Please bring in non-perishable canned foods to
help feed needy people from our area this
holiday season!
Drop off barrels will be located at all schools in the district.
”Together, We Can Help Make A Difference For Our Less Fortunate Friends.”
If your family needs help from the food pantry this holiday season, contact 253-4263
The Kindergarten and 1st Grade students at RDW studied the Art of Wassily Kandinsky, focusing especially on his most famous painting, Squares with Concentric Circles, done in 1913. Students also learned about warm and cool colors, and how colors can convey feelings. Students practiced both drawing, cutting, and painting concentric circles. They also practiced proper painting procedures and brush control in the process! Students also talked about the idea of collaborative art as we combined everyone’s paintings together to make the beautiful installation hanging in the hallway. The Students learned a lot and had a great time!
The Western Wayne School District will host a cavalcade of bands on the evening of Thursday, Oct. 14, at our football stadium. A total of eight schools will participate including: Lakeland, West Scranton, Valley View, Delaware Valley, North Pocono, Northwest Area, Dunmore, and, of course, Western Wayne will close out the show.
“It is exciting to get to perform in a cavalcade after not being able to do them last year [because of COVID],” senior drum major Hudson Malinowski explained. “I hope everyone comes out to enjoy our show!”
The public may start arriving at the stadium as early as 5:45 p.m. Lakeland will be the first school to perform starting at 6:30 p.m. with the National Anthem being played shortly beforehand.
Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for children under 12 and senior citizens, or free with the donation of pet food or supplies at the gate. All donations will be given to the “C Alley Cats of Lake Wallenpaupack” organization. C Alley Cats provides low cost spay/ neuter services, provides adoption and foster programs, and gives support to caregivers of medically challenged cats.
In addition, concessions will be sold with all proceeds benefiting Western Wayne band and color guard students.
Western Wayne’s field show this season is “A Full Course Meal” with the selections of “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke,” “ Cheeseburger in Paradise,” Chicken Dance,” and “I Want Candy.” Come out and enjoy the hard work of all of the local school bands participating in this event.
Pictured is Malinowski conducting the Western Wayne Band during their recent performance at a home football game that also served as their senior night. Malinowski’s fellow drum major is junior Maggie Nagle.
Chief Price and his firefighters from Hamlin Fire & Rescue, Lake Ariel Fire Department and Ledgedale Fire Company were at EverGreen Elementary on October 8, 2021 to discuss fire prevention and safety with all students. Students were able to see firefighters in their turn-out gear, see different tools used to fight fires and different piece of equipment that was on scene, and have lunch with some of the firefighters. Students learned valuable lessons that they will be able use to in their lives.
We would like to thank Hamlin Fire & Rescue, Lake Ariel Fire Department, and Ledgedale Fire Department for coming to EverGreen Elementary today.
Western Wayne students participated virtually in the FCCLA National Leadership Conference held the first week of July in Nashville, Tennessee, this past summer.
According to FCCLA’s official website, “More than 4,500 members, advisers, and supporters from across the country participated in FCCLA’s first-ever Hybrid National Leadership Conference. Whether attending virtually or in-person, FCCLA challenged all conference attendees to grow “Beyond Measure” through career exploration, virtual networking, Competitive Event recognition, professional development opportunities, student-led leadership sessions, and more!”
Western Wayne students Zoey Goldman and Kennedy Mistishin presented their community service project which involved a very successful Breakfast with Santa for our local community. The girls placed in the top five percent at nationals.
Fellow classmate Adelaide Treibley did a public speaking presentation on the effects of COVID on professional employment. She placed in the top ten percent at nationals.
“I enjoyed preparing my presentation and participating in nationals this year,” Adelaide said. “I look forward to another great year in FCCLA.”
The FCCLA program helps students to develop skills for life through: character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge, and career preparation.
The Western Wayne School District is excited to announce the opening of Western Wayne High School’s Wildcat Den. The Wildcat Den will be available to students in need of a safe space to de-escalate, de-stress, and re-set. Initially, the Wildcat Den will be open and staffed during the lunch periods. It is our vision that teachers will reserve the space for their classes on occasion. In addition, any student wishing to utilize the space can talk to their school counselor.
“The Wildcat Den offers multiple stations designated to calm the sensory system,” Rachael Palko, high school guidance counselor, explained. “There is a station for auditory, tactical, visual, olfactory, vestibular, and proprioceptive. Examples of some tools in the space include: a weighted lap pad, balance pods, comfortable seating, elliptical training machine, fidget tools, games, music, and many other wonderful resources.”
