Seven members of the
Western Wayne High School chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
recently participated in a Business Retreat sponsored by the Wayne County School-to-Work
Committee. In addition to students from Western Wayne, students from
Wallenpaupack, Honesdale, and Forest City were in attendance.
The day began with an
opening session conducted by Thomas Shepstone, Shepstone Management, who
discussed the trends and forecasts of jobs in the Wayne County area.
Next, Laurie Guzda got the students involved with an exciting marketing
activity.
This was followed by a field trip to Moka Origins, a coffee roastery and
bean-to-bar chocolate factory. The owners have established their own farm in
Cameroon, Africa, and are uniting with partner farmers around the world to
strive to generate real social change. Jeff Abella, Director, Himalayan
Institute and CEO of Moka Origins, spoke to the students about social
entrepreneurship and small business strategies.
Representing Western
Wayne were (seated) Lenny Maiocco and Derek Mason. (Standing) Kate
Mattern, Darlene Black, Sydney Peet, Ezra Tetreault, and James Fryzel.
Ms. Theresa Lubash, FBLA Adviser and Business Department Chairperson,
accompanied the students.
Pictured are veterans demonstrating the proper folding of the flag with 13 folds.
As a tradition for many years, Western Wayne
administration, faculty, staff, and students joined together on Wednesday,
November 13, to celebrate veterans in the community with a special in-school event
that featured music from the high school band and chorus, wise words from a
veteran guest speaker, and this year the event had the added component of a special
presentation of the meaning of the 13 folds in the American flag.
Many local veterans attended the presentation at Western Wayne. Some of which had special connections to Western Wayne students. Marty Reingold, Vietnam veteran, attended with his wife Marsha to spend the day honoring veterans with their grandson sophomore Matt Reingold.
Marty Reingold and his wife Marsha shared the Veterans Day assembly at Western Wayne High School with their grandson. From left: Marty Reingold, Vietnam veteran; Matt Reingold, sophomore at Western Wayne; and Marsha Reingold.
Marsha
explained that they have taken part in the Veterans Day assembly at Western
Wayne for the past four years.
“Matt
is very proud of his papa,” Marsha explained.
“We are so happy to be here with our grandson. It is very rewarding to see the school do
things for our service men and to witness the camaraderie.”
Matt
agreed with his grandmother.
“The
best part about today is being able to honor the veterans,” Matt
explained. “Especially my grandfather.”
Another
veteran that felt proud to be at the event with his grandchildren was Roger
O’Brien, a United States Navy veteran. O’Brien explained that it was his first
time at the Veterans Day event at Western Wayne. However, he had heard about it from his
granddaughter Rebeccah King, who is a senior this year, and performed with the
chorus and band at the event.
O’Brien also had a number of other grandchildren at the event who have attended Western Wayne. His grandchildren Johnathan Robbins, 7th grade, and Summer Schaal, granddaughter, were with O’Brien before the presentation to welcome him to the school.
Roger O’Brien shared the Veterans Day assembly at Western Wayne High School with his grandchildren. From left: Johnathan Robbins, 7th grader at Western Wayne; Roger O’Brien, United States Navy veteran; and Summer Schaal.
“I am a
very proud grandfather,” O’Brien said.
“I promised them I would come.”
O’Brien
traveled to Western Wayne from New Jersey for the event, and he was happy to
discuss his time in the service with his grandchildren.
“I
practically traveled around the world as a gunner on a cargo ship,” O’Brien
explained. “I was in Russia twice. I was shipped to the West Coast and was
headed to Okinawa, Japan, but they surrendered before we got there. We saw plenty.”
O’Brien
discussed how he received many honors for his military service.
“I have
a number of medals and ribbons for my time in the service which I have shown to
my grandchildren,” O’Brien explained.
Reingold,
O’Brien, and many other veterans processed into the auditorium to begin the
event.
Highlights of the event include some beautifully performed patriotic pieces by the Western Wayne High School chorus and band. The veterans also were treated to a breakfast and lunch prepared by students in Mrs. Stephanie Zoppi’s culinary classes. In addition, during the assembly, a group of local veterans demonstrated and explained the meaning of the 13 folds in an American Flag when it is presented to a loved one at a military funeral service.
