Retiree Cynthia Bianchi and long-time co-worker and friend Todd Pauler.
Retiree Sharon Giombetti and co-worker and friend Randy Wolff.
The Western Wayne Middle School started a new tradition on the last day of school which was Friday, June 18, this year. It is called the 8th Grade Final Walk. As a final activity before leaving the building to move on to the high school, 8th grade students took a walk through the hallways appropriately led by two of their teachers that have led them through their middle school years Cynthia Bianchi and Sharon Giombetti, who are retiring. Bianchi and Giombetti led the procession through the hallways of the middle school and received flowers from 6th and 7th grade students along the way. The two ended up with beautiful bouquets at the end along with many well wishes from students, faculty, and staff who lined the hallways and met them outside of the building to celebrate. Giombetti has been a gym and health teacher at Western Wayne for 18 years. She is a high school graduate from Coughlin High School in Wilkes-Barre. “I felt honored to be given such a send off,” Giombetti said. “It was such a surprise.” Fellow retiree Bianchi agreed. “This was wonderful,” she said. “I was totally blown away by the love of the faculty and students.” Bianchi has been a sixth grade teacher for 34 years. She taught math every year with some other subjects on occasion throughout her time in the district. Bianchi notes that she also was a Western Wayne student who began her time at the school in Head Start which means she spent 14 years as a student at the district before eventually beginning her teaching career. In total as both student and teacher, she has spent 48 years at Western Wayne. Western Wayne faculty, administration, staff, and students wish Bianchi and Giombetti the best in the future.
The Honesdale National Bank presented the Western Wayne Education Association with a check for 1,600 this past spring. The money is given through EITC, Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program. The money then funds enrichment at the district for needs of students outside of the traditional curriculum such as field trips, equipment, etc. Most recently the money was used to fund a ninth grade science camp field trip and a photography project done by high school students. The Western Wayne School District is extremely grateful for the generosity of HNB. From left: Tim McClure, high school social studies teacher; Robert Ferraro, a branch manager from HNB; Maria Masankay, high school science teacher; and Paul Gregorski, high school principal.
From left: Lia Hartman, winner of The Daughters of the American Revolution Award, and David Elias, winner of the American Legion Award.
Eighth grade student council president Lillian Maros poses with her poster that highlighted some past memories of her school years up until now.
From left: Eighth grader David Elias, who won the American Legion Award, with George Schaffer who had presented him with the award earlier at the ceremony.
The Western Wayne 8th grade class, the class of 2025, prepare to take their seats after processing into the annual Moving-Up Ceremony.
“You have conquered so much this year,” Lillian Maros, Western Wayne’s 8th grade student council president, told all in attendance at the annual 8th Grade Moving-Up Ceremony.
In her speech, Lillian addressed the many challenges that students, teachers, and their families faced in school both last year and this year due to COVID-19. She expressed her gratitude for all she and the other students were able to do this year both academically and in extracurricular activities.
Of course the culminating activity of 8th grade year has always been the annual Moving-Up Ceremony which serves as a final milestone for our middle school students. The event looked a bit different this year being held at the football stadium instead of the middle school gym, but it was just as meaningful, if not more, to all of those in attendance.
All 8th grade students received awards in various categories for excellence or improvement in all academic and unified arts classes. In addition, students received awards for good citizenship, excellent work habits, 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. After all of the students received their initial awards, the class of 2025 stood up, and the entire stadium filled with their family and friends gave them a standing ovation.
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 chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the local American Legion present these awards.
The Daughters of the American Revolution Award was presented to 8th grader Lia Hartman.
Lia 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 and honesty, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism.
George Schaffer presented the American Legion Award to 8th grader David Elias.
David 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.
Both Lia and David felt extremely honored to receive their respective awards. They also both, at first, felt shocked to learn the Daughters of the American Revolution and the American Legion had chosen them for these high honors.
