As we continue to communicate with our local emergency management agency, the Department of Health, and other organizations in relation to the Coronavirus, the District will keep you informed of any developments or changes in school operations. While the current recommendation is to maintain appropriate and preventative hygiene, our custodial staff has also been working diligently to thoroughly clean and disinfect our facilities. Our school nurses and faculty are also aware of proper protocol to ensure a healthy school environment. Additionally, it is also important for families to be mindful of preventative measures and practice them at home. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow the recommendations from local, state, and federal authorities. The safety of our students and staff is our top priority and we will exercise necessary precautions for their well-being. Please contact us with any questions or concerns.
The Western Wayne School District congratulates the following students who
presented scientific research at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science at
Wilkes University recently. These students investigated a scientific
question, carried out controlled scientific research and presented their
findings to a panel of professionals in the scientific fields. The Pennsylvania
Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) is a statewide organization of middle and high
school students designed to stimulate and promote interest in science among its
members through the development of research projects and investigations.
Adrian Agnello received a first award for his research in Botany
as he studied the effects of pine tree needle decay on undergrowth plants. Allie
Pauler received a first award for her research in Biology as she studied the
effects of OTC drugs on the heartrate of Daphnia magna. Olivia
Cottell received a first award for her research in Biology as she studied the
effects of vape juice on the heartrate of Daphnia magna. Brooke
Kellogg received a first award for her research in Microbiology as she studied
the effects of age on the oral microbiome of piglets. Samantha
Sharp received a first award for her research in Ecology as she studied the
effects of saltwater on straw biodegradation.
Kennedy Mistishin received a second award for her research in
Biology as she studied the effects of alcoholic beverages on the degradation of
bone mass. Kailey Tickner received a second award for her research in
Behavioral Science as she studied the effects of music on memory. Stephanie
Soom received a second award for her research in Botany as she studied the effects
of water temperature on plant germination. Emily Romanowski
received a second award for her research in Biology as she studied the effects
of supplements on the heartrate of Daphnia magna. Rhayni
Carroll received a second award for her research in Botany as she studied the
effects of soft drinks on plant germination. Lilly Bernardi received
a second award for her research in Biology as she studied the effects of soft
drinks on the heartrate of Daphnia magna. Addison Purvis received
a second award for her research in Biology as she studied the effects of flour
type of gluten content. Weston Nugent received a second award for his research in Ecology
as he studied the effects of sampling location on stream water quality. Anita
Vanyo received a second award for her research in Biology as she studied the
effects of cleaning products on plant germination.
Abigayle Pavlicek received a third award for her research in
Botany as she studied the effects of classical music on plant germination. Lexi
DeSiato received a third award for her research in Biology as she studied the
effects of soft drinks on tooth decay.
Congratulations to all of these students for their hard work!
Adrian Agnello, Allie Pauler, Olivia Cottell, Brooke Kellogg, and
Samantha Sharp are eligible to present their research at the PJAS state meeting
at Penn State Main Campus in May. The club is advised by Western Wayne
High School teachers Christine McClure and Maria Masankay.
Wayne County Responds to Presumptive COVID-19 Infection
Maintenance staff have stepped up disinfecting routines at county buildings.
HONESDALE (March 6, 2020) – The Wayne County Commissioners have issued the following statement on COVID-19:
As you may have heard the governor announced today a presumptive case of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been reported in relationship to an individual Wayne County resident who we are told has travelled to multiple European nations recently. The individual is being isolated in their home and is being visited multiple times a day by Department of Health officials who are also contacting others who may have come in contact with this individual. It should be noted that this case has not been positively confirmed by the CDC at this point in time. Please be aware that county maintenance staff are continually cleaning and disinfecting county facilities. County officials have been in regular contact with the local school districts, the hospital, state and federal health and emergency management organizations and are continually being updated by those organizations and following their lead and guidance in implementing recommendations and protocols. We will continue to be updated by all involved agencies. There are no planned changes to county operations at this time.
As a reminder, the CDC recommends the following: • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze with your elbow to avoid touching your face; • Wash your hands often with soap and warm/hot water for at least 20 seconds; • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available; • Clean surfaces frequently, including countertops, light switches, cell phones, remotes, and other frequently touched items; • Avoid shaking hands and maintain a six foot distance if possible; • If you are feeling sick, stay home. Rest, take care of yourself and don’t spread the germs.
Call your healthcare professional if you develop symptoms, which include cough, fever and respiratory issues or if you have recently travelled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19. As with any medical situation, call 911 if you or the patient is in distress and it is an emergency.
If a resident tests positive for COVID-19, the County will follow the CDC and the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s recommendations. Stay informed with updates and resources from the Centers for Disease Control and PA Department of Health.
