From left: Western Wayne sophomores Hudson Malinowski, Alexandria Bien-Aime, Rachel Tuman, and Mia Rovinsky.
Local students had the chance to work
hands-on with a 3D-printing machine, robots, and dissection tools among many
other things at the 5th annual Women in Science Symposium hosted by
the Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance and the Lacawac Sanctuary& Biological
Field Station on September 17 at the Woodloch Pines Resort.
Western
Wayne was one of the schools present at the event along with Delaware Valley,
Wayne Highlands, Valley View, MMI Preparatory School, and Wallenpaupack Area. Over 300 students attended the event. The
keynote speaker this year was Dr. Katie Leonard, president of Johnson College.
The
purpose of the event was to give students, like women, minorities and other
underdeveloped groups, information on STEM career paths, which stands for
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education. Students met with
representatives from local colleges to discuss career options, hear
presentations from female, working professionals and had the opportunity to
speak with these professionals after the presentations finished.
Female
students from both the Western Wayne middle and high schools had the chance to
attend the event.
The
high school students from Western Wayne in attendance who have attended the
event for multiple years prior said this was the best symposium yet.
“It
was all very interactive and hands-on,” Alexandria Bien-Aime, a sophomore at
Western Wayne, explained. “I want to be
a surgeon so I was particularly interested in the station where I got to use
tools to dissect animals.”
Alexandria’s
classmate Hudson Malinowski also liked the unique hands-on stations at the
symposium.
“I
got to work with a robot and program it to play music,” Hudson, who wishes to
pursue a career in music, said.
The
students explained how there were many different colleges represented at the
event and that they were able to explore different majors.
Sophomore
Mia Rovinsky especially enjoyed the college fair portion of the event.
“It
was good to hear other students’ questions and concerns about the STEM field in
the question and answer sessions,” Mia, who wants to be a doctor, said.
Mia’s
classmate sophomore Rachel Tuman also enjoyed taking advantage of all of the
information about colleges and STEM at the symposium.
“I
think the experience helped us all to refine our knowledge,” Rachel, who wishes
to pursue a career in forensic science, said.
“I enjoyed seeing all of the people there willing to help propel us into
a science career.”
From left:
Western Wayne sophomores Hudson Malinowski, Alexandria Bien-Aime, Rachel
Tuman, and Mia Rovinsky.
Western
Wayne Middle School Administration has recognized Samantha Duval and Luckus
Balmer as outstanding sixth grade students for the month of October.
Samantha enjoys her library and
science classes best this year. She
loves to read especially mystery and romance books. In her science class, she likes reading and
learning about the earth. When she grows
up, Samantha would like to be a veterinarian, and, therefore, she knows she
will need to know a lot about science.
In addition, when Samantha isn’t
reading. She can be found practicing her
flute. “I’ve always loved music and love
to play the flute,” Samantha said.
In her spare time, Samantha does more
reading. Two of her current favorite
books are A Dog’s Purpose and Wonder.
As a hobby Samantha likes to make
rubber band jewelry for her family and friends.
“It makes me happy that I’m making other people happy,” Samantha
explained.
Luckus also likes to make others happy
in school by showing them respect. He
said he is working hard this year to participate in his classes especially his
math class.
When Luckus isn’t answering discussion
questions in his classes, he can be found practicing his trombone in band
class.
“I like to play in band where I get to
work on my music with a lot of kids who are really good at their instruments,”
Luckus said.
In addition to band class, Luckus also
enjoys his technology education class.
He explained how they are working on a windmill project made of Legos. Luckus likes to do hands-on work.
In Luckus’ spare time he continues to
work on his music skills.
“I practice my trombone in my spare
time, because that way I will get better at it,” Luckus explained.
Western Wayne faculty, administration,
and staff are proud of both Samantha and Luckus’ accomplishments and wish them
the best with their continued efforts for success.
