Julia Phillips, Sebastian (seated).Ariel, played by Amanda David, and Prince Eric; played by Nate Conway, dance” one step closer” to each other in one of our musical numbers.The full cast of Western Wayne Drama Club’s Production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid.From left: Owen Obloshny, Flounder; Nathan Conway, Prince Eric; Amanda David, Ariel; Julia Phillips, Sebastian; and Colette Schmitt, Scuttle, in the boat scene from ActFrom left: Owen Obloshny, Flounder; Colette Schmitt, Scuttle; Robert Scramuzza, Grimsby; Nathan Conway, Prince Eric; Amanda David, Ariel; Caden Wilson, King Triton; Lillian Maros, Ursula; and Julia Phillips, Sebastian (seated).Pit Band for Western Wayne Drama Club’s Production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid.Sebastian, played by Julia Phillips, shows Ariel, played by Amanda David; why life is so good “under the sea.”Stage Crew for Western Wayne Drama Club’s Production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
Western Wayne Drama Club’s production this year is Disney’s The Little Mermaid. The cast, crew, and pit band are excited to perform the show for the community. Performances of Western Wayne Drama Club’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid are 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. All tickets are sold at the door. We will also have basket raffles and refreshments available at the show for purchase. DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.mtishows.com Music by Alan Menken; Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Glenn Slater; Book by Doug Wright. Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker and written & directed by John Musker & Ron Clements. Originally Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions. Orchestrations by Danny Troob; Incidental Music & Vocal Arrangements by Michael Kosarin; Dance Arrangements by David Chase. All involved with the show are grateful to have the opportunity to perform for an audience and cordially invite you to their show. “We have been working on some of the scenes since November and can’t wait to bring this classic story to life,” senior Amanda David, who plays Ariel, and serves as a student director, said. Fellow senior Julia Phillips, who plays Sebastian, and serves as a student director, agrees, “There are a lot of scenes in the show that are not in the movie. One of my favorites is the scene with Chef Louis. I get to do a chase sequence in that one!” Junior Nathan Conway is also excited for the performance. He will play the role of Prince Eric and serves as a student director. “I really got to explore my character this year,” Nate said. “I even learned how to waltz.”
Cast members include: Amanda David, Ariel, club secretary; Gabriel Treibley, Pilot; Nathan Conway, Prince Eric, club president; Robert Scramuzza, Grimsby, club PR officer; Owen Obloshny, Flounder; Colette Schmitt, Scuttle; Scott Kurent, Windward; Bradley Miehle, Leeward; Caden Wilson, King Triton; Julia Phillips, Sebastian, club vice president; Madison Trapanese, Aquata; Molly French, Andrina; Dakota Douglas, Arista; Jade Wetherington, Atina; Lillian Morcom, Adella; Stephanie Maxwell, Allana; Cassidy Levens, Flotsam; Emily Lescinski, Jetsam; Lillian Maros, Ursula, club historian; Makayla Moser, Head Maid; and Joseph Regalbuto, Chef Louis, club treasurer. Ensemble members include: Emma DeNunzio, Zachary Jordan, Mackenzie Kennedy, Brenna McGlone, Noah Sandifer, Kendall Murray, Jason Vass, Zachary Wilbur, Hayley Cordero, Chloe Gilpin, Olivia Swingle, Abigayle Pavlicek, Melinda Kopcza, Isabella Hayden, Avery Ullner, Isabella O’Donnell, Mikayla Fullone, Ireland Parsons, and Lylah Bucksbee. Stage Crew members include:Emily Brophy (Head Stage Crew); Ash Mangieri (Head Stage Crew); Madison Vinton, Raelyn Kellachow, Michael Olivo, Savanna Morrison, Roslyn Khecht, Emma McGowan, Jennifer Hall, Khoi Christopher, Kallie Wehrmann, Luis Appollonio, Katarina Shumski, Jocilyn Brungard, Damien Schaal, Aidan Thomas, Gabby Bryant, Koda DeNunzio, Luckas Balmer, Gideon Jezorwski, Hunter Reichling, Xavier Graham, Ireland Swingle, Ethan Rutkowski, and Sarah Quinones. Pit Orchestra students include: Lia Hartman, Makayla Walton, Aidan Donnini, Evan Peirce, Maggie Nagle, and Anthony Redmond.