February 27, 2020 – Lake Ariel, PA. Elizabeth Watson, Principal of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics of Western Wayne School District has been accepted as one of 28 ambassadors in the Pennsylvania STEM Ambassador Program, which aims to shape the future of STEM education in the commonwealth by targeting vital policy conversations to legislative leadership in the areas of STEM Learning ecosystems, computer science, state and federal policy for formal and informal education, and workforce needs.
PA STEM Ambassadors met for an inaugural training session
today at the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) to receive advocacy
training from state and national leaders in the field.
The Western Wayne School District, through the creation
of Ms. Watson’s position, have prioritized the creation of sound STEM
curriculum in grades Pre-K-12 in an attempt to best prepare their students for
both future academic and career success.
The district intends to focus on STEM as a cross-curricular
instructional practice in grades PreK through five and through industry aligned
credentials and career pathways in grades 6 through 12.
Representing leaders and emerging leaders in corporate,
PreK-12 and higher education, and afterschool programs from 18 counties, PA
STEM Ambassadors have agreed to invest the next nine months in training and
policy development to share expertise and content knowledge with influential
stakeholders to help develop a stronger voice in shaping STEM education policy
issues.
“Pennsylvania is considered a leader in STEM policy
across the country and, in order to maintain that, we need to develop leaders
across the state to advocate for bipartisan support in advancing STEM Education
policies to affect change,” said Laura Saccente, director of the Pennsylvania
Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network (PSAYDN). “PA STEM Ambassadors have been vital part in
shaping STEM education and workforce policies, such as PAsmart and the
landscape of STEM Learning Ecosystems.”
“PreK-12 Education is a service industry where we work to
prepare our students for what comes next for them, both academically and
otherwise. The heart of STEM education
is creating a system where student academic programs are directly correlated to
where they are going after graduation, particularly in the direction of the
most available and lucrative careers that exist in tomorrow’s career market,”
Elizabeth Watson, principal of STEAM.
PSAYDN collaborated with the Education Policy and
Leadership Center (EPLC), the national STEM Education Coalition, the
Afterschool Alliance, 2018 National STEM Ambassador Jeff Remington and staff
from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Pennsylvania Department of
Labor to provide training support to the ambassadors. This year, STEM Ambassadors will have an
option of a leadership track as well.
About PSAYDN
Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development
Network (PSAYDN) promotes sustainable, high-quality out-of-school time youth
development programs through advocacy and capacity building to enhance the
welfare of Pennsylvania’s children, youth and families. PSAYDN believes all
children and youth deserve access to programs that encourage positive youth
development and support the successful transition to adulthood. PSAYDN is
managed by the Center for Schools and Communities. More information is
available at www.PSAYDN.org.
Designing balloons worthy for the Macy’s Thanksgiving
Day Parade and constructing a house that could withstand the big bad wolf’s
huffing and puffing are just two
applications of STEAM that Western Wayne teachers tested out in their
classrooms this year.
Elizabeth
Watson, Western Wayne principal of STEAM, explained how STEAM is working at the
district this year. Watson was recently
selected STEAM Ambassador for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
“I have
been working in the classrooms with teachers and designing lessons to help them
come up with other ideas on their own,” Watson said. “It all boils down to project-based
learning.”
Western
Wayne fifth grade teacher Joanne Connolly did a STEAM project with her students
at Evergreen Elementary that was a week-long problem-solving activity called
“Balloons Over Broadway.”
Connolly
described the event. “Due to a helium
shortage, the students were then tasked with engineering a new way to keep the
balloons afloat without helium,” she said.
“We incorporated science by learning about the properties of helium and
its importance in many applications other than balloons. Students learned that helium is used in the
cooling process for the magnets in an MRI machine, for example.”
Connolly
gave more information about the week-long event. “Students then worked in small groups to
engineer a design to keep their balloon afloat,” she said. “Next, a parade was held, and students then
voted for the most creative balloon and the most functional design.”
Connolly
and her students were both very excited about the results of their STEAM
project.
“As a
teacher it is exciting to watch the students problem-solve and work
collaboratively for a common goal,” she explained. “The incorporation of STEAM into our
classrooms has sparked a new excitement for learning, tremendous conversations,
and more students getting to share their unique talents.”
Watson
agrees that the STEAM lessons this year are really engaging the students.
“Kids
are loving the things we are doing,” Watson explained. “It is good motivation for them to work hard
in class.”
Another
Western Wayne elementary school teacher Sarah Wood, from Robert D. Wilson
Elementary, has also been incorporating STEAM in her classroom.