David is a hard-working young man who believes that a strong work ethic is the key to success. He is most looking forward to his introduction to business class in his freshman year.
“I was really intrigued by the course description,” David said. “I look forward to taking it on as a challenge of something new next year.”
Lia agrees that the new variety of classes she will take in high school is what she looks forward to the most.
“I’m so excited for new experiences,” Lia explained. “I can’t wait to start working with the Western Wayne High School Marching Band this summer where I will play the flute.”
As a new tradition this year, students and their families made poster boards of pictures of favorite memories of their students. In the past a slideshow had been done, but since the ceremony was held outside it seemed fitting to add the personal touch of posters hung on the fences that line the stadium.
Western Wayne faculty, administration, and staff wish the class of 2025 the best on their new journey to the high school.
The Western Wayne Marching Band waits in their parade block before stepping off for the Pride & Patriotism Parade
From left, newly elected Western Wayne Band student leaders for the 2021-22 school year, standing: Joanna Regalbuto, Isabella O’Donnell, Madison Weinczyk, Evan Peirce, B. Flannery, Hudson Malinowski, Bridget Oppelt, and Aidan Donnini. From left, kneeling: Emily Brophy, Maggie Nagle, Madison Kammer, and Jenny Guadagno
From left Western Wayne Color Guard members: Joanna Regalbuto, Emily Brophy, Jamie Newman, Amanda David, Amy Newman, Isabella O’Donnell, and Rebekah Palko
For the first time in over a year the Western Wayne Marching Band was able to participate in a parade performance. The band marched in the annual Waymart Pride & Patriotism Parade on Saturday, June 12. The group was met with much applause from a very supportive community who missed seeing a lot of the pride of Western Wayne this year due to COVID-19. The students were thrilled to be out playing for the public again. “It was an awesome way to end my senior year as a drum major,” Rhonda Fenkner, who will attend Marywood University in the fall, said. “When I was first announced to be one of the drum majors at our live meet band banquet [on the internet] last spring, I had no idea what our performance season would actually look like. I am so grateful to have been given the opportunities I had this year to perform for a live audience safely. This final parade was an excellent experience I wasn’t sure I would even be able to have.”
Madison Stiffler prepares to pass to classmate Sean Owens
Sean Owens tries to get a pass from classmate Ethan Lamberton
From left, the Western Wayne student team for the annual Student vs. Faculty game, standing: Adam Bartholomew, Sean Owens, David Elias, Ethan Lamberton, Hayden Mundrake, Tony Donnini, and Evan Ronchi. From left, kneeling: Raegan Palmer, Grace Langendoerfer, Madison Stiffler, and Aliya Fiorella.
Grace Langendoerfer prepares to catch the ball.
Aliya Fiorella tries to get the ball back.
: From left, Raegan Palmer and Aliya Fiorella, 8th grade students who were event organizers for the annual Student vs. Faculty Basketball Game.
Cheers filled the Western Wayne Middle School Gym as the 8th grade class cheered on their classmates and teachers in the annual Student vs. Faculty Basketball Game on the afternoon of Thursday, May 27.
The students felt thrilled to get to participate in this school tradition for 8th graders and their teachers that they were unable to have last year due to COVID-19.
Eighth graders Aliya Fiorella and Raegan Palmer planned the event with the permission and assistance of the principal and staff. Both girls play on Western Wayne’s Girls Basketball Team.
“It was a really cool experience to see our teachers out of the classroom and in a different element, not being so serious,” Raegan said.
The entire 8th grade class had fun and were glad to be a part of an annual school event in such a uniquely challenging school year.
“I was really glad to be able to plan something my classmates and teachers could enjoy,” Aliya said.
Picture One: From left, the Western Wayne student team for the annual Student vs. Faculty game, standing: Adam Bartholomew, Sean Owens, David Elias, Ethan Lamberton, Hayden Mundrake, Tony Donnini, and Evan Ronchi. From left, kneeling: Raegan Palmer, Grace Langendoerfer, Madison Stiffler, and Aliya Fiorella.
