The Western Wayne School District congratulates senior R.J. Clemens who very successfully represented the district at the All-State Chorus Festival in Pittsburgh during the first week of April. R.J. is pictured at the David Lawrence Convention Center.
In an article featured on USAtoday.com, at least 35 people reported seizures after using electronic cigarettes over the past decade, the Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday.
FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said the agency is investigating the incidents, which primarily involved youth and young adults and were discovered in its “adverse event” reporting system.
Seizures or convulsions are known to be possible side effects of nicotine poisoning. They have reportedly occurred after users swallow vaping liquid containing nicotine.
Additionally, we would like to offer the latest E-Cig toolkit that was provided from the American Lung Association in Pennsylvania.
Among the many shelves of books in the Western Wayne High School Library hung a variety of beautiful gowns available for students to choose for their upcoming Prom in May. Students had the opportunity get a dress free of charge throughout the school day on Wednesday, March 27.
Western Wayne School Board President Mrs. Bernice Fiorella had the idea to get the community involved in such a project because she saw a need for the young ladies in the district to have some assistance in acquiring an item that could set them back hundreds of dollars which they may not have.
“Someone approached me about there being a need for dresses and once I saw that need I wanted to fill it,” Fiorella explained.
She later took to social media and other forms of networking in the community to acquire the gowns. She received about 100 dresses from family in New York and another woman from New Jersey reached out and donated about 200 dresses. Many other people in the Western Wayne community have also donated to this worthy cause along with Sunshine Cleaners in Hamlin who professionally cleaned all of the donated gowns free of charge.
Fiorella first did a project like this in the fall of this school year for the semi-formal and after its success she decided to continue to work with everyone involved to provide dresses to any girls who need one for this year’s Prom.
“It always amazes me how giving our community is,” Fiorella said. “They exceed my expectations every time.”
The girls at Western Wayne High School felt so grateful for the community’s efforts and absolutely loved having the chance to choose a Prom dress of their dreams.
Senior Vaeda Pontosky, who will attend DeSales University next year in the Physician Assistant Program, took advantage of the chance to look for Prom dresses at school.
“This is such a great opportunity,” Vaeda said. “I’m trying my best to save money for college right now, and I am so grateful for everyone who made this possible for us today.”
Vaeda’s classmate, junior Bella Zeiler also felt extremely grateful for the community’s efforts.
“Along with helping me to save money, it is really convenient for me to have some time during the day to look for a dress, because I have to work after school to save money for things like college and a car,” Bella explained.
Fiorella is thrilled the event was such a success and hopes to continue efforts of this nature in the Western Wayne community in the future.
In the meantime, Fiorella is giving the dresses that remain after the Western Wayne event to East Stroudsburg School District so their students can also benefit from this wonderful opportunity to have a dress free of charge for Prom. East Stroudsburg had reached out to Fiorella after hearing about the success of Western Wayne’s event in the fall to get students semi-formal dresses.
“I look forward to continuing efforts like these to help students through working with the Western Wayne School community and beyond in the future,” Fiorella said.
Pennsylvania Future Business Leaders of America state officers attended the Pennsylvania Business Education Association Conference on Friday, March 22. At the conference, officers introduced presenters of the various workshops held at the event. In addition, they answered questions regarding membership in FBLA. They also assisted with the scholarship auction held at the luncheon and business meeting. Pictured is Western Wayne Junior Ezra Tetreault. Ezra is the Western Wayne FBLA vice president, Region 22 president of FBLA, and he is the vice president at large for FBLA for the state of Pennsylvania.
Based on Little Orphan Annie by permission
of the Media Tribune Services, Inc.
“Annie” is presented through special arrangement with
Music Theater International (MTI)
-Location –
Western Wayne Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium.
Friday, April 26th at 7 PM
Saturday, April 27 at 7 PM
Sunday, April 28 at 3 PM
ADULTS $5
STUDENTS/SENIORS $3
Pictured are some of the Western Wayne Middle School students involved in the 2019 “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?” Northeast PA Contest. From left: Trinity Foulds, Alaina Maiocco, Ella Pavlovich, Kailey Tickner, Julie Bryan, Skylar Long, and Evan Peirce. Team members not pictured: Bernie Roedel and Ivan Knecht.