ALL NEWS
Middle School Holds Annual 8th Grade Moving-Up CeremonyJune 4, 2026At the annual 8th Grade Moving-Up Ceremony, held at the Sharkey Rosetti football stadium on Tuesday, June 2, Western Wayne Middle School Principal Casey Newcomer talked to students and families in attendance about the importance of hard work and determination in the face of obstacles and setbacks, a term he called “grit.”
“Education is about growth,” Newcomer, who is in his second year at the district, said. “We have a group of students here today that represent a woven tapestry of skills.”
He told the crowd about how students excel in a variety of ways, some in the classroom and some in activities outside of it.
“No matter what you are trying to excel at,” he explained. “The one characteristic that will continue to stand above all others is called grit. Grit is the determination to keep going when quitting is the easier option. Grit is the voice in your head telling you to keep going.”
Newcomer encouraged students to continue to listen to that voice as they head into their high school years.
“Be ready; dig in; hold tight,” he told the students. “You got this.”
Mrs. Joyce Covaleski, middle school chorus teacher, then had select 8th grade chorus singers perform the National Anthem and alma mater. Makayla Franckowiak and Maria Shemanski sang the National Anthem; and Patience Strocchia sang the alma mater. All three girls love to sing and are highly involved in the Middle School Chorus.
Makayla is looking forward to high school where she plans to continue participation in basketball and softball. She also plans to play volleyball in her freshman year. She aspires to be an aerospace technologist, because she has always had a fascination with studying space. She also enjoys working with technology in her free time and has created robots as a hobby.
Her fellow classmate Maria aspires possibly to be a teacher when she is older, and she is also interested in exploring the idea of pursuing the military as a part of the Marines. She will play basketball next year and possibly volleyball and softball.
Finally, Patience, who greatly excels in her ELA class with her strong writing skills, is excited to join the track team for her freshman year.
The featured event of the Moving-Up Ceremony was many of the 8th grade students receiving awards in various categories for excellence in all academic and unified arts classes. In addition, students received awards for Wildcat Pride, for students who go above and beyond in showing school spirit and being kind aned upstanding school community citizens; Grit, for students who showed outstanding qualities of hard work in the face of adversity and hardships; and for a variety of high academic achievements such as making the honor roll for 11 quarters in middle school from 6th through 8th grade.
In addition, a new award called The Inclusion Award was given this year by special education teacher Ms. Gillian Groom, who was assisted in presenting the award by her student Daisy Diehl. Groom explained how the award recognizes students who go above and beyond to create a welcoming, supportive, and respectful environment for peers with special needs. This award honors students who demonstrate kindness, patience, empathy, and leadership by including all classmates in activities, friendships, and everyday school experiences. Recipients of this award model acceptance and understanding, helping others feel valued, supported, and connected within the school community.
“The recipients of this award see and treat my students as friends,” Groom said.
Then Daisy used her communication device to announce award winners who included: Alexandra Churmblo, Eli Gragnano, Julia Kosciuk, and Machaela McGrady.
Another honor given out at the ceremony was an award and gift presentation by National Junior Honor Society advisor Nichole Musewicz, middle school science teacher. Last year, Principal Newcomer worked to establish a National Junior Honor Society Chapter at Western Wayne along with dedicated faculty and high-achieving students.
Therefore, since this Moving Up Ceremony marked the inaugural ceremony with NJHS students present, Newcomer and Musewicz wanted to recognize the three eighth grade NJHS officers who helped to establish the program among the students in the school community: Harper Bell, president; Kendall DiPierro, vice president; and Keira Hauenstein, secretary.
All three young women felt honored to be acknowledged at the ceremony and have strong goals and aspirations for their bright futures. First, Harper will continue to play softball, travel softball, and basketball in high school. She aspires to either pursue a degree path in occupational therapy or speech pathology. Next, Kendall is dedicated to playing basketball in high school. She aspires to be an emergency room nurse. Finally, Keira does competitive gymnastics along with soccer and track which she plans to continue in her high school career. She wishes to be a future elementary school teacher.
It is also a Western Wayne Middle School tradition for many years that two outstanding students, one male and one female, are recognized for their patriotism and leadership among other qualities. The local chapters of the American Legion and the Daughters of the American Revolution present these awards.
This year before the presentation of these prestigious awards, Newcomer took time to recognize and honor Middle School guidance counselor Mr. Joseph Totsky. This year marks Totsky’s 34th year of service.