Picture Two: From left, Raegan Palmer and Aliya Fiorella, 8th grade students who were event organizers for the annual Student vs. Faculty Basketball Game.
Senior Maggie Millon shows her embroidered tank top.
Senior Maggie Millon models the pants she made out of bean sacks.
Senior Maggie Millon models her “Bada bean, bada boom” pants.
Senior Maggie Millon models her fabulous red corduroy outfit.
Senior Lily Visceglia shows some of her designs.
Western Wayne Fashion students created their first-ever virtual fashion show this year, appropriately themed “Do What You Can.”
In the words of Bon Jovi from the song “Do What You Can” which he wrote with some help from his fans to inspire others to carry on during the pandemic: “If you can’t do what you do, do what you can.”
Colleen Carmody, show director and fashion teacher, said she thought the song made for perfect inspiration for the theme of this year’s fashion show that is much different from the Catwalk fashion show that is usually put on, but needed to be done in a new way due to COVID-19.
“This year’s fashion show is dedicated to a year of challenge, perseverance, and change for all of us both teacher and student,” Carmody noted. “Through equipment and supply exchanges, adjustments in schedules, and cameras, we made it.”
Students in grades 9 through 12 had their pieces featured in the show. The Introduction to Sewing class had featured purses, bulletin board research projects, and visual design projects. The Textile and Design classes modeled pajamas, skirts, and bags. While the Fashion and Design class showed bucket hats, skirts, dresses, and jackets in the show.
Senior Maggie Millon was the only four-year fashion student in the show this year.
Millon started sewing in 8th grade after going to an after-school art club where other students were creating sewing and fashion projects. She just knew she wanted to get involved in the fun after seeing upperclassmen at Western Wayne doing it.
Maggie’s senior fashion collection is titled “Golden Rosebud of the 70s”.
“My middle name is Rose, and my dad calls me Rosebud, so I just took my inspiration from there,” Maggie explained. “Of course, I also am very inspired by fashions from the 1970s era.”
She has a number of beautifully designed pieces in her senior collection. One is a tank top with paint and embroidery. The tank top has the classic Beatles’ song lyric “Here comes the sun,” a song lyric from a modern band called AURORA that is “Drinking your eyes” from their song called “The River” along with a Hindu symbol that means peace embroidered on it. She also has a stunning red outfit made of corduroy–this ensemble is her favorite. It includes a fashionable blazer with snakeskin lining and bell bottom pants. In addition, she has some funky pants made from bean sacks that appropriately have lettering that says “Bada bean, bada boom.”
Maggie is pleased with all the pieces in her collection and feels so happy to share them with the school and the community through the fashion video.
In addition to working on her senior collection this year, Maggie also completed her senior project which also involved sewing in a unique way.
Maggie made about 20 dresses out of recycled pillowcases for Little Dresses for Africa, a non-profit 501c3 Christian organization. She spent time gathering pillowcases from the community and especially liked the beautiful pillow cases she got from some older women she knew in Wayne and Lake Ariel.
She then shipped the dresses to the organization and is thrilled that girls in Africa have gotten to wear them.
“I really like to help people,” Maggie explained.
She hopes to make more dresses for Little Dresses for Africa after graduation.
Maggie had a lot of fun in her fashion and design classes throughout high school. She especially enjoyed working with her teacher Colleen Carmody on fashion projects through the years. Maggie is considering pursuing a career that involves design or art in some way in the future.
“I like being able to put pieces of myself into whatever I make,” Maggie explained. “I can take a basic pattern and make it my own through creativity. I am inspired by past fashion and use old movies for reference as well.”
Fellow senior Lily Visceglia has done fashion and design classes at Western Wayne for the past three years.
She also had a variety of pieces in the fashion video.
