Graduation pictures are available for pick up at the high school office on Monday July 13. If you or your child participated in the virtual walking across the stage for graduation, the pictures taken by the photographer are ready. There is a CD with the photos or the graduate and of the families. High office is open Monday-Friday 8-3.
View the full letter here:
I hope you are all staying safe and able to enjoy the summer months. As we approach the middle of July, I want to take a moment to let you know that we have been diligently planning for the start of next school year. The District formed a committee to develop our Health and Safety Plan for our schools. The plan is based on CDC, PA Department of Health, American Academy of Pediatrics, and PA Department of Education guidelines and recommendations. We have worked with our surrounding school districts along with local health and emergency management officials to implement procedures and practices to keep our students and staff safe.
The plan is designed to have fully operational educational delivery modes in a variety of formats. While we anticipate starting school on time and in classrooms, we have to be prepared to adjust our programming to both meet the needs of our students and maintain a safe and healthy environment.
We anticipate that the plan will be completed by late July with Board approval and public release by early August.
Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated in the coming weeks as we begin to implement the various components of the plan. Please stay tuned for more information, and have a safe and wonderful rest of summer.
Sincerely,
Matthew Barrett, Ed. D.
Superintendent
Recently, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) released preliminary guidance for the phased reopening of Pre-K to 12 schools. Western Wayne School District intends to consider all of the guidelines put forth by PDE, CDC, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Our goal is to welcome students back to school in the fall. Surely, the safety of our students along with continued excellence in education will by our top priorities.
We are asking all parents/guardians to complete the following survey to assist us in the planning of the reopening of schools for the 2020-2021 school year. If you are unable to complete the survey online, please contact the District Office at 1-800-321-9973.
Responses will be collected through July 1, 2020.
Western Wayne teachers held a fundraiser for the Wayne County Food Bank during the school closure to give back to the community during the COVID-19 emergency.
The teachers worked diligently to spread the word in the community to raise the funds through the selling of shirts that appropriately read “Wildcat Strong.” Because of the efforts of the teachers with the help of the Wildcat community, $1050 was raised for the Wayne County Emergency Food Relief Fund through the shirt sale.
“We began this fundraiser in the midst of us learning a new way of teaching because the health and well-being of our students is at the forefront of our priorities,” Melissa Williams, Western Wayne Middle School teacher, said. “We are so grateful to the community for helping us in our efforts to raise these funds to help those in need.”
In addition to the money raised from the t-shirt sale, WWEA, the teachers of the Western Wayne Education Association, also, donated $1,000 to the Wayne County Emergency Food Relief Fund making the combined donation total $2,050.
The teachers of Western Wayne felt grateful about having the opportunity to give back to the community during this difficult time.
Pictured is the t-shirt that was sold in the fundraiser led by Western Wayne teachers for the Wayne County Food Bank.
Full article here: https://www.waynecountypa.gov/169/Pantry
The FCCLA Western Wayne Chapter received recognition at the Virtual State Leadership Conference held this past spring. Western Wayne FCCLA received three award certificates.
The club’s adviser Mrs. Lori Lucchesi was recognized for being a PA FCCLA Adviser for five years; Western Wayne High School was recognized for outstanding FCCLA Membership for being the largest high school; and Western Wayne student Kennedy Mistishin received the great honor of being recognized as Chapter Member of the year.
Lucchesi is extremely proud of all of the work done in Western Wayne’s FCCLA chapter this year. The students helped at Western Wayne’s annual Veterans Day assembly, held a very successful Breakfast with Santa community service project, and worked many hours to prepare their FCCLA State Leadership Conference projects, among many other events and activities that the club did together. Mrs. Paula Lamberton was a volunteer for the organization this year, and the Breakfast with Santa would not have happened without Paula’s hard work.
“I am proud of all of the efforts of Western Wayne FCCLA members,” Mrs. Lucchesi said. “I look forward to continuing to work with our students to do more great work for FCCLA in the future.”
Pictured are students in Western Wayne’s FCCLA Club helping to greet Veterans for Western Wayne’s annual Veterans Day Assembly this past November. From left: Paige Bell, Zoey Goldman, Kennedy Mistishin, Chapter Member of the year; Jaquelyn Morris, and Jaden Gregory.