Voting for the second-annual “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing Contest?” will be open from March 27th through March 29th at https://www.whatssocool.org/contests/northeast-pa/ The public can support Western Wayne Middle School students by going on and voting for their video submission as many times as they would like.
Western Wayne Middle School students are part of this unique learning experience for the second time. Created by the Manufacturers Resource Center (MRC) in Allentown, PA in 2013, the “What’s So cool About Manufacturing?” contests draw entries from more than 200 teams across Pennsylvania. The teams of students and teacher coaches receive camera equipment, software, and professional guidance as they learn to script, record, and edit their video stories of what it’s like to work in the manufacturing industry. Students learn about the manufacturing career field and complete their projects at various local manufacturing businesses.
The contest’s objective is to change students’ perceptions about manufacturing careers by sending them to local places where manufacturing is done to complete their submissions for “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?”. The “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?” contests are supported regionally by their sponsors and partners.
The 2019 “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?” Contest for Northeast PA is produced by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center in Hanover Township, PA. Participating schools are from Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, and Wayne counties. Western Wayne is one of eleven schools participating in the Northeast PA Contest.
For the second year, Western Wayne Middle School students had the opportunity to explore Boyce Products Ltd., a manufacturing facility located in Damascus, for their project. This winter the students toured Boyce to learn about the manufacturing career field and gather information for their submission.
The group of Western Wayne students consisting of Bernie Roedel, Ella Pavlovich, Alaina Maiocco, Skylar Long, Trinity Foulds, Evan Peirce, Ivan Knecht, Julie Bryan, and Kailey Tickner felt rewarded and fulfilled after their experiences at Boyce and in creating their video submission.
The students were surprised to learn that Boyce makes a variety of products used in the national spotlight. For example, the students learned Boyce creates set pieces for CNN News, the tables used for interviews in the NFL, along with different props used in popular movies, and the call boxes used in New York City subways.
“It was neat to see how much work goes into each piece they create,” Evan Peirce, 8th grader from Western Wayne, said.
Evan’s fellow classmate Julie Bryan said she was excited to see the different equipment in use at Boyce.
“We got to see laser cutters going through metal,” Julie explained.
After their trip, the students worked on creating their video submission about their experience. Eighth grader Bernie Roedel acted as a student leader for this effort. The film is now finalized and can be viewed on the Western Wayne website at https://ww3.westernwayne.org/western-wayne-manufacturing-video-submission/
The Western Wayne School Community invites the public to vote for Western Wayne Middle School’s video submission to “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?” at https://www.whatssocool.org/contests/northeast-pa/
The students have the chance to win for a variety of categories. Your vote can help them win the Northeast PA Viewer’s Choice Award.
Senior R.J. Clemens has qualified for the All-State Chorus Festival. The State Festival is in Pittsburgh, PA, from April 3 through April 6. R.J. is among the top vocalists in the state of Pennsylvania.
The Western Wayne Drama Club hosted New York based actor/singer/ dancer/ instructor Darius Jordan Lee for a Broadway Workshop held Monday, March 18, through the support and arrangement of the Western Wayne Drama Parent Board.
The students and parents have held many fundraisers throughout the school year to pay for this and other programs to support the students learning of performance arts.
This workshop was funded by our Western Wayne Drama Parents. We are excited to use our many fundraising efforts to bring more opportunities to our students in the future.
The students welcomed the opportunity to learn from a professional who most recently was seen in Clueless the Musical as the role Sean/ Murray Cover at the Signature Theatre Company. Lee’s credits include: Guthrie Theater: West Side Story (Riff), John W. Engeman Theater: In the Heights (Benny Cover), Mamma Mia! (Eddie), among many others. He has a B.F.A. in musical theater with a minor in computer science from Montclair State University.
Lee treated the students to a two and half hour session of sharing his professional experiences, leading them in acting exercises, and teaching a dance combination from the musical Clueless.