One is an up-cycle denim outfit with a cheetah bell sleeve. She also had a bucket hat in the show along with a cardigan with a butterfly and ladybug print. In addition, she had a green suede skirt.
Lily plans to attend Wilkes University in the fall to study early childhood education with a minor in the arts. Lily loves many fields in the arts including fashion design, band, and musical theater. She hopes as a teacher of young children that she can incorporate all of her passions into her career.
“I like making my own designs,” Lily explained. “When I put it on paper and see it, I feel accomplished. The creation process can be difficult, but the end product is always great.”
Western Wayne administration and staff congratulate the students on their fashion video that was made in a year of uncertainty and many challenges. These students truly did what they could for the “Do What You Can” fashion show, and they exceeded all expectations. The district looks forward to their annual Catwalk Fashion Show next year.
From left Western Wayne senior featured artists: Emma Pontosky, Cori Talarico, Miranda Kubilus, Courtney Petrilak, and Maggie Millon.
: This is the featured artwork of Western Wayne senior Maggie Millon.
This is the featured artwork of Western Wayne senior Cailie Thoman.
This is the featured artwork of Western Wayne senior Cori Talarico.
This is the featured artwork of Western Wayne senior Miranda Kubilus.
This is the featured artwork of Western Wayne senior Courtney Petrilak.
This is the featured artwork of Western Wayne senior Emma Pontosky.
This is the featured artwork of Western Wayne senior Noelle Cruz.
The Hollywood Sign, spider legs, murals, and whimsical-themed pieces were just a few of the things featured through art at Western Wayne High School’s Annual Art Show that took place on Saturday, June 5, in the high school library. The students and their teachers faced many challenges in their preparations for this year’s show, but they put together a magnificent presentation of the art work they worked so hard to create this year under challenging circumstances due to COVID-19. Students from grades 9 through 12 had artwork displayed with seven featured senior art displays. The featured senior artists included: Noelle Cruz, Emma Pontosky, Cori Talarico, Cailie Thoman, Courtney Petrilak, Miranda Kubilus, and Maggie Millon. The featured seniors had a variety of different themes for their displays. “Mine focused on unfinished sketches,” Emma, who plans to attend West Chester University in the fall to study secondary education English, explained. “I usually fall in love with my sketches before I finish, so I decided to feature my favorite unfinished pieces for my display.” One of Emma’s favorite unfinished pieces was of an actor from the television show Looking for Alaska based on the popular novel of the same title by John Green. Senior Courtney Petrilak also had a reference to popular culture as the theme of her senior display. One of her larger pieces was a painting of the Hollywood Sign. Courtney, who plans to attend Penn Tech in the Physician’s Assistant Program, explained how her art work centered around a Hollywood Walk of Fame for ordinary people that she chose to create pictures of. “Art is like therapy for me,” Courtney said. “It is very relaxing.” Fellow senior featured artist Cori Talarico agrees that art helps her to feel calm. “I use the time I create my art as an escapism period where I have peace and quiet time,” she explained. Cori’s senior display was centered around a favorite mural picture she created from something she drew in her sketchbook. Her mural is of a girl in a blue outfit looking out a window. Cori explained that the other pieces in her display matched the color scheme from her mural. Cori is thinking about studying art in college in the future after taking a gap year. Senior Maggie Millon also intends to take a gap year and do some online classes upon graduation. She explained the theme of her senior art display as whimsical. Her favorite picture is of an African American woman that she painted using blues, oranges, and browns among other colors. “Making art allows me to be creative,” Maggie explained. “It helps me to stretch my limits and skill through the pieces I make.” Fellow senior artist Miranda Kubilus also feels enabled to take on challenges through creating her artwork. “I love art because there is no right way to really do it,” Miranda explained. For her senior display, Miranda, who will attend SUNY Oswego to major in creative writing, decided to combine all of her favorite pieces together with no particular theme. Her favorite piece is called “Legs”. She explained how spiders were the inspiration for her piece. She isn’t a fan of the tiny creatures. However, she is fascinated with their legs hence why they inspired one of her favorite pieces of art. Western Wayne administration and staff congratulate these senior artists and all of the other art students who displayed work in the June art show. They look forward to another fabulous show next year.