Newcomer noted how Totsky has been a mentor to him for the past two years and noted Totsky’s strong qualities of honesty, sincerity, and hard work as being the pillars his career has been built upon.
“Countless students and staff are better because Joe was here,” Newcomer said. “You will forever be a part of the foundation of the Western Wayne community.”
After the special recognition of Totsky, Bill Gillette, Post 889 Waymart, presented the American Legion Award to 8th grader Benjamin Reifler.
Ben received this annual award for being an outstanding student in the 8th grade class who exhibits the qualities of honor, scholarship, Americanism, leadership, and courage.
Then the Daughters of the American Revolution Award was presented to 8th grader Sophia Shehadi.
Sophpia received the good citizenship medal from the Daughters of the American Revolution for being an outstanding student in the 8th grade class who exhibits the qualities of honor, honesty, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism.
Both Ben and Sophia felt extremely honored to receive their respective awards. They also both, at first, felt shocked to learn the American Legion and the Daughters of the American Revolution had chosen them for these high honors.
Ben, an honor roll student and member of NJHS, is a student very dedicated to academic excellence. He also has a passion for automotives and studying trains and their history. He aspires to run commercial trucks one day and is greatly looking forward to his auto shop classes in high school.
“I really enjoy working with my hands,” he said. “I want to use what I have learned about trains and other automotives in a real world setting in my future career.”
Fellow classmate Sophia, an honor roll student and member of NJHS, is also a very diligent student who loves working hard in all subject areas and aspires to be a labor and delivery nurse when she grows up.
“I look forward to trying my best in high school and what comes after,” Sophia said.
To close the ceremony, Newcomer reminded the parents not to miss a moment of their students’ upcoming high school experience.
“The next time they will be in these seats will be in four years,” he said. “Don’t blink, because you don’t want to miss a minute of what is to come for your students.”
Western Wayne faculty, administration, and staff wish the class of 2030 the best on their new journey to the high school.
Picture one, from left: Bill Gillette, who presented the American Legion Award, Post 889 Waymart; Benjamin Reifler, winner of the American Legion Award; Sophia Shehadi, winner of The Daughters of the American Revolution Award; and Casey Newcomer, middle school principal.
Picture two, from left: Bill Gillette and Benjamin Reifler.
Picture three, from left, NJHS officers: Harper Bell, president; Keira Hauenstein, secretary; and Kendall DiPierro, vice president.
Picture four, from left: Patience Strocchia, who sang the Alma Mauter; and Maria Shemanski, and Makayla Franckowiak, who both sang the National Anthem.
Picture five: the Western Wayne Class of 2030 stands before their family, friends, and community at the annual Moving Up Ceremony before they embark on their high school journey. [...]
HOBY Leadership Seminar Representatives – Maha Tanveer & Abigail WashineJune 2, 2026Maha Tanveer and Abigail Washine were Western Wayne High School’s HOBY representatives for the 2026-27 school year. They recently attended the HOBY Leadership Seminar at Millersville University.
PA HOBY Leadership provides a 4-day seminar for high school sophomores. Each school in PA is invited to select one student who demonstrates outstanding leadership skill and potential to serve as their school’s ambassador. During the seminar, students participate in panel discussions featuring speakers who are leaders in the fields of government, education, media, and social issues. They spend “a day in the life of a state representative” debating bills on the house floor at the PA Capitol. They spend a half day learning about small and large businesses in PA, then serve for the afternoon at various volunteer sites. Throughout this weekend are many cheers, a dance, a talent show, new friendships, many challenges, and a life-changing experience.
At HOBY, leadership development programs ensure that students gain awareness of themselves and others, practice and apply newly learned skills, and leave feeling empowered to make a positive impact on the world around them. With authenticity, connection, and growth at the core of the programming, student ambassadors learn what it means to be an aware and engaged community member. [...]
High School May Students of the MonthJune 1, 2026The 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, is our selected freshman Reyna Weaver. She is described as a creative thinker, hard worker, having a positive attitude, and is always engaged. Reyna is always willing to go the extra mile in class with her attentive, mature, and respectful attitude. In addition, it is noted she always has a smile and is kind and polite to all she meets.
Next, Archer Long is our chosen sophomore this month. He has excelled in golf this year along with having other accomplishments in art where he placed at the Western Wayne High School Art Show with many pieces and has been chosen to have his artwork on display at a local community exhibition to be announced later this spring. In addition, he has worked hard this year in his academic classes and has done quality work in English. It is noted by his teachers that he is resilient and always assists everyone with needed academic tasks in class.