Students in Western Wayne’s FCCLA Club helped to greet Veterans for the event. From left: Paige Bell, Zoey Goldman, Kennedy Mistishin, Jaquelyn Morris, and Jaden Gregory.
The symbolism of each of the folds was explained in a very moving presentation. They represent a variety of meaningful parts of military service, faith in God, and faith in America. For example, the second fold signifies a belief in eternal life; the seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces; and the final fold, when the stars are uppermost, is a tribute to our national motto, “In God We Trust.”
Pictured are veterans demonstrating the proper folding of the flag with 13 folds.
As a
closing to the assembly, the students, veterans, and faculty in attendance
heard from guest speaker Officer Robert Robbins. Officer Robbins served in the United States
Army in the 101st Airborne Division as a Light Wheel Vehicle
Mechanic at Fort Campbell Kentucky for two years. He earned the Army Achievement Medal, Good
Conduct Medal, and the Air Assault Badge.
Upon the conclusion of his active service, Officer Robbins joined the Pennsylvania National Guard and served in Alpha Co, 1st Battalion of the 109th Infantry Regiment. In this unit, he served as a Squad Leader, Vehicle Commander, was promoted to Sergeant and was awarded the General S. J. Stewart Medal for service and NCO Academy Graduate Ribbon.
Pictured is Guest Speaker Officer Robert Robbins. Officer Robbins serves as a School Resource Officer at Western Wayne since 2013.
In 1991, Officer Robbins
joined the Pennsylvania Air National Guard and served with the Security Police
Flight at Willow Grove Naval Air Station.
He was responsible for base security, Flight Operations Security, and
the protection of aircraft and missile weapons sites. He earned the Rank of Staff Sergeant.
He then attended the
Security Police Academy at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in which he earned
the title of Honor Graduate and was awarded the Pennsylvania Commendation
Medal. Officer Robbins received an
Honorable Discharge from all three branches he served in.
Officer Robbins is a
retired Pennsylvania State Trooper, who served for 23 years and spent his
entire career in the Patrol Unit. He was
promoted to Corporal in 1999 and was responsible for nearly every facet of daily
operations in a State Police Troop. He
was stationed all over the State from Bucks County to Wayne County.
Today, Officer Robbins
serves as a School Resource Officer here at the Western Wayne School District
and has diligently done so since 2013. Robbins
is beloved by Western Wayne students and faculty alike. He has a very meaningful presence throughout
the school keeping it safe and helping to guide students.
Robbins also has the honor of being the newest
voice of the Western Wayne Wildcats at their football and basketball games
where he has taken over as announcer after the passing of Western Wayne’s beloved
veteran teacher Mr. Jim Rebar.
As
Robbins talked to the students, he discussed his upbringing in Honesdale where
he was one of seven children in what he described as an average family. Robbins went on to marry his high school
sweetheart and have three children. He
then explained his journey through the military. Next, Robbins told the students what the
military had done for him and how it shaped him as a person.
“I
discovered that there were things I never thought I could be capable of doing
from my time in the military,” Robbins explained. “For example, I conquered my
fear of heights. I had to jump out of helicopters in my time in the service. My time in the military really shaped my
life.”
Robbins
quoted “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and discussed how he feels it is very
meaningful to him as a veteran. He then
told the students how important it is for them to be thankful for veterans and,
if possible, for them to try to do service for the community to give back.
“We
should live a life that we have earned from what was sacrificed for us,” he
said. “It important for us to say thank
you to veterans and to provide service to the community if we can.”
His
closing words were very meaningful and memorable.
“God
bless you,” he told all in attendance.
“God bless America.”
Western Wayne Junior Lacey Falloon won second place for
the Carnegie Mellon University Computer Science Academy Creative Task Challenge
for its first unit of study.
Lacey is working through the course as a part of her
computer science class at Western Wayne High School. Lacey explained that the task that won her
the second place certificate was her coding of actor Leonardo DiCaprio’s face
when he played Jack in the blockbuster hit Titanic.
