Calling all students grades 9-12. We are looking for athletes and partners to join our team. Our club promotes a fun, competitive, and inclusive environment for students withand without disabilities. Interested students, please sign the sign up sheet located in the high school office or contact Coach Cardamone by 2/28/2022. For more information contact Coach Cardamone. Contact information is listed below.
(L to R) Mallory McCarthy, Aubrey Nixon, Sean Galliford, Daniel Hall, and Dr. Mark Nebzydoski.
Dr. Mark Nebzydoski’s and Mrs. Maria Phillip’s classes participated in the rEV electrifying educational experience program this fall. Four students were chosen by the National Energy Foundation (NEF) to receive a pair of Beats Wireless headphones for their online share form submission evaluating the program. The winners included Mallory McCarthy, Aubrey Nixon, Sean Galliford, and Daniel Hall. rEV is an electrifying educational experience driving electric vehicle (EV) adoption through an interactive presentation for students. Awareness of the benefits of EVs remains a significant barrier to mass-market adoption and rEV’s curriculum aims to dispel common misconceptions and promote future EV advocacy. The program is designed to educate students on the benefits of EVs through a STEM-based multimedia curriculum. After the experience, students and parents alike will understand the economic, environmental, and societal benefits of buying an EV. Students will have the opportunity to participate in the national level rEV Challenge, creating a video to compel their friends and family to learn more about the benefits and technology of EVs. The school-to-home approach will bring this knowledge and awareness into students’ households to accelerate market transformation. EVs are an integral part of the future of energy and the ongoing transformation of the smart grid with high school students as the next generation of vehicle owners. After a successful spring launch, NEF expanded the program further to reach 49 states, 500 schools and 44,000 students in the fall of 2021. The fall expansion also included the rEV Interactive Experience being presented in classrooms by our Energy Educators. Returning to the classroom has allowed us to further connect with students and see their excitement to take an active role in shaping their energy future. NEF is putting middle and high school students in the driver’s seat by dispelling the myths surrounding EVs and giving students the opportunity to look into the future of transportation. With engaging program materials and a school-to-home connection, rEV is already making its mark in schools across the nation. We’re excited to continue cultivating an energy literate society through EV education. Want to join our mission? Contact Chris Reilly at chris@nef1.org or 847-514-7626 to learn more!
The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) students approved and proposed to the Board of the Wayne County Community Foundation (WCCF) a mini grant application for the purchase of a chiller for Dr. Mark Nebzydoski’s Pennsylvania Trout in the Classroom (PATIC) program. The chiller is a necessary component for raising trout in the classroom as it maintains the proper temperature for egg hatching and fry development of trout. Dr. Nebzydoski’s science classes are engaged in the PA Fish Commission’s Trout in Classroom Program and had gathered most of the components necessary to raise trout from eggs for release in the spring but needed a chiller. This mini grant fulfils that final component. The Wayne County Community Foundation is a nonprofit foundation whose primary goal is to build a charitable reserve of funds for the current and future needs of Wayne County. The Foundation uses grant resources to support a wide variety of community organizations, empowering them where possible to thrive, grow, and become self-sustaining. The Wayne County Community Foundation, 214 Ninth Street, Honesdale, PA 18431, Phone: 570-251-9993, Email: info@waynefoundation.org https://www.waynefoundation.org/
Row 1: Stevie Wilkinson, Gabby Tetreault, Ava Compton, Kayla Stokesberry, Marshall Davis, Hunter Schmitt, and Morgan Coccodrilli. Row 2: Skylar Long, Ella Pavlovich, Rachel Hoch, Lou Azzato, Jamie Chapman, Alex Chapman, Gavin Murphy, and Adrian Agnello.
The 2021-2022 Region 22 FBLA Virtual Regional Conference was held in January. Western Wayne FBLA had 58 members place in the top 5 at the conference. Of those 58 members 51 are eligible to compete at the State Leadership Conference in Hershey in April. Jared Goldman was also elected as Region 22 Secretary for the 2022-2023 school year.