Seniors Max Phillips, Matt Rosengrant, and Cooper Mistishin work with Keystone instructor Brandon Smith on a hands-on glass blowing demonstration at Western Wayne.
Western
Wayne students learned about the physics, artistic qualities, and chemical
properties of glass among many other things when the mobile glass studio based out
of Keystone College visited on Thursday, Sept. 26 and Friday, Sept. 27. Approximately 678 middle and high school
students viewed the mobile glass laboratory, and 49 students had the unique
opportunity of taking part in an individual hands-on demonstration.
The mobile glass studio is the only one of its kind in the
region and is sponsored by the Dorflinger Glass Museum and Keystone
College. Funding for the mobile glass
laboratory comes from donations to the Dorflinger Glass Museum by corporations
under the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development EITC
program. The companies get tax credits for donations that support innovative
educational programs such as the glass studio.
The glass studio last visited Western
Wayne in November of 2017 and the district was thrilled to host this experience
for its students again. Mark Nebzydoski, high school science teacher
at Western Wayne, played a key role in planning this event. He believes that Western Wayne science
students greatly benefit from unique educational opportunities such as this.
“It’s meaningful for students to learn
about glass through these visual and hands-on demonstrations,” Nebzydoski
said. “They get to have an educational
experience that they wouldn’t have anywhere else.”
Keystone faculty
member Brandon Smith, an advanced glass instructor and studio technician from
Factoryville, was one of the teachers from the college that led the Western
Wayne students through their experience with the mobile glass lab.
Smith explained how this glass lab is a part of Keystone’s
STEAM project and that he helped to build the lab with various students from
different parts of the world.
“The main goal of this project is to present information to
students,” Smith said. “We want to show
kids that with a single material you can drive yourself into many different
careers.”
Smith explained that students who study glass can go into
fields such as museum archaeology, architecture, chemical laboratory
work, laser technology work, and so many other areas.
Seniors Cooper Mistishin, Matt Rosengrant, and Max Phillips
had the opportunity to learn from Smith and Michael Swanson, who teaches an
introduction to glass course at Keystone College. The boys participated in the individual
hands-on glass demonstrations.
Cooper was surprised at the intensity of the heat used to
mold the glass.
“It was interesting to see the differences in the glass from
when it was really hot to when it cooled,” Cooper explained. “When it was warm it looked like all of the
glass was blended together and when it cooled you could see its shape better.”
Cooper, who plans to study computer science in college, was
glad to have this experience and especially liked molding the glass.
His classmate Matt Rosengrant also had fun molding glass
during the demonstration.
“I liked how hands on the demonstration was and how they
allowed us to shape the glass,” Matt, who plans to study electrical
construction after graduation, said.
Senior Max Phillips agreed that having this experience was
particularly helpful for him as a student because of everything he was able to
see and do.
“I’ve never done anything like this before,” Max, who plans
to study computer science in college, said.
“I enjoyed learning about the properties of glass and how it works.”
In addition, Keystone College admissions counselor Colin
Dempsey admitted three Western Wayne students to Keystone during the glass
blowing event at the school. He read
their transcripts and gave them admissions letters on the spot.
Nebzydoski and the Western Wayne community are excited for
the prospects of having the mobile glass lab return for future learning events
at Western Wayne.
In the meantime, Keystone College invites the public to their Keystone College Glass Harvest Sale and Glass Pumpkin Patch event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 12 at their campus lawn. There will be live glass blowing at this event.
The Western Wayne School
District hosted a very successful 12th Bi-Annual Cavalcade of Bands on the
evening of Wednesday, Sept. 25. The stadium was standing room
only. A total of eleven schools participated including:
Dallas, Dunmore, Delaware Valley, Honesdale, Mid Valley, North Pocono,
Northwest Area, Valley View, Wallenpaupack, West Scranton, and Western
Wayne. Many coats also were donated at the event for “Warming Up
Wilson.” Western Wayne would like to thank all schools who
participated and all in the community who came out to support our local
marching bands.