The students were very engaged with Lee and enjoyed having the chance to perform and be critiqued by a professional actor. Lee felt most grateful for being able to help students get out of their comfort zones and gain confidence in themselves.
“I’m so glad I was able to get them to try something new and not be afraid to be themselves,” Lee said.
Western Wayne and Wayne Highlands students earned the title of District Event Winner at the FIRST Robotics @ Bridgewater 2019 competition held in March. The team is called FRC 4285 Camo-Bots and is a partnership between Western Wayne School District and Wayne Highlands School District to operate a unified robotics team that resembles the blended post-secondary/workforce that students will encounter after graduation. Students develop their individual talents to be utilized as a collaborative team effort though our academic and business/industry partnerships.
Students involved in the FIRST Robotics competition produce and present business plan, design plan, machining and production, testing of components, engineering analysis, networking with students/engineers/business/industry, web page design, computer programming, advanced electronics/pneumatic/mechanics/sensor, and intense competition.
The competition has strict rules, limited resources, and an intense six-week time limit, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size 125 pound robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors. It’s as close to real-world engineering as a student can get.
FIRST Robotics Competition operates during the school year. Teams form and register in the fall. However, the “official season” begins early in January when the season’s Challenge is announced at a Kickoff ceremony to the world. Teams are then given six weeks to create their robot. District and Regional competition events start in late February and continue through April. Teams that qualify are invited to FIRST Championship at the end of April. There are also many off-season events in which teams can participate, strategize, hone their skills, learn new technology, meet other teams, and have fun!
FIRST FRC Competition is honored as the highest form of STEM competition on the planet. Every team is given the same competition constraints, time format, and open-ended strategy. It is up to the team then to produce a robot to compete within the 300 page rule book, present, and attain awards.
This is FRC 4285 Camo-Bots team 3rd “Blue Banner” win. Only the 1st place winner attains this and it a very highly sought after recognition and award. Many teams compete for decades and not attain this, the Camo-Bots have attained this goal in eight years. The FRC 4285 Camo-Bots are always recruiting any student interested in areas of business, marketing, webpage design, Computer Aided Drafting, CNC machining, electronics, sensors, computer programming (Java & Python), presentation, engineering analysis, mechanical, and networking with students/colleges/business/industry. The team has had five students in their eight years take advantage of the FIRST scholarship program utilizing over $500,000 in paid college tuition in engineering related STEM fields.
Western Wayne Team Mentor Mr. Brian Landry is very proud of the success of the Camo-Bots and is very thankful to Western Wayne administration, staff, students, their families, and members of the local business community who have and continue to support the efforts of the team.
BOOK A SESSION NOW! Senior portraits will be taken July 9th, 10th, and 11th.June 30, 2025We are excited to announce that Upstate Images has been chosen as the official senior photographer for the Class of 2026.
Senior portraits will be taken at the Western Wayne High School July 9th, 10th, and 11th. The location is tbd due to construction in the school. Scheduling a portrait session with Upstate Images is essential to ensure your child’s inclusion in the yearbook.
To book a portrait session, scan the QR code or visit the Upstate Images website: https://www.upstate-images.com/seniors. Select the Binghamton Southern Tier when booking your appointment.Yearbook Portrait Requirements: ● Select your favorite CAP AND GOWN photo by 11/20/25. ● Any images that do not follow these specs or are not selected by this deadline will be picked by the WWHS Yearbook team.
Sitting Options and Fees: (Sitting fees are prepaid online when the session is booked.)
● Platinum: $40 sitting fee includes 25-30 images (traditional yearbook attire, cap and gown, three casual outfits, multiple backgrounds)● Gold: $30 sitting fee includes up to 20 images (traditional yearbook attire, cap and gown, two casual outfits, multiple backgrounds)● Silver: $15 sitting fee includes up to 15 images (traditional yearbook attire, cap and gown, one casual outfit, multiple backgrounds)● Yearbook Only: Free session for those who need it. This includes four images in yearbook attire only.
Call 1-855-773-3321 to book this session. [...]