2021-2022 FBLA Regional Conference Results
Name
Place
Event
Skylar Long*
Second Place
Accounting I
Laynee Nugent
Fifth Place
Accounting I
Emilie McAllister*
Second Place
Advertising
Kylie Merring*
Third Place
Business Calculations
Eleanor Black*
Fourth Place
Business Communication
Catherine Cavage
Fifth Place
Business Communication
Alexandra Butler*Sarah Collins*Morgan Heenan*
First Place
Business Management
Ella Dougher*Audrey Lawlor*Lucas Putman*
Third Place
Business Management
Bernard Roedel*
First Place
Computer Applications
Joseph Skirpan
Fifth Place
Computer Problem Solving
Rachel Tuman*
First Place
Entrepreneurship
Ava Compton*Kayla Stokesberry*
Second Place
Entrepreneurship
Hunter Schmitt*Katherine Shepherd*
Fourth Place
Entrepreneurship
Gabby Tetreault*
First Place
Future Business Leader
Xenia Vivona*
First Place
Help Desk
Mackenzie Adams*
Third Place
Hospitality & Event Management
Jayden Kellachow*
Fourth Place
Introduction to Business Communication
Adrian Agnello*Weston Nugent*
First Place
Introduction to Business Presentation
Raegan Palmer*Colette Schmitt*
Second Place
Introduction to Business Presentation
Addison Griffin*Allyson Irvine*Grace Lidy*
Fourth Place
Introduction to Event Planning
Allie Pauler*
First Place
Introduction to FBLA
Jamie Chapman*
Second Place
Introduction to FBLA
Hunter Smith*
Third Place
Introduction to FBLA
Rhayni Carroll*
First Place
Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure
Taylor Maiocco*
Second Place
Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure
Emily Romanowski*
Third Place
Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure
Zoe Albitz*
First Place
Introduction to Public Speaking
Ethan Lamberton*
Second Place
Introduction to Public Speaking
Connor Bryant*Anthony Donnini*David Elias*
First Place
Introduction to Social Media Strategy
Jared Goldman*Mason Rush*
Second Place
Introduction to Social Media Strategy
Rylee Sheehan*
Third Place
Marketing
Brandon Cleveland
Fifth Place
Marketing
Ashton Fitzsimmons*
Fourth Place
Organizational Leadership
Alex Chapman*Allison McCarthy*Rachel Hoch*Jenna Kwiatkowski*Kaeli Romanowski*
First Place
Parliamentary Procedure
Adelaide Treibley*
First Place
Public Speaking
Morgan Coccodrilli*Gavin Murphy*
Second Place
Sales Presentation
Lillian Maros
Third Place
Sales Presentation
Lucius RichnerAlex Enslin
Fifth Place
Sports & Entertainment Management
Marshall Davis*
First Place
Word Processing
Jared Goldman
2022-2023 Region 22 Secretary
*Eligible to compete at the State Leadership Conference in Hershey.
This is the board game students created to facilitate their discussion of independent reading books in Mrs. Petty’s ELA classes.Students in Mrs. McLaughlin’s ELA class dressed up as figures from the biographies they read for the second quarter for a book project, from left: Antonio Fisichella, Adrianne Waller, Sydney Sosa, Madison Trapanese, Ethan Gillott, Hailey Wasman, and Vinny Baldini.Students in Mrs. Petty’s ELA class play a reading board game, in this photo Mackenzie Warnock looks on and takes notes on her classmates’ reading.Students select books donated from the The Wayne County Community Foundation through a project called Building Home Libraries at their lunch, from left: Kayelin Martin, Hailey Wasman, Phoebe Schmitt, and Madelyn Vinton.
Book clubs, book presentations in character, book board games, and book tastings are just some of the classroom projects that Western Wayne Middle School students have been participating in through their English Language Arts classes this year.
