Western Wayne Drama Club students saw The Ritz Theater in Scranton’s production of Little Women the musical on the evening of Saturday, May 7. The students enjoyed the musical rendition of this well-known classic. Row one, from left: Becca Boots, Kenzie Kennedy, Phoebe Schmitt, Luis Appollonio, and Mikayla Fullone. Row two, from left: Haley Strocchia, club secretary; Madison Trapanese, Colette Schmitt, and Kat Shumski. Row three, from left: Liv Benson, Hayley Cordero, Brynn Mazurick, Alex Fullone, and Rae Christopher.. Row four, from left: Nate Conway, club president; Robert Scramuzza, club public relations; B. Flannery, club treasurer; Jocilyn Brungard, and Amanda David.
Let’s TACO ‘bout the amazing teachers at Robert D. Wilson Elementary School! The RDW PTA treated the teachers to breakfast and lunch for Teacher Appreciation Week. Monday was a continental breakfast of bagels, muffins, danish, and a make your own yogurt parfait bar. Thursday’s lunch was a fiesta with an assorted taco bar with all the trimmings. Thank you for all you do for our children everyday!
Madelyn McClure working on her research. Alex Chapman, Adrian Agnello, and Bridget Oppelt working on their research.Annie Williams working on her research.
The following Western Wayne students presented scientific research at the Virtual Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science. 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. Team advisors are Christine McClure and Maria Masankay.
From Western Wayne High School: Adrian Agnello (10th grade) received a second place award for his work in chemistry while researching “Does SPF Clothing Really Work?.” Alex Chapman (11th grade) received a third place for his work in Ecology while studying “The Effects of Winter Road Treatment on Plant Growth.” Kailey Tickner (11th grade) received a second place award for her work in Behavioral Science studying “The Effects of a Pandemic on Behavior.” Bridget Oppelt (12th grade) received a second place while studying Behavioral Science in the area of “The Effects of Color on Student Learning.” Kailey Tickner was awarded a scholarship to continue her education by taking courses through Lackawanna College in the fall during her senior year of high school.From Western Wayne Middle School: Madelyn McClure (7th grade) received a first place award and a perfect score for her research in Ecology studying “The Effects of Tree Species on Heat Production.” Annie Williams (7th grade) received a third place award for her research in chemistry studying “Does the density of a liquid affect it’s sinking rate?”. Audrey Agnello (8th grade) received a second place award for her research in biology while studying Extraction of DNA. Madelyn McClure will be presenting her research at the PJAS State Competition in May at Penn State
Western Wayne Middle School Select Chorus, under the direction of Mrs. Joyce Covaleski, will be performing at the 73rd Annual Spring Concert of Scranton’s Catholic Choral Society at Holy Rosary Church, 316 William Street in Scranton, on Sunday, May 22, at 7 p.m. All are invited to this FREE concert! Please note that in spite of the Chorale’s name and the venue, this is not a religious concert but an eclectic concert of spring and patriotic music. Pictured are members of the Western Wayne Middle School Select Chorus.
Western Wayne freshman Rebekah Palko placed third in the walk/ jog intermediate competition at the Interscholastic Equestrian Association National Competition on April 30 in Harrisburg. Palko looks forward to next year’s competition season. Any other local middle and high school riders can join IEA. Students do not need to own their own horse in order to be a part of a team. The link for more information is https://www.rideiea.org/
For the first time since 2019, the PA FBLA State Leadership Conference was held in-person at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center. The 50 members of the Western Wayne delegation were among the more than 2,900 members and advisers in attendance. During the conference, 25 WW students were recognized on stage for excellence in various competitive events. Seniors Gabby Tetreault and Morgan Coccodrilli, PA FBLA state officers, along with the other state officers, conducted the sessions. Theresa Lubash, local chapter adviser, was honored during the Opening Session as the Outstanding Adviser of the Year. The chapter garnered two first-place awards and four second-place awards as well as many more. Those students recognized included: Rhayni Carroll, first-place, Intro to Parliamentary Procedure, the team of Rachel Hoch, Kaeli Romanowski, Jenna Kwiatkowski, Aly McCarthy, and Alex Chapman, first-place, Parliamentary Procedure; Adelaide Treibley, second-place, Public Speaking; the team of Adrian Agnello and Weston Nugent, second place, Intro to Business Presentation; the team of Gavin Murphy and Morgan Coccodrilli, second-place, Sales Presentation; Emily Romanowski, second-place, Intro to Parliamentary Procedure; the team of Lou Azzato, Stevie Wilkinson, and Alex Iovacchini, third-place, Public Service Announcement. Also winning awards were the team of Julie Bryan, Niya Acosta, and Anjali DeLeon Bello, fifth-place, Digital Video Production; Rachel Tuman, sixth place, Entrepreneurship; Taylor Maiocco, sixth-place, Intro to Parliamentary Procedure; Xenia Vivona, sixth-place, Help Desk; Gabby Tetreault, eighth-place, Future Business Leader; Allie Pauler, ninth place, Introduction to FBLA; and the team of Raegan Palmer and Colette Schmitt, tenth-place, Intro to Business Presentation. In Who’s Who in PA FBLA, Kaeli Romanowski and Rachel Hoch placed fourth and fifth, respectively. These two seniors also placed fourth and fifth in the William Selden Scholarship Award receiving each $1,000 scholarships. They will receive the money after successfully completing one semester of college. Finally, the Western Wayne chapter received a fifth-place award in the Outstanding Chapter event and seventh place for the Local Market Share Award. Also attending the conference were Mackenzie Adams, Zoe Albitz, Connor Bryant, Jamie Chapman, Brandon Cleveland, Sarah Collins, Ava Compton, Marshall Davis, Anthony Donnini, Ella Dougher, David Elias, Ashton Fitzsimmons, Jared Goldman, Addison Griffin, Morgan Heenan, Allyson Irvine, Audrey Lawlor, Grace Lidy, Laynee Nugent, Lucas Putman, Mason Rush, Hunter Schmitt, Kathy Shepherd, Hunter Smith, and Kayla Stokesberry.
On Tuesday, May 3, 2022, WWHS SADD/TRU club attended a “Virtual Day at the Capital” hosted by the American Lung Association. The group spread the word that” Vaping is harmful for youth and teens” by putting messages in chalk on the sidewalk outside the middle school. They also attended a Zoom conference along with Tobacco Resistant Youth members from all over the state, Lung Association representatives and the PA House of Representatives. In photo, from left: Kaitlyn McDermott, vice president; Madison Kammer, president of SADD; Zoey Goldman, secretary; McKenzie Laity; and Jaden Gregory, treasurer.
Students at Robert D. Wilson welcomed Spring by learning all about pollinators and the important role that honey bees play in growing our food ! Students made core curricular connections as they learned about the parts of a flower, and the parts of a bee! Additionally, students used printmaking techniques to mimic the unique honeycomb patterns bees create organically, while learning about shapes that tesselate, like hexagons!
This program brings the opportunity for college education closer to home without the long drive and time to campus. Both high school and adult students will have interactive, two-way access to Johnson College faculty and will participate in remote education, discussions, testing, and skill demonstrations. The program will create a direct route to career technology education (CTE), a college degree, and ultimately a fulfilling career with family-sustaining wages for students in rural Northeastern Pennsylvania. See the attached flyer for details.
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.