She explained that he is one of her favorite actors, and
she thought it was a unique idea for a coding task. Lacey loves the challenge of coding and has
been spending time both in the classroom and outside of school on perfecting
her coding skills.
“I like beating others to get a task complete,” Lacey
explained. “I’m always trying to finish
first.”
Along with trying to work on her coding speed, Lacey also
constantly tries to come up with new creative ideas for coding.
“For my second unit task for the Carnegie Mellon course,
I made stick figures climbing a ladder,” Lacey said. “For this project, my picture has to keep
changing to different things. It takes
time to create projects like this.”
When Lacey isn’t working on her programming skills, she
enjoys doing projects for Future Business Leaders of America where her primary
focus is accounting. Lacey likes to set
goals to challenge herself in all of the work that she does.
“I like a challenge,” Lacey said. “When I finally figure out something with
coding, I sit there and wonder why I didn’t figure it out from the start.”
Lacey looks forward to working on more coding projects in
her course at Western Wayne. Western
Wayne faculty, administration, and staff are proud of her accomplishments and
can’t wait to see what she does next.
EverGreen Elementary celebrated healthy snack options with apples on Apple Crunch Day! Klim’s Orchard donated yummy apples to help our students get a taste of the different varieties. The lessons did not stop at snacking. Teachers incorporated math, science and language arts into the day by creating experiments, graphs and writing descriptive words to describe the texture, color and taste of the apples. During lunch, students had Apple Crisp and apple slices to enjoy as well. Apple Crunch Day is a great way to encourage healthy eating habits and a great way to extend our learning.
Family,
Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) from Western
Wayne High School learned leadership skills, organizational skills,
and project ideas while attending the FCCLA Regional Leadership Meeting on October 25th at Reading Area Community
College.
Members
attended workshops on Leadership, Statewide Initiatives, Publicizing your Chapter,
Safety, Family Consumer Sciences related topics, and State Officer Candidacy. During the meeting, local chapter members also
learned about the PA FCCLA outreach project and the membership campaign.
Club advisor Lori
Lucchesi, FCS Teacher, Western Wayne High School, explained how this is an exciting
year for her students.
“We have built
our club membership up this year,” Lucchesi explained. “The students felt excited to start the year
off at the Regional Leadership Meeting and are now working on projects for the
FCCLA State Leadership Conference in the spring.”
Western Wayne
members expressed enthusiasm toward returning to their chapter with great ideas
and lots of motivation for a successful year.
Freshman, Ashley
Small Bermudez learned about FCCLA programs and competitions and stated, “The
workshop taught me about a useful planning process that will help me organize
community events and achieve my future career plans.”
Sophomore
Katarina Wood explained, “I attended an FCCLA work session that gave me key
strategies to balance my extracurricular and academic skills.”
Another
sophomore Mackenzie Sheatler found it very interesting to learn about the
safety of children at the conference.
“I like
learning about how kids interact and child development,” MacKenzie, who aspires
to be a social worker, explained.
Sinclaire Ogof,
a senior and vice president of membership for Western Wayne, reported that
“Twenty seven students attended the FCCLA Regional Leadership Meeting and our
Western Wayne Chapter’s membership has tripled this year, totaling 52 students!”
All of Western
Wayne’s FCCLA members are excited to work with this club throughout the year
and some have already begun their projects for the State Leadership Conference
to be held in the spring at Penn State Main Campus.
Sinaea Buford,
FCCLA president who aspires to major in forensic science and minor in criminal
justice, is working with fellow FCCLA member Sadie Nahman on a project for the
category of event management for the State Leadership Conference.
The girls are
working to plan a senior citizen prom for the local community. They wish to work with Wayne Woodlands Manor
and Laurel Place on the event.
“I really like
to work with the elderly,” Sinaea, who has volunteered at Golden Way Personal
Care Home in Waymart, explained. “I like
to make them happy by listening to them and making them feel like they are at
home when they talk to me.”
Fellow FCCLA
member Shailyn Pugh said she also hopes to do a service-based project for FCCLA
this year.
“I like
helping in the community and doing service projects,” Shailyn, who aspires to
be a pharmaceutical technician, said.