ELA teacher Starlah Robbins treated her students to a “book tasting” earlier this year where students sampled a variety of different books in her class. She set up her room like a book café and served as the reading chef. In addition, Robbins explained other projects she does with her students.
“ I allow class time for independent reading and then do both journaling and book talks,” Robbins explained. “They discuss conflict, characters, themes, etc. in their books, without giving away any spoilers. From these talks students make “read next” lists for books that catch their interest. Aside from book talks, students have done book reviews, which is another way for students to see what other good books are out there that they can read.”
Similarly fellow ELA teachers Dawn Krautter and Jessica Fullwood host book talks within their classrooms and say their students truly enjoy being able to read books of their choice and then share their reading experiences with classmates. This practice helps promote students learning about and choosing a variety of books to read throughout the school year.
Sixth grade ELA teacher Kathleen Petty had her students create and play a book talk board game.
“After reading independently selected sixth grade-appropriate books, the students shared information about their selections as they played the board game,” Petty explained. “Simultaneously, the other players would record details of the book on their score sheets. The kids were really comfortable discussing and sharing details about their books in a small group setting. This was a fun way to spark student interest in new books. Throughout the game several students exclaimed, ‘I’ve got to read your book!’ It was a great way to break up the regular classroom routine!”
Eighth grade ELA teacher Jessica McLaughlin has her students choose their independent reading books in a variety of categories throughout the school year to help them diversify their reading patterns. For the second quarter, students read a biography or autobiography of their choosing. As their final book project, they discussed the biography figures they wrote about with their classmates. Some students dressed in character for the activity. The students said their favorite part about the project was learning about different people throughout history that they didn’t know existed.
Another way that students are being able to expand their knowledge on a variety of topics through reading comes from an opportunity provided to them by The Wayne County Community Foundation through a project called Building Home Libraries. The Foundation has donated books to Western Wayne Middle and Elementary schools to help students to build their own home libraries. All students received books the week of February 7 to take home and enjoy.
Eighth grader Hailey Wasman was excited to get a new book.
“I have been reading a really great series lately, but I am always ready to try out a new story,” Hailey said.
In addition, this coming spring Western Wayne Middle and High School students will participate in NEIU 19’s Virtual Reading Relays where they will get to discuss books in a competitive and friendly way with students throughout the local area. Western Wayne students are thrilled to have so many different and unique ways to involve reading in their education.
“The silent cries of a blank page/ Waiting for words for an age” writes Western Wayne freshman Lillian Maros in her poem “Rushing Words” which won an Honorable Mention award from Scholastic Art & Writing Awards from The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. Lillian entered the contest after having heard about it in one of her classes last year. She is thrilled to have been recognized for her poetry. She has been writing fiction for a number of years now and truly enjoys crafting stories. She explained the meaning of her poem, “It is about writing a book during COVID times and the pressure of all of that. The poem summarizes my life in general.” Although Lillian enjoys writing full length stories best, she explained how writing poetry is a fun new challenge for her. “Poetry is interesting because of all of the rhymes,” she explained. “It is a challenge to come up with many specific words. You have to have a large vocabulary. When I write fiction, I concentrate more on what I would want to read in a book and then try to put that in my stories.”
The full length poem is below:
“Rushing Words” Blocked by the pain of a lightning-struck tree Beaten and battered by winds from the sea Screaming thoughts of inspiration whizzing by at blazing speeds Small ideas and breakthroughs alike peaking through the weeds The silent cries of a blank page Waiting for words for an age Water slamming against the rocks at the Point The still, quiet sigh of the glistening pond The whisper of the Lord’s sweet voice in my ears The mind screaming of the horrors of school work, health, and all fears Dreaming of words painting a story While fears of failure come to worry Goals upon goals of awards and approval The dismay of the words they said would come cruel The hoping and praying for an adventure of my own The wish for a journey beyond that of my home Could such exploits only exist in the brain? Or is it just my want to dance in the rain? The gift of thoughts flowing like a river The pride of a medalist who has just won a silver The confidence of a glorious choir The constant need to reach higher and higher The scratching and scraping of a pen on the paper The paint soaked brush on a canvas is my nature Words billowing like a raging cascade Rushing words from which I am made
“Hope you have a great day!” and “Your day will get better!” are just two of the positive messages that Western Wayne Sixth Grader Grace Owens has written for others around her she thought needed some positive inspiration.