Take a moment to watch the Western Wayne Athletics Awards Ceremony.
ALL NEWS
Middle School Holds Annual 8th Grade Moving-Up CeremonyJune 4, 2026At the annual 8th Grade Moving-Up Ceremony, held at the Sharkey Rosetti football stadium on Tuesday, June 2, Western Wayne Middle School Principal Casey Newcomer talked to students and families in attendance about the importance of hard work and determination in the face of obstacles and setbacks, a term he called “grit.”
“Education is about growth,” Newcomer, who is in his second year at the district, said. “We have a group of students here today that represent a woven tapestry of skills.”
He told the crowd about how students excel in a variety of ways, some in the classroom and some in activities outside of it.
“No matter what you are trying to excel at,” he explained. “The one characteristic that will continue to stand above all others is called grit. Grit is the determination to keep going when quitting is the easier option. Grit is the voice in your head telling you to keep going.”
Newcomer encouraged students to continue to listen to that voice as they head into their high school years.
“Be ready; dig in; hold tight,” he told the students. “You got this.”
Mrs. Joyce Covaleski, middle school chorus teacher, then had select 8th grade chorus singers perform the National Anthem and alma mater. Makayla Franckowiak and Maria Shemanski sang the National Anthem; and Patience Strocchia sang the alma mater. All three girls love to sing and are highly involved in the Middle School Chorus.
Makayla is looking forward to high school where she plans to continue participation in basketball and softball. She also plans to play volleyball in her freshman year. She aspires to be an aerospace technologist, because she has always had a fascination with studying space. She also enjoys working with technology in her free time and has created robots as a hobby.
Her fellow classmate Maria aspires possibly to be a teacher when she is older, and she is also interested in exploring the idea of pursuing the military as a part of the Marines. She will play basketball next year and possibly volleyball and softball.
Finally, Patience, who greatly excels in her ELA class with her strong writing skills, is excited to join the track team for her freshman year.
The featured event of the Moving-Up Ceremony was many of the 8th grade students receiving awards in various categories for excellence in all academic and unified arts classes. In addition, students received awards for Wildcat Pride, for students who go above and beyond in showing school spirit and being kind aned upstanding school community citizens; Grit, for students who showed outstanding qualities of hard work in the face of adversity and hardships; and for a variety of high academic achievements such as making the honor roll for 11 quarters in middle school from 6th through 8th grade.
In addition, a new award called The Inclusion Award was given this year by special education teacher Ms. Gillian Groom, who was assisted in presenting the award by her student Daisy Diehl. Groom explained how the award recognizes students who go above and beyond to create a welcoming, supportive, and respectful environment for peers with special needs. This award honors students who demonstrate kindness, patience, empathy, and leadership by including all classmates in activities, friendships, and everyday school experiences. Recipients of this award model acceptance and understanding, helping others feel valued, supported, and connected within the school community.
“The recipients of this award see and treat my students as friends,” Groom said.
Then Daisy used her communication device to announce award winners who included: Alexandra Churmblo, Eli Gragnano, Julia Kosciuk, and Machaela McGrady.
Another honor given out at the ceremony was an award and gift presentation by National Junior Honor Society advisor Nichole Musewicz, middle school science teacher. Last year, Principal Newcomer worked to establish a National Junior Honor Society Chapter at Western Wayne along with dedicated faculty and high-achieving students.
Therefore, since this Moving Up Ceremony marked the inaugural ceremony with NJHS students present, Newcomer and Musewicz wanted to recognize the three eighth grade NJHS officers who helped to establish the program among the students in the school community: Harper Bell, president; Kendall DiPierro, vice president; and Keira Hauenstein, secretary.