High School Hosts Graduation for Class of 2025June 13, 2025Wildcat Pride was bursting from the audience at Western Wayne’s Veterans Memorial Auditorium on the evening of Friday, June 6, for the graduation of the class of 2025. This is a bright class of students who have excelled in academics, athletics, and club activities having gained a total of $6,075,675 in college scholarships and grants at their recently held senior night. Student speakers at graduation gave their classmates advice for the exciting and new journey that lies ahead of them for their very bright futures.Senior Lillian Maros, president of the class of 2025, gave the welcome address.Lillian ended her speech in a unique way by having her class honor the many role models who have shaped their life journey thus far.“I was once told that everyone, at least once, deserves to be on the receiving end of a round of applause,” she said. “As a theater kid myself, I couldn’t agree more, and I ask any parents, guardians, siblings, teachers, and administrators to stand, and let our class applaud you for all of the opportunities you have given us.”Later, Lillian presented the Class Mantel to Audrey Agnello, junior class president.Following the presentation of the mantle, the class salutatorian and valedictorian gave speeches.Senior David Elias III, Hamlin, was named the salutatorian of the class of 2025 with a final overall GPA of 100.41.
David is the son of Carrie and David Elias.Along with being an excellent academic student, David was involved in Western Wayne clubs and activities including: FBLA, basketball, PBIS, and track and field.
In the future, he plans to attend Marywood University with an undecided major.
“My favorite memory from high school was attending the FBLA state conference as a freshman in Hershey,” David said. “While at Western Wayne, I’ve learned important skills such as critical thinking and time management that will help me through college and beyond.”In his salutatorian speech, David let his classmates know it is ok to be undecided about their futures as long as they follow their inner drive.“We have the ability to blaze our own paths different from what our parents did and what others expect of us,” he said. “As long as we follow what truly matters to us, we will get where we are supposed to go.”David summed up the evening with a quote from LeBron James, “Education is the most important thing in life. No matter what you do, you have to be educated, and you have to learn.”He then ended his speech with these encouraging words to his class, “We are closing a major chapter in our lives, but with the hope that we will be able to keep learning throughout whatever endeavors come next with the goal of reaching greatness.”Fellow classmate Lia Hartman, Lake Ariel, was named valedictorian of the class of 2025 with a GPA of 100.94.Lia is the daughter of Chad and Mayumi Hartman.Lia also has done numerous activities both inside and outside of the classroom at Western Wayne. She has participated in NHS, Student Council, Marching Band, serving as a drum major her junior and senior years; District and Region Band, Envirothon, Science Olympiad, and FBLA.In the future, she plans to attend The University of Scranton as a biochemistry major and then attend medical school to pursue pathology.“My favorite moment throughout high school was seeing the smile on people’s faces after having a good field show,” Lia said. “I believe the teachers at Western Wayne have pushed me to succeed and provided me with many meaningful opportunities.”
In her valedictorian speech, Lia reminisced about how in her freshman year when she saw that she was ranked first in her class that she had a fleeting thought about what it would be like to deliver a graduation speech. At that time, all she felt was anxiety, but now faced with the reality, she said she felt nothing but honor and pride to get to deliver this speech to her class.Her speech focused on the idea of how motivation is a key aspect in life especially when facing a milestone moment like graduation.“Motivation is a truly powerful force,” Lia said. “It is a psychological drive and combination of our values, goals, and beliefs. It pushes us toward success.”Lia said in preparation of her speech she asked many of her classmates to discuss with her their motivations and found them to be a variety of forces including God, drive for success in sports and academics, along with wanting to inspire others to work hard, and to make family proud.She quoted one of her favorite books, The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, “What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well.”She told her classmates to not lose hope if they find themselves lost in their journey after high school at times, “As long as you latch onto your own motivations, you will continue to trek forward towards the future, and you will undoubtedly find your own well.”She then left her classmates with these words of advice, “Always remind yourself why you decided to go on this journey in the first place. Never let go of that initial spark. I encourage you to go out there and become the inspiration that gives others their sparks.”
