Around the Schools
Western Wayne High School Students to Compete in District Chorus
Western Wayne High School will send seven of their high school chorus students to the PMEA District 9 Chorus Festival to be held from January 15 through January 17 at Marywood University. The following Western Wayne students have all been accepted to District Chorus as either qualified or as an alternate. The students pre- auditioned to qualify for districts at Tunkhannock Area High School in October. These students include: Alexandra Solimine, 1st place, alto 2; Joanna Regalbuto, 2nd place, soprano 2; Dakota Beavers, 7th place, tenor 2; Trinity Williams, 14th place, alto 2; Brad Wood, 16th place, tenor 2; Alex Taylor, 16th place, bass 1; Rhonda Fenkner, 19th place, soprano 1; John Nichols , 22nd , 1st alternate; and Lily Visceglia, 23rd , 2nd alternate.
All of the students involved are excited to represent Western Wayne at District Chorus in January. The students will get their audition music sometime in November. Western Wayne junior Rhonda Fenkner explained that the students will have at least seven songs to prepare.
“It is exciting and stressful at the same time,” Rhonda explained. “Last year we had both a South African and Korean piece to prepare for the audition. Those pieces, of course, are more challenging because, along with learning notes and lyrics, you also have to learn all of the correct pronunciations.” Western Wayne Administration, faculty, and staff all wish these students the best at the District Chorus Festival in January.
Western Wayne Students Learn Spanish Dancing
From left: Julia Phillips and Ashley Small Bermudez practice their Spanish dance steps at Western Wayne High School. 
From left: Julia Phillips, Ashley Small Bermudez, and Cassia Sheehan learn Spanish dancing at Western Wayne High School. 
Freshmen Nate Irvine and Jaden Gregory practice the steps they have learned in their Spanish dancing class at Western Wayne High School. 
From left: Samantha Scaduto, Alyssa Iovacchini, Kendra Oliver, and Nick Gombita learn Spanish dancing at Western Wayne High School.
Learning rhythms, beats, steps, and choreography isn’t just work for the Rockettes and Broadway stars, Western Wayne High School foreign language students have a yearly tradition of learning Spanish dancing as a part of their curriculum each fall.
Local dance instructor and studio owner Vince Brust works with the Western Wayne students to teach a variety of traditional Spanish dances such as tango, merengue, mambo, and salsa among others.
The students have a few weeks of sessions with Mr. Brust in the fall leading up to a performance for the community in early November.
Some of the students in the classes with Brust have been working with him for four years. Seniors Nicholas Gombita, Kendra Oliver, Samantha Scaduto, and Alyssa Iovacchini feel very excited to be working again on their dancing skills this school year.
“The experience helps to immerse us in both the culture of Spanish and dance,” Nick explained. “I have been learning more this year about how to count different music when I dance. Some dances are counted in threes and others in fours. Each dance is different.”
Another experienced dancer Kendra, who helped to choreograph one of the dances performed for the community last year in the annual Spanish dance performance, said she loves going to the classes each year to learn more and more.
“The salsa and cha-cha are my favorites,” Kendra said. “The steps are faster and more challenging than some of the other dances.”
Students of all ability and experience levels take Spanish dancing as a part of their Western Wayne foreign language curriculum.
Two freshmen Jaden Gregory and Nate Irvine have been enjoying learning this type of dance for the first time.
“It was hard at first to get accustomed to dancing with each other,” Nate said. “But it got easier the more we learned.”
“My favorite part are the cross-body leads,” Jaden explained. “They are a very smooth part of the dances.”
Jaden’s classmates freshmen Julia Phillips, Cassia Sheehan, and Ashley Small-Bermudez also have been enjoying their first experience in Spanish dance with Mr. Brust.
All of the girls have a lot of fun learning new steps each day. Julia likes the spins and turning in dance. Cassia thinks the cross-body leads are the most fun steps, and Ashley likes the expression she gets to put into the hairbrush step.
“This connects really well with what we are learning in the classroom,” Cassia explained. “It gives us a taste of what real Spanish culture is like.”
Western Wayne High School Students THINK ENERGY!