Senior Western Wayne band student Kristoff Bien-Aime has received the Tim Bell Scholarship. It is a Fall Music Festival Scholarship awarded to the graduating senior who exhibits a passion for music and the ability to lead and inspire others with the power of music. The scholarship is given to a student who enhances and values their community by uniting others and creating an enriched environment with their love for music. Kristoff will use his scholarship at Widener University in the fall. In addition, Kristoff was recently awarded the Black and Gold Award by the Western Wayne Band. The Black and Gold Award is the only award that Western Wayne Band members themselves vote on for one of their own. Some of the qualities considered for this award are that it goes to the student who has the most spirit and school pride in the group.
The Awards of Excellence Program at the Pennsylvania FBLA State Leadership Conference (SLC) is a night many PA FBLA members wait for each year. With schools closed around the state members began to wonder if this night would ever happen.
On Friday, May 15, it did happen! The top 10 awards in competitive events and the PA FBLA State Officer Team for the 2020-2021 school year were announced virtually on the PA FBLA website. Trading their suits and dress for sweatpants and tee shirts, and the jumbo screens and large meeting hall for a computer screen and a couch in their living room, FBLA members from around the state were able to “attend” the Pennsylvania FBLA State Leadership Conference this year.
“The Awards Program was a shining light in what has been a really weird past two months. Seeing Pennsylvania FBLA come together as a membership, it spread a feeling of positivity we hadn’t felt in months. I am so proud of Western Wayne FBLA for still succeeding no matter the circumstances.” Western Wayne FBLA Chapter President and outgoing PA FBLA First Vice President, Ezra Tetreault said.
“We work extremely hard all year to experience the exhilaration of hearing our names called in front of 5,000 in Hershey. We have built a FBLA legacy here. It began way before my time and I am confident the classes down the road will keep pushing it forward. Winning is the culture and it was writing on the wall in 2020.” Said Tetreault.
Twenty-two of the forty members that competed at the SLC placed in the top 10 in their competitive events. Western Wayne FBLA swept 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in three individual events. In Accounting I, Lacey Falloon placed 1st, Alex Hineline placed 2nd, and Celeste Orchard placed 3rd. Rach Hoch placed 1st, Kaeil Romanowski placed 2nd and Abby Kapschull placed 3rd in Introduction to FBLA. In Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure, Gabby Tetreault was the 1st place winner, Rachel Tuman was 2nd and Ashton Fitzsimmons was 3rd. Also, in individual events, Adelaide Treibley placed 8th in Impromptu Speaking.
Four teams also placed in the top 10. James Fryzel and Caden Slifko captured 8th placed in Emerging Business Issues. Skylar Long and Ella Pavlovich placed 5th in Introduction to Business Presentation. The team of Landon Firmstone, Julia Lamberton, and Collin Murry placed 3rd in Entrepreneurship. The Parliamentary Procedure team of Darlene Black, Lenny Maiocco, Kate Mattern, Lena Piccolino and Sydney Peet had a 1st place win.
Additional awards included an 8th and 3rd place win for Sydney Peet and Ezra Tetreault in Who’s Who in PA FBLA. Western Wayne FBLA received 8th place in Outstanding Chapter and 10th place in Local Market Share. Darlene Black, Sydney Peet, and Ezra Tetreault each received a William Seldon scholarship ranging from $250 to $750.
Lenny Maiocco was selected as the Pennsylvania FBLA State Parliamentarian for the 2020-2021 school year. The parliamentarian in not an elected position, the candidate with the highest score on the Parliamentary Procedure test is appointed to the position.
“Even though the Awards Ceremony was not what it usually is, it was really great to see how well everyone did,” Lenny Maiocco said. “It is easy to just say that I am not going to do anything because the State Leadership Conference was cancelled, but Western Wayne really excelled and the hard work that everyone put in paid off.”
The competition is not over yet. The FBLA members that placed in the top 4 in their respective events will have the opportunity to compete at the national level. FBLA will be hosting a virtual National Leadership Experience this year to members to engage in this June.
Caption: Pictured is Lenny Maiocco who was selected as the Pennsylvania FBLA State Parliamentarian for the 2020-2021 school year. The parliamentarian is not an elected position, the candidate with the highest score on the Parliamentary Procedure test is appointed to the position.
Wednesday, May 20, 3:15 p.m.
Interested students who will be in grades 8 through 12 next year should email Mrs. McLaughlin at jmclaughlin@westernwayne.org for more information prior to the meeting.
We perform with the Marching Band along with participating in various trips and events throughout the school year.
We are looking to recruit new members for this coming school year and hope to see you at our meet.
Remember to email jmclaughlin@westernwayne.org prior to May 20 to get more information on this meeting.
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! [...]
Project SEARCH Graduation 2025June 5, 2025Project SEARCH Class of 2025 Graduates
Austin Weist & Mya Lukas [...]