Grace explained that she writes inspirational messages on post it notes for her friends and teachers at Western Wayne Middle School when she knows they are struggling or facing challenges.
“When my one friend was getting braces, I wrote her a note that said she was beautiful no matter what and that it wouldn’t change,” Grace explained.
Grace said she pays attention to how the people around her are feeling and writes them a note when she thinks they need it the most. She also likes to write cards for her family members.
Grace is a member of student council, basketball, and cheerleading at Western Wayne along with being a teacher for children ages three through five at her church. She is also an honor roll student.
She looks forward to continuing to inspire others around her to feel the positivity she enjoys passing on.
Western Wayne sophomore Carly Schott recently had the opportunity to have her artwork published in a children’s book called A Butterfly Called Bennie. Carly is a member of Western Wayne’s National Art Honor Society and will donate any profits she makes from this project to a charity of her choosing. Nichole Laub, Director of Nursing at Aventura at Creekside in Carbondale saw some of her artwork through Carly’s mother. Laub then asked if she would like to work on doing some illustrations for the book project. The theme of A Butterfly Called Bennie is accepting the differences of others. Carly worked closely with the author in creating her illustrations. She was asked to create colorful images for the book. She used the medium of colored pencil to create her pictures. Having really enjoyed working on her artwork since the sixth grade, Carly jumped at the chance to use her art skills in this new way. “I enjoy the process of creating and being able to see the finished product that I create,” Carly explained. “ I want to be an artist someday.” The book is currently available at all local bookstores and the publisher: Dorrance Publishing Co. In addition, it can be purchased at Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble, and BAM. Copies of the book also will be donated to all the local libraries and to all buildings within the Western Wayne School District. Pictured is Carly with a copy of the book she illustrated.
Western Wayne Middle School Students enjoyed a treat of activities with their classmates including a trivia contest, basketball tournament, and a variety of team building exercises on January 14, 2022, as a part of the school PBIS initiative. The PBIS initiative involves successfully creating a proactive positive school environment in which students are demonstrating their Wildcat PRIDE daily.
PBIS is an ongoing effort of the Western Wayne School District to guide students in behaving and interacting with others in such a way as to promote an effective learning community.
The students in grades six through eight enjoyed the activities on what was a half day of school on Friday, Jan. 14, 2002.
In photo one, from left: 8th graders Maggie Kotchessa and Logan Pauler participate in the 8th grade basketball competition while Mr. Darren Thorpe supervises and fellow 8th grader Phoebe Schmitt takes the score.
In photo two, from left back row: 8th graders Antonio Fisichella and Ethan Gillot. Front row, from left: fellow 8th graders Aiden Matthews and Zach Wilbur. The students completed a team building activity in class where they had to build a structure out of nothing but twenty sheets of paper.
From left: Western Wayne High School Principal Paul Gregorski and Jenny Guadagno.
Western Wayne Senior Jenny Guadago has been selected as a College Board National Recognition Program awardee for scoring well on several advanced placement exams. Jenny explained that the rigorous courses she took at Western Wayne greatly prepared her to do well on these tests. She explained how she has taken and continues to take challenging science courses at Western Wayne. “I have a lot of practice with problem solving from the courses I have taken,” Jenny explained. “I have learned to question everything.” In addition to her academic studies, Jenny loves to be a part of the Western Wayne Marching Band where she has served as a section leader. “I like getting to know everyone and to connect with so many different people,” she said. “Band attracts such a diverse group of students with the common interest of having a passion for music.” Jenny aspires to study science in college upon graduation. “I am so interested in science because the whole concept involves trying to figure out the world around you.”