Western Wayne High School students in grade 9 experienced the THINK! ENERGY Innovation Program on Tuesday, October 22. This program is an interactive, hands-on presentation with a take home energy efficiency kit for each participating student and teacher. The program teaches the importance of energy, natural resources and environmental resources, and gives each participating student’s family energy-efficient technologies to install at home. Students and staff in the high school received innovation kits on October 22. The kits included four LED light bulbs, a water conserving shower head as well an advanced smart energy power strip. Overall, 225 innovation kits were distributed. This comes to 4,632 new LED bulbs distributed to the Western Wayne School District since the program’s launch in 2015. This program will also result in a number of mini-grants for the teachers in the high school as well. The Think Energy Innovation Program has been brought to the schools by the National Energy Foundation, PPL Electric Utilities, and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. For more information or questions, please contact National Energy Foundation at 1-855-494-2942 or email stephanie.dorman@nef1.org.
From left: Dr. Mark Nebzydoski, science teacher; Eugene Shultz and Robert Penkala, presenters; and Paul Gregorski, principal.
Western Wayne Middle School Recognizes Outstanding Seventh Graders for October
Western Wayne Middle School Administration has recognized Peyton Fox and Timmy Roberts as outstanding seventh grade students for the month of October.
Peyton loves her math class and is excited to be learning pre-algebra this year. She also enjoys her English language arts class because of the happiness she finds in reading.
“I love reading and learning new things about writing and figurative language,” Peyton explained.
When Peyton isn’t hitting the books, she can be found working on her gymnastics skills. Peyton participates in gymnastics at United Sports Academy in Dunmore. She began the sport when she was one and half years old.
“I like to practice gymnastics with my friends,” Peyton said. “My floor routine is my favorite, because I get to tumble and dance. I practice six days a week.”
Peyton’s classmate Timmy Roberts is also very dedicated to his academic studies and extra-curricular activities.
Timmy’s favorite class is English language arts.
“I like reading,” Timmy explained. “We are reading the novel Holes in class right now, and I find it very interesting.”
Timmy also enjoys working with his hands. He is looking forward to taking his industrial arts course later this school year. Last year, he really liked creating rockets in his sixth grade industrial arts class.
In addition, Timmy is a member of the Western Wayne Middle School soccer team where he plays the position of striker.
“It is nice to be around friends while playing a sport,” Timmy said. “The biggest challenge I have is shooting around defenders on the field.”
Western Wayne faculty, administration, and staff are proud of both Peyton and Timmy’s accomplishments and wish them the best with their continued efforts for success.
Western Wayne Sophomores Chosen to Attend HOBY Leadership
Western Wayne sophomores Bridget Oppelt and Rachel Tuman have been chosen to present 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.
EverGreen Fire Prevention Essay Contest
Students were given a topic of Fire Prevention and Safety to write an essay. The two students chosen were Joseph Altenhofen and Haley Dougal. They pictured with Chief Price and Rescue Captain/Vice-President Henry Hinz from Hamlin Fire & Rescue.
EverGreen Fire Prevention
Chief Price and his firefighters from Hamlin Fire & Rescue were at EverGreen Elementary on October 11, 2019 to discuss fire prevention and safety with all students. Students were able to see fire fighters in their turn-out gear, different tools used to fight fires, different piece of equipment that was on scene, and have lunch with some of the firefighters. Students learned valuable lessons that they will be able use to in their lives.
EverGreen Elementary Bus Safety
On October 9th, students in Kindergarten to Fifth grade learned about bus safety which included rules and expectations while riding on a school bus. Bill and Gayle Hemmler, who own and drives buses for Western Wayne, along with Officer Robbins from the Western Wayne School Police Department spoke with all students. We thank these individuals for their time and expertise!
National Honor Society – Annual Food and Toy Drive
The National Honor Society is conducting our annual food and toy drive for the upcoming holiday season. Food and toy collection boxes are now in the various offices and classrooms. Please drop off donations. Food donations go to the Wayne County food pantry and the Ronald McDonald House. All toy donations go to the Wayne County Christmas Bureau.
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. [...]