The Wildcat Den is sponsored through Western Wayne School District and developed by the High School Counseling Department in conjunction with Dr. Katie Shemanski – Moro.
Following in a tradition that has been established over the past few years, the Western Wayne School District invites the community to attend its annual homecoming game this Friday, October 1, and accept the challenge of helping others. Along with coming to cheer on the students, they ask that spectators bring donations of canned goods and other nonperishable food items for a drive that will benefit those in need in Wayne County.
The Western Wayne Homecoming Game against Honesdale will begin at 7 p.m. with the presentation of the Homecoming Court about a half hour before kick-off. The ten seniors on this year’s court feel extremely honored and excited to be a part of this ensemble.
Members of the court include: Thomas Chernasky, Rachel Tuman, Jaiden DeRosa, Sarah Collins, Ashton Fitzsimmons, Rylee Sheehan, Caden Brungard, Brooke Richardson, Josh Mahnke, and Ella Dougher.
“I am glad to get to have the experience of being on the homecoming court with my friends for my senior year,” Ashton Fitzsimmons said.
Ashton and all of the members of the homecoming court look forward to bonding with each other and making memories during homecoming at Friday’s game. The court along with the rest of the Western Wayne community invite the public to join them on Friday, Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m. for the homecoming festivities followed by the game.
Bring some canned goods to donate and contribute to the positive atmosphere of Western Wayne Homecoming.
More than 12,000 participants from across the country convened online for the Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL) 2021 National Leadership Conference (NLC). The event, which connected middle school, high school, and collegiate level students through competitive events, leadership sessions, and networking, provided students with the collective opportunity to win more than $110,000 in cash awards.
Western Wayne High School in Lake Ariel received national recognition during FBLA-PBL’s Awards of Excellence ceremonies for the FBLA high school division July 1 and 2.
During the Awards of Excellence program, the team of Lenny Maiocco, Lena Piccolino, Rachel Hoch, Kaeli Romanowski, and Gabby Tetreault placed eighth in the nation in the Parliamentary Procedure event. To achieve this success, each of the students took an objective test covering the rules of parliamentary procedure.
“My experience with this event taught me a lot about cooperation in team work and how much time and effort it takes to be successful as a team,” team member Gabby Tetreault explained.
Their scores were averaged which qualified them for the final round of competition in which they had to conduct a simulated chapter meeting incorporating specific challenges prepared by the national office into their performance.
“I really learned about how to work professionally with others through this experience,” team member Rachel Hoch said.
The award is part of the National Awards Program, better known as competitive events, FBLA-PBL’s program that recognizes and rewards excellence in a broad range of business and career-related areas. For many students, the competitive events are the capstone activity of their academic careers.
The NLC featured 74 events at the high school level, 60 events at the collegiate level, and 9 events at the middle school level. Events were modified to accommodate the online experience.
Both Lenny Maiocco and Lena Piccolino are recent Western Wayne graduates and will be heading off to college in the fall. Meanwhile, Hoch, Romanowski, and Tetreault will be seniors.
Other Western Wayne students who competed at this VNLC included Rhayni Carroll, Introduction to FBLA, Jenna Kwiatkowski and Alex Chapman, Intro to Parliamentary Procedure. Ms. Theresa Lubash, Business Department Chairperson, is also the FBLA local chapter adviser.
Wayne/Pike Suicide Prevention & Remembrance Walk
Wallenpaupack Area High School Route 6 – Hawley, PA
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2021
Registration begins at 10AM
Program starts at 11AM –walk directly following the program
$10 donation includes tote bags
Refreshments and give-a-ways
Basket raffle
| If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide please contact: Center Community Resource (CCR) 1-833-55REACH (Wayne County) New Perspective Crisis 1-570-992-0879 (Pike County) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 National Suicide Prevention Textline 741-741 |
Please direct any questions to John Nebzydoski 570-253-9200 or jnebzydoski@waynecountypa.gov
The Western Wayne Hot Rod Club will host their 6th Annual Car Show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 3. Spectators enter for free. Registration cost for vehicles is ten dollars. Cars will be directed to park in the lots near the football stadium for the show. The Drama Club will sell concessions at the stadium for spectators. In addition, there will be music, basket raffles, and, of course, prizes for car, truck, tractor, motorcycle, and best in show. All proceeds benefit both the Hot Rod and Drama Clubs. Please come out and support our students for this event to end Homecoming weekend.
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. [...]