Wood
explained how the students did a The Three
Little Pigs unit and used STEAM. “We
start each unit reading the book, then identifying a problem or science element,”
she explained. “After The Three Little Pigs, we talked about
wind and what made the different materials in the book hardier to the wolf’s
attempts at knocking them down.”
Wood
further explained the students’ STEAM work.
“The students then experimented with hay, sticks, and bricks to see which were more easily blown away by
their breath. Their final project was to
build a house that could stay standing when blown with a hair dryer.”
Wood’s
students also completed another STEAM project.
“The
second unit was the Gruffalo. Students
programmed robot mice to make their way through a maze and past the characters
that wanted to hunt it down,” she explained.
“We started the programming with paper arrows, then gradually introduced
punching code into the mice.”
In
addition, Wood described another STEAM project in her class.
“Another
unit was on the Gruffalo’s Child. In this
unit, we looked at shadows,” she explained.
“We experimented with making shadows on the wall and then built a shadow
box theater from cereal boxes and wax paper to retell the story to the
parents.”
Wood
truly believes that her students benefit from STEAM.
“I
believe that STEAM can give different students a chance to shine,” Wood
explained. “I did a coding lesson with
first grade this year as part of the Pennsylvania CS grant initiative, and it
was fun to see students who struggle with reading or math discover that part of
learning that comes naturally to them.
They became the experts to their friends and were able to be the ones
who shared knowledge instead of being the receiver.”
Watson
is thrilled that students in Wood’s classes and so many others in the Western
Wayne School District are benefiting from learning through STEAM. She explained that thinking through STEAM
lessons can be helpful to students in today’s day and age.
“Today’s
students understand what ‘debugging’ means,” Watson explained. “Through STEAM students learn that stumbling
blocks are part of the process of learning.
They essentially learn about revision and how sometimes the only way to
fix or improve something is by toiling and persevering through it. Creating inventions in the real world is a
process that takes years, and students can learn this concept through STEAM.”
Watson
feels excited that so many Western Wayne students are being exposed to lessons
and projects associated with skills needed for possible careers in STEAM areas
that they may want to pursue.
“There
are so many jobs that are available in technology fields, engineering fields,
etc.,” Watson said. “The sooner they get
a feel for what they like then we can tie it in other places and set them on a
career path early on.”
Western Wayne senior Alyssa Iovacchini has been
honored for her exemplary volunteer service with a President’s Volunteer
Service Award.
The
award, which recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant
amounts of time to service their communities and their country, was granted by
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program. Western Wayne nominated Alyssa for national
honors this fall in recognition of her volunteer service.
Throughout
Alyssa’s four years in high school she volunteered at Arrowhead Bible Camp in
Brackney, PA. She found out about this
opportunity through her pastor at the Waymart Church where she is an active
member.
Alyssa
described the service work she does each summer at the James Project held at
Arrowhead Bible Camp. The James Project,
named after the Book of James in the Bible, is a summer camp for mentally
disabled adults. Alyssa and other
volunteers work to clean the camp, so that the camp counselors can more focus
their time on working with the campers.
In
addition, Alyssa works at the camp in the winter doing the same jobs when youth
groups and church retreats are at Arrowhead.
“I
really enjoy this type of volunteer work because I am putting others before
myself and making sure they have the most enjoyable time they can at the camp
whether they be adults or other campers,” Alyssa explained.
She
also participates in other various service activities in Waymart with her
church throughout the school year.
“The
faculty, staff, and administration at Western Wayne feel very proud of Alyssa’s
accomplishments,” Western Wayne High School Principal Paul Gregorski said. “We hope our other students look up to her as
a role model.”
In its
25th year, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by
Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary
School Principals (NASSP), recognizes middle level and high school students
across America for outstanding volunteer service.
“Across
the United States, young volunteers are doing remarkable things to contribute
to the well-being of the people and communities around them,” said Prudential
Chairman CEO Charles Lowrey. “Prudential
is honored to celebrate the contributions of these students, and we hope their
stories inspire others to volunteer too.”
“Demonstrating
civic responsibility through volunteerism is an important part of life,” said
NASSP Executive Director JoAnn Bartoletti.
“These honorees practice a lesson we hope all young people, as well as
adults, will emulate.”
Prudential
Spirit of Community Award application details were distributed nationwide last
September through middle level and high schools, Girl Scout Councils, County 4-H
organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs and Points of Light Global
Network members. These schools and
officially-designated local organizations nominated Local Honorees, whose
applications were advanced for state-level judging. In addition to granting President’s Volunteer
Service Awards, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards selected State
Honorees, Distinguished Finalists and Certificate of Excellence
recipients. Volunteer activities were
judged on criteria including initiative, effort, impact, and personal growth.