All three young women felt honored to be acknowledged at the ceremony and have strong goals and aspirations for their bright futures. First, Harper will continue to play softball, travel softball, and basketball in high school. She aspires to either pursue a degree path in occupational therapy or speech pathology. Next, Kendall is dedicated to playing basketball in high school. She aspires to be an emergency room nurse. Finally, Keira does competitive gymnastics along with soccer and track which she plans to continue in her high school career. She wishes to be a future elementary school teacher.
It is also a Western Wayne Middle School tradition for many years that two outstanding students, one male and one female, are recognized for their patriotism and leadership among other qualities. The local chapters of the American Legion and the Daughters of the American Revolution present these awards.
This year before the presentation of these prestigious awards, Newcomer took time to recognize and honor Middle School guidance counselor Mr. Joseph Totsky. This year marks Totsky’s 34th year of service.
Newcomer noted how Totsky has been a mentor to him for the past two years and noted Totsky’s strong qualities of honesty, sincerity, and hard work as being the pillars his career has been built upon.
“Countless students and staff are better because Joe was here,” Newcomer said. “You will forever be a part of the foundation of the Western Wayne community.”
After the special recognition of Totsky, Bill Gillette, Post 889 Waymart, presented the American Legion Award to 8th grader Benjamin Reifler.
Ben received this annual award for being an outstanding student in the 8th grade class who exhibits the qualities of honor, scholarship, Americanism, leadership, and courage.
Then the Daughters of the American Revolution Award was presented to 8th grader Sophia Shehadi.
Sophpia received the good citizenship medal from the Daughters of the American Revolution for being an outstanding student in the 8th grade class who exhibits the qualities of honor, honesty, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism.
Both Ben and Sophia felt extremely honored to receive their respective awards. They also both, at first, felt shocked to learn the American Legion and the Daughters of the American Revolution had chosen them for these high honors.
Ben, an honor roll student and member of NJHS, is a student very dedicated to academic excellence. He also has a passion for automotives and studying trains and their history. He aspires to run commercial trucks one day and is greatly looking forward to his auto shop classes in high school.
“I really enjoy working with my hands,” he said. “I want to use what I have learned about trains and other automotives in a real world setting in my future career.”
Fellow classmate Sophia, an honor roll student and member of NJHS, is also a very diligent student who loves working hard in all subject areas and aspires to be a labor and delivery nurse when she grows up.
“I look forward to trying my best in high school and what comes after,” Sophia said.
To close the ceremony, Newcomer reminded the parents not to miss a moment of their students’ upcoming high school experience.
“The next time they will be in these seats will be in four years,” he said. “Don’t blink, because you don’t want to miss a minute of what is to come for your students.”
Western Wayne faculty, administration, and staff wish the class of 2030 the best on their new journey to the high school.
Picture one, from left: Bill Gillette, who presented the American Legion Award, Post 889 Waymart; Benjamin Reifler, winner of the American Legion Award; Sophia Shehadi, winner of The Daughters of the American Revolution Award; and Casey Newcomer, middle school principal.
Picture two, from left: Bill Gillette and Benjamin Reifler.
Picture three, from left, NJHS officers: Harper Bell, president; Keira Hauenstein, secretary; and Kendall DiPierro, vice president.
Picture four, from left: Patience Strocchia, who sang the Alma Mauter; and Maria Shemanski, and Makayla Franckowiak, who both sang the National Anthem.
Picture five: the Western Wayne Class of 2030 stands before their family, friends, and community at the annual Moving Up Ceremony before they embark on their high school journey. [...]
HOBY Leadership Seminar Representatives – Maha Tanveer & Abigail WashineJune 2, 2026Maha Tanveer and Abigail Washine were Western Wayne High School’s HOBY representatives for the 2026-27 school year. They recently attended the HOBY Leadership Seminar at Millersville University.