Family,
Career, and Community Leaders of America is a dynamic and effective national
student organization that helps young men and women become leaders and
addresses important personal, family, work, and societal issues through Family
& Consumer Sciences Education and Related Occupations.
FCCLA
is unique among youth organizations because its programs are planned and run by
members. It is the only national
in-school organization with the family as its central focus. Participation in national programs and
chapter activities helps members become strong leaders in their families,
careers, and communities.
Twenty-nine members of the Western Wayne chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America recently attended the organization’s annual State Leadership Workshop at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in the Poconos. This was the largest workshop in FBLA history bringing together more than 1,500 members and advisers from across the state for leadership development. Senior Ezra Tetreault, PA FBLA’s First Vice President, together with the other eight state officers, conducted the opening and closing sessions. Students were then able to choose from a variety of workshops to attend covering such topics as Entrepreneurship, Leadership Lessons, Communication, Characteristics of Leaders, Business Innovation, FBLA Competition Boot Camp, Officership, and Marketing and Digital Branding. This workshop was also the kickoff of the PA FBLA State Project, which benefits the American Heart Association. With a goal of $67,000, the state chapter has already raised more than $14,000 by holding a charity walk, a charity basket auction of nearly 100 baskets, a t-shirt sale, and several meals at the Great Karoo restaurant with a portion of the profits going to the state project. Attending the workshop were Cassidy Asinski, Jamie Bryan, Julie Bryan, Haley Estus, Rachel Hoch, Sydney Hutchinson, Abby Kapschull, Skylar Long, Emilie McAllister, Madison McGlone, Laynee Nugent, Ella Pavlovich, Sydney Peet, Lena Piccolino, Anya Rusnak, Gabby Tetreault, Lou Azzato, Tommy Gogolski, Parker Howell, Zane Janiszewski, Matt Leslie, Lenny Maiocco, Derek Mason, Jack McAllister, Kiel Rizzi, Carson Rush, Kelton Slifko, Tim Smith, and Ezra Tetreault.
Row 1 (l to r): Jamie Bryan, Cassidy Asinski, Lena Piccolino, Haley Estus, Madison McGlone. Row 2 (l to r): Emilie McAllister, Gabby Tetreault, Sydney Hutchinson, Anya Rusnak, Derek Mason. Row 3 (l to r): Rachel Hoch, Sydney Peet, Abby Kapschull, Tommy Gogolski, Kelton Slifko, Kiel Rizzi, Lou Azzato. Row 4 (l to r): Laynee Nugent, Ella Pavlovich, Skylar Long, Julie Bryan, Matt Leslie, Jack McAllister. Row 5 (l to r): Lenny Maiocco, Carson Rush, Zane Janiszewski, Tim Smith, Parker Howell.
Western Wayne junior Cassidy Asinski is the 2019 ACS
Susquehanna Valley Section National Chemistry Week Poetry Contest 9th-12th
Grade Winner. Cassidy’s poem was judged as being the best out of all 9th-12th
grade entries received by our section.
The poem has successfully been submitted to the national competition for a chance to win up to $300. In addition, Cassidy, her parents, and her science teacher Maria Masankay are invited to the annual Susquehanna Valley ACS Awards Banquet in May. Cassidy will receive a $50 check and a certificate at the banquet.
Cassidy’s poem is titled “Rust.” She explained that she chose this topic after
doing some research. Cassidy, who enjoys
both science and English classes at Western Wayne, said she really wanted to make
her poem stand out by personifying rust throughout it. The poem is told in the first person point of
view of rust itself.
“I wanted to make it really unique,” Cassidy
explained.
Cassidy is highly involved at Western Wayne High
School. She is a triple-sport athlete
who is a member of the soccer, basketball, and track teams. She just made the first team all-stars for
soccer. Cassidy, also, participates in
FBLA and is a member of NHS. She is
keeping her options open for the future, and says she is interested in the
study of forensic science.
She feels excited to have won the poetry contest and
looks forward to representing Western Wayne at the awards banquet for it in
May.