ALL NEWS
Junior Information Night – May 13th – 6:00 PMApril 30, 2026On Thursday, May 13th, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. the Guidance Department will be conducting JuniorInformation Night in the LGI. The purpose of this evening is to inform parents/guardians about:selecting a college/trade school/training program, college cost, the college admissions process,registration and deadlines for the SAT/ACT, general financial aid information, Maia, SmartFutures,military and job opportunities and other important information.
https://ww3.westernwayne.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Junior-Information-Night-letter-to-parents-2026.pdf [...]
Student Council Attend Pennsylvania Association of Student Council Regional ConferenceApril 23, 2026Members of Western Wayne High School Student Council attended the Pennsylvania Association of Student Council Region H’s Annual Conference on Friday, April 17, hosted by Wyoming Valley West. There were hundreds of middle and high school students from area schools in the region in attendance.
Mr. Mason Wooldridge gave a presentation. Wooldridge encouraged students to remember that “things don’t happen to you; they happen for you” and encouraged them to take on challenges in life and know that everything is an opportunity for learning and growth.
In addition, Pennsylvania State Representative Mr. Alec Ryncavage, who represents the 119th Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, serving parts of Luzerne County, also gave a presentation. He was a WVW graduate who spoke about feeling called to public service at a young age and the responsibility he holds for representing 65k residents and encouraged students to follow their calling.
Another part of the experience involved students attending three different workshops of their choice. The workshops all focused on student leadership, teamwork, mental health, fundraising, and making connections with a fun twist. For example, they were able to make slime, friendship bracelets, and participate in breakout rooms.
Finally, there was a College/Vendor Fair that had 44 tables at the event.
Front row, from left: Evan Davitt, Ava Fiorella, Layla Persaud, Leah Reeger, Raelyn Simpson, and Meghan Rath. Back row, from left: Haley McGuire, Lillian Gilchrist, Olivia McGlone, Jailah McRae, Mackenzie Wehrmann, and Alexis Gill. [...]
High School March Students of the MonthApril 23, 2026The following students were recognized by the Student Council as students of the month for March. 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 Xavier James. He’s a hard worker who actively participates in class and is extremely polite and respectful. He always strives to push himself to be his best. He is described as respectful, polite, hardworking, and all-around great young man, strong athlete with a commitment to his academics, kind, gets along well with both classmates and teachers, and diligent. It is also noted that he works hard to stay on top of his sports and classes.
Next, Leah Reeger is our chosen sophomore this month. She always participates during class, does her own work, and wants to learn. She is described as polite, hardworking, dependable, a stand-out amongst her peers, helps others, kind, a role model, and has integrity. In addition, it is noted that she is creative, insightful, dedicated, mature, hard-working, and courteous.
In addition, Makenzie Chearney is this month’s featured junior. She is noted as hard-working, completes all assignments on time, helps her peers, intelligent, friendly, determined and caring.
Finally, Katarina Shumski is our senior spotlight this month. Katarina’s teachers say she quietly goes about her business and is impeccable with her organization, school work, and time management. In addition, they note she is hard-working, dependable, considerate, reliable, and dependable because she is always on task.
The Western Wayne School District congratulates these March students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.
From left: Katarina Shumski, Leah Reeger, Makenzie Chearney, and Xavier James. [...]
FBLA Students Shine at PA State Leadership Conference in HersheyApril 23, 2026HERSHEY, PA — Students from Western Wayne High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter demonstrated outstanding achievement, leadership, and professionalism at the Pennsylvania FBLA State Leadership Conference held this week in Hershey.
Throughout the multi-day conference, students participated in a wide range of enriching experiences designed to build career readiness and leadership skills. Attendees engaged in competitive events, attended dynamic leadership workshops, explored career pathways at the expo, and collaborated with peers from across the state. These sessions provided students with opportunities to strengthen their communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, hallmarks of FBLA’s mission to prepare students for success in business and beyond.