Following the speeches, all graduates received their diplomas and were presented as the Class of 2025 to the audience. They then sang the school’s alma mater one last time as a class on stage. The Western Wayne School District wishes all the graduates the best in their bright futures.
Picture one: Senior Elizabeth Washine works on one of her many art projects at Western Wayne. After graduation, she will attend Duquesne University to study secondary education English and creative writing.
Picture two: from left: David Elias, salutatorian, and Lia Hartman, valedictorian, hard at work on a project after being named “most likely to be your boss” for their high school yearbook.
Picture three: from left: Allyson Irvine and Grace Lidy taping a segment for Western Wayne Broadcast which they both worked on this year.
Picture four: from left: high school English teacher Amanda Jenkins, student council co-advisor; Madison Stiffler, Prom Queen; and high school Spanish teacher Sara Orloski; student council co-advisor; at the Homecoming game this past fall when Stiffler was named queen.
Picture five: from left: High School Principal Paul B. Gregorski; senior Mason Rush, Prom King, and his mom Western Wayne high school English teacher Megan Rush. Mason will attend Juniata College this fall with a merit scholarship to study criminal justice and education.
Picture six: from left: Colette Schmitt, who played Sophie; and Lillian Maros, who played Donna; in Western Wayne’s production of Mamma Mia this past spring for their senior year. Lillian has won numerous creative writing and band awards over her time in high school. She plans to start her own business upon graduation and move to Texas with her family. Colette Schmitt will serve an 18 month mission trip for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints after graduation and plans to study to become a chiropractor as her career path.
Picture seven: from left: Stephanie Maxwell, who played Rosie; and Robert Scramuzza, who played Bill in Western Wayne’s production of Mamma Mia this past spring for their senior year. Stephanie will attend The University of Alabama in the fall to study pre-law and minor in theater. Robert will attend RIT in the fall to study engineering.
Picture eight: is senior Rebekah Palko on her horse Paxil at Salem View Farms She has done competitive equestrian for many years, and Paxil was her first horse.
Picture nine: Salutatorian, David Elias III
Picture ten: Valedictorian, Lia Hartman
Picture eleven: The class of 2025 after receiving their diplomas
Picture twelve: The class of 2025 celebrating
List of 2025 Graduates
Mackenzie Jean AdamsZoe Lorah AlbitzThomas John BainLily BarberJacob Alexander BarnaAlexis BarrVallita Princess BelinovaAubrey Shay BellJamal Lee BenedictKayne Michael BihlerTheodore Robert BlackNatalia Lydia BorrelliLillian Grace BronsonMatthew T. BrownConnor Howard BryantAnthony CanzanoDouglas Robert ChapmanJames Samuel ChapmanStacey ChristopherMadelyn Rose ChrobakRiver CollinsNikko CondiAngelina L. CorreaNicholas CotterAndrew CrisseyAddison Grace DanielsEvan Joseph DeanEmily Ann DicelloAnnaliese DickisonHannah Lee DockemeyerAnthony John DonniniLauren Letizia DramisinoMichael Samuel DursoJonathan Hunter DwyerZariah EdmundsDavid John Elias IIIJayla C. FiorellaJeffrey David Foote, Jr.Olivia Giovanna FordAiden Patrick ForneyKalob Alejandro FrankoJordan FrisbieSean James GallifordColton Michael GearyZachary Aiden GibbsCedar C. GilpinJared Joshua GoldmanAddison Lynn GriffinBryan James GuarnizDaniel HallDavid J. HallbergLia Mimi HartmanPaige Elizabeth HaswellJaden Desire HeadenChase HobgoodMaKennah Lynn HolbertColton J. HooseBrianna Michelle HoyerJak Michael HubingerAllyson Grace IrvineJames Ethan JimenezSydney Grace JusticeAlyssa Lynn Ellis KapalskiJayden KellachowAustin D. KenyonKendra May KeryloviczLily Patrice KievaNicole Marie KlimEthan Tyler LambertonGrace K. LangendoerferFrederick Frances Leonetti IIIGrace H. Murphy LidyTravis Mark LockerRyleigh Niccole MahonLance Maiocco, Jr.Matvey MamoshukLillian Grace MarosAddison Brooke MatthewsStephanie K. MaxwellDaymon Robert McGuireRobert William