Western Wayne faculty, administration, and staff, are
proud of Cassidy’s accomplishments and wish her the best in her future
endeavors.
Western Wayne FBLA members joined with students from several area schools at
the Woodloch Resort for the annual Region 22 Leadership Workshop. Region
22 President and Western Wayne senior Ezra Tetreault presided at the opening
and business sessions.
The workshop is a wonderful opportunity for students to get together and meet
students from neighboring schools in a social setting rather than a competitive
one. Also attending were members from Carbondale Area, Delaware Valley,
Honesdale, Mid-Valley, and Wallenpaupack Area,
Ice skating was available before the sessions and a haunted hayride concluded
the evening’s activities.
Representing Western Wayne were Ezra Tetreault, Kate Mattern, Darlene Black,
Lenny Maiocco, Landon Firmstone, Jacob McCormack, and James Fryzel.
Theresa Lubash, chapter adviser, accompanied the students.
Western Wayne juniors Brett Schane and Madison McGlone represented Western Wayne at the 2019 Central Pennsylvania HOBY Leadership Seminar at Shippensburg University held last May.
The students greatly enjoyed their experience. Brett and Madison were glad to learn leadership skills along with making lasting friendships with other students from across the state.
“This was a good experience not only to build leadership and character, but also to meet a lot of different people that I never would have had the opportunity to be friends with otherwise,” Brett explained.
Madison agreed stating that she still keeps in touch with many of the students she met at the seminar.
“I made a lot of life-long friends,” Madison, who aspires to study psychology after graduation, said.
Brett and Madison explained that they did many getting-to-know-you activities when they first arrived at the seminar. Then they also had the chance to do community service projects.
Madison’s group went to a local Boy Scout camp and worked on setting up tents and building other needed items for the camp. She explained how all of the students at the seminar were broken into different groups to work on various service projects.
Brett said along with the service aspect of the seminar he also enjoyed the time the students got to spend in Harrisburg in the capital building.
“We got to do a mock legislature and work to get a bill passed among our peers,” Brett, who aspires to major in journalism and write about political science, explained. “It was really great to get to sit in the room where real bills are passed in the state.”
Brett and Madison thought they benefitted so much from their experience at HOBY last year that they wish to apply to be student leaders at the upcoming HOBY Leadership Seminar this spring. Brett and Madison explained how as a part of the process they individually have to complete 100 hours of community service along with the application process. If chosen, they will help to set up and facilitate this year’s event, which would mean they would be working alongside this year’s chosen Western Wayne sophomores Bridget Oppelt and Rachel Tuman.
Oppelt and Tuman will represent Western Wayne at the 2020 Central Pennsylvania HOBY Leadership Seminar at Shippensburg University in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, from May 14 through May 17.
Both young ladies are very accomplished at Western Wayne. Bridget is an honor roll student who enjoys being a part of the Western Wayne Marching Band where she plays the alto saxophone. She also does baton with the Double R Twirlettes and likes to ride horses in her spare time.
Like her classmate, Rachel also is highly involved in academics and activities. Rachel is a member of the Mock Trial Team, PJAS, Science Olympiad, FBLA, Spanish Club, and is the vice president of the sophomore class.
The girls were chosen for HOBY through essays they submitted about what leadership means to them.
“I wrote about how leadership is a role that you can use to guide and help others,” Bridget said.
Rachel agreed that helping others is a large part of leadership.
“I wrote about how there are two types of leaders: positive and negative ones,” Rachel explained. “Positive leaders help to develop tomorrow’s leaders.”
Both girls are very excited to attend the HOBY Leadership Seminar.
“I look forward to hearing what is said about leadership and meeting other students and hearing their experiences,” Rachel said.
Hoby will soon celebrate 50 years as the country’s top youth leadership development organization. Founded in 1958 by veteran actor Hugh O’Brian, HOBY’s mission is to provide lifelong leadership development opportunities that empower individuals to achieve their highest potential. O’Brian set out to help young people make a difference and become positive catalysts for change—in the home, school, workplace, and community. Now, with more than 355,000 alumni leading the way, HOBY is respected worldwide for its youth leadership programs.
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.