PA HOBY Leadership provides a 4-day seminar for high school sophomores. Each school in PA is invited to select one student who demonstrates outstanding leadership skill and potential to serve as their school’s ambassador. During the seminar, students participate in panel discussions featuring speakers who are leaders in the fields of government, education, media, and social issues. They spend “a day in the life of a state representative” debating bills on the house floor at the PA Capitol. They spend a half day learning about small and large businesses in PA, then serve for the afternoon at various volunteer sites. Throughout this weekend are many cheers, a dance, a talent show, new friendships, many challenges, and a life-changing experience.
At HOBY, leadership development programs ensure that students gain awareness of themselves and others, practice and apply newly learned skills, and leave feeling empowered to make a positive impact on the world around them. With authenticity, connection, and growth at the core of the programming, student ambassadors learn what it means to be an aware and engaged community member. [...]
High School May Students of the MonthJune 1, 2026The following students were recognized by the Student Council as students of the month for May. Their teachers and administrators weighed in on the decisions. All of the students chosen hold a high standard of academic and personal excellence. They are true examples of the P.R.I.D.E. standards for PBIS at our school.
First, is our selected freshman Reyna Weaver. She is described as a creative thinker, hard worker, having a positive attitude, and is always engaged. Reyna is always willing to go the extra mile in class with her attentive, mature, and respectful attitude. In addition, it is noted she always has a smile and is kind and polite to all she meets.
Next, Archer Long is our chosen sophomore this month. He has excelled in golf this year along with having other accomplishments in art where he placed at the Western Wayne High School Art Show with many pieces and has been chosen to have his artwork on display at a local community exhibition to be announced later this spring. In addition, he has worked hard this year in his academic classes and has done quality work in English. It is noted by his teachers that he is resilient and always assists everyone with needed academic tasks in class.
In addition, Dylan Caracciola is this month’s featured junior. His teachers note him to be courteous, extremely helpful, polite, and respectful. In addition, he is a great student who puts quality work and effort into all he does. He also embodies the quality of humility and has a great sense of humor as well. He is a very well-rounded young man.
Finally, Daniel Toscano is our senior spotlight this month. He is noted to be a hard worker, funny, resilient, kind, and focused on his goals. In addition, it is noted by his teachers that he is extremely helpful and gets along with everyone. He is also very polite, respectful, and humble– truly a person who does what is needed with sincerity in all tasks.
Dan has dedicated himself to self-improvement through his work with school services this year. He is continuing to strive for more and working to provide himself with a good quality life for his very bright future.
The Western Wayne School District congratulates these May students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.
From left: Archer Long, Daniel Toscano, and Reyna Weaver. Absent from photo: Dylan Caracciola. [...]
Students Present Research at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science State MeetingMay 28, 2026The following Western Wayne High School and Middle School students presented scientific research at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Regional Competition on May 18. These students investigated a scientific question, carried out controlled scientific research, and presented their findings to a panel of professionals in STEM fields. Students engaged in the engineering design process to develop these projects. The Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) is a statewide organization of middle and high school students designed to stimulate and promote interest in science among its members through the development of research projects and investigations.
High School:
Audrey Agnello- 2nd award for her research in the field of Behavioral Science. Audrey studied Gender Differences in Deceptive Efficiency. Audrey was awarded a perseverance award for her success at the state competition.
Madelyn McClure -1st award for her research in the field of Zoology. Madelyn studied the Thermal Effects of Exercise on Equine Lower Limbs. Madelyn focused on how protective boots may increase tendon damage due to heat retention using a thermal camera and horses that are in training. Madelyn was awarded a perseverance award for her success at the state competition.
Christopher Pane- 2nd award for his research in the field of Biology. Christopher studied How cells are protected from Stress by Antioxidants. Chris’s work is related to cancer development in cells and how antioxidants prevent damage and protect cells.