Alyssa
feels honors to have been given this service award and to be able to represent
the Western Wayne School District’s commitment to excellence through this
honor. Along with her service
activities, Alyssa also is involved in other activities at Western Wayne which
include the National Honor Society, Spanish Club, and FBLA. After graduation, Alyssa aspires to attend a
four-year college to pursue her teaching certificate in secondary education
English.
“I
think that my service work is preparing me for when I will one day work with
students in my own classroom,” Alyssa said.
Kids of all
ages can enjoy a night of entertainment to include the reading of children’s
books, performances from the upcoming Western Wayne Drama Club’s production of Once Upon a Mattress, and even a
performance by local magician David Black.
Western Wayne’s Robert D. Wilson
Elementary School PTA will host Read Across America Night on Thursday, March 5,
beginning at 4:45 p.m. The event is free of charge to the public. There will be tours of the RDW building and
opportunities to stop in classrooms to hear stories read by RDW staff and
friends from 4:45 until 5:30 p.m.
In addition, concessions will be
available for purchase from 5:30 to 6 p.m.
At 6 p.m. Western Wayne Drama Club students will perform excerpts from
their upcoming spring show Once Upon a Mattress
with performance dates set for April 17, 18, and 19. The musical is the classic story of the
princess and the pea.
Senior Sydney Peet plays Queen
Aggravain in the show. Her character is
determined to keep her son Prince Dauntless, played by senior Honour Shaffer,
from marrying an unsuitable bride.
Sydney has really been enjoying playing the role of the queen who is
quite out spoken.
“I enjoy playing a character who is
set in what she wants and not afraid to get her point across,” Sydney, who is playing her third role in a
Western Wayne musical and has played various roles in community theater,
said. “I hope the audience likes our
performance of “Sensitivity.” This is
the queen’s solo in which she tries to come up with an unfair way to test the
new princess in the kingdom suing for her son’s hand in marriage.”
“Sensitivity” is just one song from Once Upon a Mattress to be performed at
Read Across America Night.
Another Western Wayne senior who is
excited to perform is Sydney’s costar Honour Shaffer. Honour looks forward to performing in “The
Swamps of Home” at Read Across America.
“I really think the audience will find
this number entertaining because the princess tells a story about growing up in
an unconventional swamp kingdom that she and everyone else on stage comes to
find fascinating,” Honour, who is playing his fourth role in a Western Wayne
musical, explained.
Senior Andie Solimine plays the role
of Princess Winnifred. She feels very
happy to be playing a lead role for her senior year having been in two musicals
prior to this one at Western Wayne.
“I love to sing, act, and dance,”
Andie said. “I really look forward to
sharing what we have been practicing each day with the community.”
The final act of the evening will be a
performance by local magician David Black at 6:30 p.m.
The RDW PTA, cast of Once Upon a Mattress, and everyone
involved in Read Across America Night encourage the public to attend this fun
event for kids of all ages.
The 3rd & 4th grade students
at RDW learned about German cuckoo clocks and the art of clock making in Art
class. They watched videos about the craftsman of the Black Forest, and talked
about the relationship between the environment & natural resources of a
region, and the art the people of that region create. The students learned
about carving as subtractive sculpture as well as the inner workings of a
clock. Students then practiced a variety
of skills to make their own cut paper cuckoo clocks. They folded hinges to
create working doors, they used an accordion fold to make their cuckoo bird pop
out of the door. They also made an
accurate analog clock face complete with numbers and moving hands, as well as
pine cones for weights, just like the real thing! Classes discussed the importance of using
good craftsmanship to ensure a sturdy and attractive finished product. Students
then added embellishments and personal touches to their clocks using markers,
colored pencil, cut paper and cutout shapes.
The Western Wayne Middle School hosted a Minute to Win It event for their students in grades 6, 7, and 8 on Friday, February 14, as a part of the district’s PBIS initiative. Our PBIS initiative is successfully creating a positive school environment in which students are demonstrating their Wildcat PRIDE daily. Pictured, from left, are seventh grade students Lilli Maros and Aliya Fiorella, who served as special helpers during the Western Wayne PBIS event. Both girls said they really enjoyed helping out at the event and felt good to have a special role in the activities. The students look forward to other special events such as these.
Pictured from left, playing the Minute to Win IT game Stack Attack are: Austin Barger, Jake Moyer, Sean Owens, Lareina Tirado, Katherine Roedel, and Loucynthia Allen.
Pictured playing the Mintue to Win It Game Junk in the Trunk, from left, are: Lorenzo Leggio, Jayden Kellachow, and Karl Strasburger.
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.