The Western Wayne Drama Club recently elected their
2019-20 officers. The students are
excited for a fun year of events. From
left: Julia Phillips, treasurer; Lily Visceglia, public relations; Rhonda
Fenkner, secretary; Sydney Peet, president; and Honour Shaffer, vice
president. Absent from photo: Rebeccah
King, historian.
The Western Wayne School District will host a cavalcade
of bands on the evening of Wednesday, September 25 at our football
stadium. The National Anthem will be
played at 6:10 p.m. followed by the first band performance at 6:15 p.m. A total
of eleven schools will participate including:
Dallas, Dunmore, Delaware Valley, Honesdale, Mid Valley, North Pocono,
Northwest Area, Valley View, Wallenpaupack, West Scranton, and Western Wayne
who will be the closing performance.
Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for students and senior citizens, or free
with the donation of a new or gently used winter coat for “Warming Up Wilson.”
In addition, concessions will be sold with all proceeds benefiting Western
Wayne band and color guard students.
Come out and enjoy a great night of music and fun.
Western Wayne Middle School Administration has recognized
Mitchell Lunn and Gianna Rosetti, both sixth graders, as outstanding students
for the month of September.
Mitchell
has been very respectful to his classmates and teachers this first month of
school. He has even been seen holding
doors open for his teachers. “It feels
good just to be helping people,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell’s favorite class is math.
He is always prepared for class and loves learning about exponents. Mitchell also enjoys his band class where he
is learning how to play the trombone. In
his spare time, Mitchell likes to ride his bike, play video games, and take
walks with his mom and two dogs.
Like Mitchell,
Gianna has also been recognized for being very respectful to others at
school. She too enjoys her math class
the most. “It’s a fun class where I get
to figure things out,” Gianna said. In
addition, Gianna likes her chorus class where she can develop the quality of
her singing. In her spare time, Gianna
enjoys taking walks with her younger cousins. She also looks forward to joining
track and cross country in seventh grade.
The Western Wayne community is proud of Mitchell and
Gianna’s accomplishments and can’t wait to see what they do next.
Western Wayne School District hosted its annual
Homecoming Game on Friday, September 13, against Montrose. Prior to the game, the Homecoming Court of
ten seniors was recognized. Afterwards, the King and Queen were announced in
front of a full crowd. This year’s
Homecoming King is senior Jack McAllister and Homecoming Queen is senior Kristi
Kromko. Jack, one of three Western Wayne
Varsity Football captains, plans to go to college upon graduation and complete
an ROTC program. Kristi, one of two
Wildcat Marching Band drum majors, enlisted in the Army National Guard and
plans to study forensic psychology in college.
Pictured is Jack McAllister, Homecoming King, and Kristi Kromko
Homecoming Queen.
Pictured is the 2019 Western Wayne Homecoming Court. From left:
Hunter Frable, Gevin Coccodrilli, Ezra Tetreault, Derek Mason, Jack
McAllister, Homecoming King; Kristi Kromko, Homecoming Queen; Sinaea Buford,
Rebecca Klemovitch, Trina Barcarola, and Noelle Orehek.
Following in a tradition that has been established
over the past few years, the Western Wayne School District invites the
community to attend to its annual homecoming game this Friday, September 13 and
accept the challenge of helping others.
Along with coming to cheer on the students, they ask that spectators
bring donations of canned goods and other nonperishable food items for a drive
that will benefit those in need in Wayne County.
The Western Wayne
Homecoming Game against Montrose will begin at 7 p.m. with the presentation of the Homecoming Court about a half hour before kick-off.
The ten seniors on this year’s court feel extremely honored and excited to be a
part of this ensemble.
Members of
the court include: Rebecca Klemovitch,
Kristi Kromko, Trina Barcarola, Sinaea Buford, Noelle Orehek, Derek Mason, Jack
McAllister, Ezra Tetreault, Hunter Frable, and Gevin Coccodrilli.