Mildner, Jr.Nelson Edgardo Miranda-MirandaSeth MontijoBryson MoscarelliHayden William MundrakeTeagan S. MurphyBrendan Joseph OlivoMichael Banavan OlivoTyler OvensSean Davon OwensRebekah Lane PalkoOwen S. PalkovicRaegan Alaina PalmerJessica Rose PalopoliNicholas Anthony PaneMercedes D. L. PedersenRobert F. Phillips, Jr.Addyson Bailey PrussJohn Patrick Pyatt IIIAliyah S. RatchfordAnthony Joseph RedmondHunter Baron ReichlingJayden Michael RiveraKarter M. RizziTimothy Richard Roberts, Jr.Noel Michael RodriguezHayden Timmy RomanaskasEvan John RonchiAyden K. RosengrantNikita RudMason Scott RushAbigail Faith SadowskiRyan Michael SchaneColette Ann SchmittKennedy Carolyn Ortman ScottRobert Nicholas ScramuzzaDavis M. SheppardVincent Charles SilonKathryn E. SkirpanThomas Joseph SmithNeima Marie Smith-HorstSienna Skye StevensMadison Naomi StifflerDylan David StookeyAshley Lynn ToscanoBella Marie TrumbullNoah VailJoshua Shawn VintonMakayla Marie WaltonAva Michell WardLandon R. WargoElizabeth Blaire WashineLogan WeaverJulia Ross WehrmannKallie May WehrmannCassidy Ann Zeiler [...]
Charlotte Nebzydoski, RDW Fourth Grade student achieves perfect attendanceJune 13, 2025Charlotte Nebzydoski, Fourth Grade student at Robert D. Wilson Elementary School, was the only RDW student to achieve perfect attendance for the 2024/2025 school year. Charlotte was present for every day of school and was never tardy or dismissed early. Charlotte is a bright light for everyone in the school. Her academics are top notch and the kindness and positivity that she shows daily is truly inspiring. Having Charlotte in the building every day made RDW a better place. Please congratulate Miss Charlotte Nebzydoski on this seemingly impossible accomplishment. RDW is so proud of you, Charlotte! [...]
Hot Rod Club and Drama Club Car Show on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6June 5, 2025The Western Wayne Hot Rod Club and Drama Club will host their 2025 Annual Car Show on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the high school parking lot, 1970A Easton Turnpike, Lake Ariel, PA, near the football stadium.Food to be sold at the concession stand. Registration fee is $10. Spectators are free. The Hot Rod Club will give prizes for best car, truck, tractor, motorcycle, and best in show.In addition, the Drama group will sell a variety of concessions. There will also be a raffle of baskets and gift certificates generously donated by businesses and families in the local community.Drama Club President Dakota Douglas is excited to partner with the Hot Rod Club for the Car Show. She explained how the Drama Club students will be dressed in 50s attire for the event.“We wanted our presence at the event to go along with the variety of cars from the past that surely will be there,” Dakota said. “We hope that the public comes out to enjoy the cars and to have some good food and purchase some chances to win baskets and gift certificates.”Members of the Drama Parents Club are working to obtain a variety of items for the raffle at the Car Show from many very generous businesses and families in our Wildcat community. The students involved in the Hot Rod Club and Drama Club can use the funds raised from this event for their club activities.The Hot Rod Club meets on a regular basis to work on a variety of automotive projects after school and can use the funds for their projects among other activities.The Drama Club meets on a regular basis after school to work on a variety of projects and activities.“Drama Club gives students a place where they can express themselves,” club vice president, Jason Vass, explained. “We are like one big family in our club and really enjoy coming together to work as a team on events such as the Car Show.”All of the members of the Hot Rod Club, Drama Club, and Drama Parents Club cordially invite the public to attend this fun-filled event on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the High School parking lot near the stadium. Come out and see some great vehicles, take some chances on our basket raffle, enjoy some food, and enjoy some time socializing. Hope to see you there! [...]