Western Wayne proudly celebrates Grady Farley, who earned an impressive 4th-place finish in the event of Agribusiness, qualifying him for the FBLA National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas, in June. This exceptional accomplishment reflects his dedication and expertise.
The chapter also congratulates Kaelyn Chearney for her 10th-place finish in Introduction to FBLA, showcasing her strong foundational knowledge and competitive spirit.
In the Business Ethics event, the team of Khloe Mistishin, Maggie Kotchessa, and Grace Moser advanced to the final round, demonstrating excellence in ethical reasoning, teamwork, and presentation skills at a highly competitive level.
Western Wayne FBLA members competed across a wide range of events, including:
Abigail Bell – Member at Large/Voting Delegate
Eli Bilski – Human Resource Management
Paul Borowski – Banking and Financial Systems
Julia Burry – Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure
Robert Carrelle – Banking and Financial Systems
Kaelyn Chearney – Introduction to FBLA
Makenzie Chearney – Journalism
Roxanne Dugan – Healthcare Administration
Paityn Duprey – Business Communication
Grady Farley – Agribusiness
Madison Forgione – Future Business Educator
Raegan Fox – Member at Large/Voting Delegate
Lillian Gilchrist – Introduction to Supply Chain Management
Charlianne Hachikian – Business Law
Justin Jimenez – Real Estate
Madison Kizer – Advertising
Kaitlyn Kloss – Introduction to FBLA
Maggie Kotchessa – Business Ethics
Raeleigh Kromko- Computer Applications
Kelsey Lokuta – Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure
Aiden Matthews – Banking and Financial Systems
Kyle Matthews – Introduction to Information Technology
Madelyn McClure – Organizational Leadership
Khloe Mistishin – Business Ethics
Grace Moser – Business Ethics
Madison Trapanese – Hospitality and Event Management
Graysen Valinski – Networking Infrastructure
Avery Vinton – Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure
Bryn Vinton – Business Communication
Madelyn Vinton – Computer Applications
Annie Williams – Job Interview
In addition to competitive success, several students were recognized for their leadership contributions at the regional level. Madelyn McClure was honored for her service as the 2025–2026 Region 22 Treasurer and was officially welcomed into her new role as the 2026–2027 Region 22 President, a testament to her leadership and commitment to FBLA.
The chapter also recognizes Raegan Fox and Abigail Bell, who served as Members-at-Large and voting delegates, representing Western Wayne in important conference decisions and leadership proceedings.
The State Leadership Conference is an incredible opportunity for our students to grow as leaders, connect with peers, and apply their skills in real-world scenarios. As their adviser, I am extremely proud of their hard work, accomplishments, and the way they represented Western Wayne. Students were also accompanied by Mrs. Megan Rush and Mr. Tim McClure, who are themselves WW FBLA Alumni.
The Western Wayne FBLA chapter looks forward to continuing its tradition of excellence and wishes Grady Farley the best of luck as he prepares to compete on the national stage this summer.
Picture one, front row, from left: Lillian Gilchrist, Madison Kizer, Kaelyn Chearney, Madison Trapanese, Khloe Mistishin, Grace Moser, and Maggie Kotchessa. Second row, from left: Madison Forgione, Madelyn McClure, Makenzie Chearney, Bryn Vinton, Annie Williams, Paityn Duprey, Madelyn Vinton, Julia Burry, Kaitlyn Kloss, and Avery Vinton. Third row, from left: Raegan Fox, Grady Farley, Abigail Bell, Eli Bilski, Kyle Matthews, Paul Borowski, Graysen Valinski, Robbie Carrelle, and Aiden Matthews.
Picture two, from left: Kaelyn Chearney, 10th-place finish in Introduction to FBLA; and Grady Farley, 4th-place finish in the event of Agribusiness. [...]
JA Inspire – Career Exploration Experience – 2026April 15, 2026JA Inspire – Career Exploration Experience – 2026 Western Wayne Juniors were able to attend Junior Achievement’s interactive career fair with over 80 different presenting organizations! [...]
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.