Ava Karabuber- 2nd award for her research in the field of Botany. Ava studied the Effects of Salt on Plant Germination. Ava focused on how road salt runoff is impacting germination in plants.
Charlie Vinton- 2nd award for his research in Microbiology. Charlie studied the Bacterial Content of Manufactured Snow. Charlie’s work examined the bacterial load in snow that is manufactured at ski resorts compared to natural snow.
Middle School:
Timothy McClure- 1st award for his research in Physics. TJ conducted an Experimental Analysis of Projectile Velocity Consistency. TJ examined how ballistics rounds vary in velocity throughout a lot and between brands as fired through a chronograph. TJ was awarded a perfect score and the State Directors’ Award of Excellence for Junior High Physics as well as a monetary award.
Harper Bell- 2nd award for her research in Physics. Harper studied the effects of softball bat type on ball distance. Harper’s interest in softball drove her research to determine which bat is most effective.
Sophia Shehadi- 2nd award for her research in Microbiology. Sophia studied the Effects of Straw Type on Bacterial Content. Her work involved determining the bacteria that build up in straw materials during use.
Club advisors are high school science teachers Christine McClure and Maria Masankay.
Photo one, from left: Madelyn McClure and Audrey Agnello received perseverance awards for their success at the state competition.Photo two, from left: Christopher Pane, Madelyn McClure, Sophia Shehadi, Harper Bell, Audrey Agnello, Ava Karabuber, Charles Vinton, and Timothy McClurePhoto three: Timothy McClure received the State Directors’ Award of Excellence for Junior High Physics. [...]
Western Wayne Car Show and Lead Motorcycle Run on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 May 19, 2026The Western Wayne Hot Rod Club and Drama Club will host their 2026 Annual Car Show on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the high school parking lot, 1970A Easton Turnpike, Lake Ariel, PA, near the football stadium.
Food to be sold at the concession stand. Registration fee is $10. Spectators are free. The Hot Rod Club will give prizes for best car, truck, tractor, motorcycle, and best in show.
The Drama Club will also host a Lead Motorcycle Run the same day starting at BAER Sports Center, Honesdale, with the finish at the Western Wayne High School. Registration for Motorcycle Run from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The ride begins at 10:30 a.m. Cost is $20 per driver and $15 per passenger. Register day of event at BAER Sports Center. Receive a food voucher and basket raffle ticket for Western Wayne Car Show with Lead Motorcycle Run registration.
In addition, the Drama group will sell a variety of concessions at the car show. There will also be a raffle of baskets and gift certificates generously donated by businesses and families in the local community.
Drama Club President Dakota Douglas is excited to partner with the Hot Rod Club for the Car Show. She explained how the Drama Club students will be dressed in 50s attire for the event.
“We wanted our presence at the event to go along with the variety of cars from the past that surely will be there,” Dakota said. “We hope that the public comes out to enjoy the cars and to have some good food and purchase some chances to win baskets and gift certificates.”
Members of the Drama Parents Club are working to obtain a variety of items for the raffle at the Car Show from many very generous businesses and families in our Wildcat community. The students involved in the Hot Rod Club and Drama Club can use the funds raised from this event for their club activities.
The Hot Rod Club meets on a regular basis to work on a variety of automotive projects after school and can use the funds for their projects among other activities.
The Drama Club meets on a regular basis after school to work on a variety of projects and activities.
“Drama Club gives students a place where they can express themselves,” club vice president, Jason Vass, explained. “We are like one big family in our club and really enjoy coming together to work as a team on events such as the Car Show.”
All of the members of the Hot Rod Club, Drama Club, and Drama Parents Club cordially invite the public to attend this fun-filled event. Come out and see some great vehicles, take some chances on our basket raffle, enjoy some food, and enjoy some time socializing. Hope to see you there on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19. The rain date is Saturday, September 26. [...]
Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention
program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize
warning signs and signals, especially within social media,
from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others
and to “say something” BEFORE it is too late.