In addition, Dylan Caracciola is this month’s featured junior. His teachers note him to be courteous, extremely helpful, polite, and respectful. In addition, he is a great student who puts quality work and effort into all he does. He also embodies the quality of humility and has a great sense of humor as well. He is a very well-rounded young man.
Finally, Daniel Toscano is our senior spotlight this month. He is noted to be a hard worker, funny, resilient, kind, and focused on his goals. In addition, it is noted by his teachers that he is extremely helpful and gets along with everyone. He is also very polite, respectful, and humble– truly a person who does what is needed with sincerity in all tasks.
Dan has dedicated himself to self-improvement through his work with school services this year. He is continuing to strive for more and working to provide himself with a good quality life for his very bright future.
The Western Wayne School District congratulates these May students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.
From left: Archer Long, Daniel Toscano, and Reyna Weaver. Absent from photo: Dylan Caracciola. [...]
Students Present Research at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science State MeetingMay 28, 2026The following Western Wayne High School and Middle School students presented scientific research at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Regional Competition on May 18. These students investigated a scientific question, carried out controlled scientific research, and presented their findings to a panel of professionals in STEM fields. Students engaged in the engineering design process to develop these projects. 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.
High School:
Audrey Agnello- 2nd award for her research in the field of Behavioral Science. Audrey studied Gender Differences in Deceptive Efficiency. Audrey was awarded a perseverance award for her success at the state competition.
Madelyn McClure -1st award for her research in the field of Zoology. Madelyn studied the Thermal Effects of Exercise on Equine Lower Limbs. Madelyn focused on how protective boots may increase tendon damage due to heat retention using a thermal camera and horses that are in training. Madelyn was awarded a perseverance award for her success at the state competition.
Christopher Pane- 2nd award for his research in the field of Biology. Christopher studied How cells are protected from Stress by Antioxidants. Chris’s work is related to cancer development in cells and how antioxidants prevent damage and protect cells.
Ava Karabuber- 2nd award for her research in the field of Botany. Ava studied the Effects of Salt on Plant Germination. Ava focused on how road salt runoff is impacting germination in plants.
Charlie Vinton- 2nd award for his research in Microbiology. Charlie studied the Bacterial Content of Manufactured Snow. Charlie’s work examined the bacterial load in snow that is manufactured at ski resorts compared to natural snow.
Middle School:
Timothy McClure- 1st award for his research in Physics. TJ conducted an Experimental Analysis of Projectile Velocity Consistency. TJ examined how ballistics rounds vary in velocity throughout a lot and between brands as fired through a chronograph. TJ was awarded a perfect score and the State Directors’ Award of Excellence for Junior High Physics as well as a monetary award.
Harper Bell- 2nd award for her research in Physics. Harper studied the effects of softball bat type on ball distance. Harper’s interest in softball drove her research to determine which bat is most effective.
Sophia Shehadi- 2nd award for her research in Microbiology. Sophia studied the Effects of Straw Type on Bacterial Content. Her work involved determining the bacteria that build up in straw materials during use.
Club advisors are high school science teachers Christine McClure and Maria Masankay.
Photo one, from left: Madelyn McClure and Audrey Agnello received perseverance awards for their success at the state competition.Photo two, from left: Christopher Pane, Madelyn McClure, Sophia Shehadi, Harper Bell, Audrey Agnello, Ava Karabuber, Charles Vinton, and Timothy McClurePhoto three: Timothy McClure received the State Directors’ Award of Excellence for Junior High Physics. [...]
Western Wayne Car Show and Lead Motorcycle Run on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 May 19, 2026The Western Wayne Hot Rod Club and Drama Club will host their 2026 Annual Car Show on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 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.
The Drama Club will also host a Lead Motorcycle Run the same day starting at BAER Sports Center, Honesdale, with the finish at the Western Wayne High School. Registration for Motorcycle Run from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The ride begins at 10:30 a.m. Cost is $20 per driver and $15 per passenger. Register day of event at BAER Sports Center. Receive a food voucher and basket raffle ticket for Western Wayne Car Show with Lead Motorcycle Run registration.
In addition, the Drama group will sell a variety of concessions at the car show. 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. 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 on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19. The rain date is Saturday, September 26. [...]
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.