This year’s
three Western Wayne football senior captains, Derek Mason, Jack McAllister, and
Ezra Tetreault, also have the honor of taking part in homecoming together through
being members of the court.
As a part of
homecoming week the students have the opportunity to visit with Western Wayne
elementary and middle school students in addition to other typical homecoming
traditions like themed dress-up days throughout the week, a high school pep
rally, a school-run tailgate party before the game, and the homecoming
festivities at the football game. Jack,
who is also a part of the wrestling and tracks teams along with being a member
of FBLA, said he was most looking forward to interacting with younger students
this homecoming week.
“I want to be
a role model for younger students and get them excited about homecoming and
things they will be able to do at Western Wayne when they are older,” Jack, who
plans to go to college and complete an ROTC program, explained.
Fellow
football captain Ezra said he also looks forward to visiting with elementary
students as a part of his homecoming responsibilities.
“I like
socializing with younger kids and answering their questions,” Ezra said.
Ezra
certainly can discuss many clubs and sports at Western Wayne since he has been
highly involved in after- school activities throughout his high school career.
He serves as president of the National Honor Society and is also student body
president this year. In addition, he is
greatly involved in FBLA serving as first vice president of this organization
for the state of Pennsylvania. Along
with playing football in the fall, Ezra is a member of both indoor and outdoor
track with hurdling as his main event.
Ezra, who
plans to attend the Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut upon graduation, is
happy to have some time this week to spend on the homecoming court with his
best friends.
“It’s great
to be on it with Derek and Jack and other people we have grown up with,” Ezra
said.
Derek agrees
with Ezra and explains that all three football captains are just as excited
about the homecoming game as they are about being on the homecoming court.
“We went into
this season feeling we have something to prove,” Derek explained. “Each one of us captains has a different way
of leading the younger players. I lead
by example and others follow.”
The boys
explained that Jack is a more vocal leader whereas Ezra leads by communicating
with his teammates on a personal level.
The boys look
forward to all of the support of the community at the annual homecoming game.
Fellow
homecoming court member Rebecca Klemovitch also looks forward to seeing the
crowd at homecoming when she is dressed in her formal wear.
“My favorite
part of homecoming is being able to associate with my classmates all dressed
up,” she said.
Rebecca, who
aspires to study art after graduation, felt shocked to be chosen for the
court. Rebecca’s senior project was
creating a mural that was donated to the high school of an abstract cityscape.
“I love being
about to create what I envision into my actual artwork,” she said.
In addition
Rebecca is a member of the National Art Honor Society, volleyball team, where
she has been a starter for four years, and plans to join the political science
club this year.
Rebecca’s
volleyball teammate Sinaea Buford also serves with her as part of the
homecoming court. Sinaea like Rebecca felt surprised to be chosen for
homecoming.
She also
plays basketball and is in the Spanish club, NHS, FBLA, and FCCLA.
Sinaea can’t
wait to meet with younger students as one of her homecoming duties.
“I like
answering their questions and talking to them about how high school is,” she
explained.
Kristi Kromko
agrees with Sinaea that talking to younger students will be a high-light of her
homecoming experience. Kristi, who serves as one of this year’s Wildcat
Marching Band drum majors, plans to focus on promoting the high school band
program when she visits the elementary schools.
“It’s an
honor representing the band,” she said. Kristi,
who has already enlisted in the Army National Guard, has played softball for
four years and is a part of NHS. She participates in student council along with
having been the junior class president. She has qualified for District Band two
years and has held various leadership positions in the Western Wayne Band.
Another
member of the homecoming court Gevin Coccodrilli also has military plans for
after graduation. He wishes to do an ROTC program and join the Marines.
“I’ve always
wanted to be in the military since I was younger,” Gevin explained.
Gevin has played
basketball and baseball for Western Wayne and looks forward to having fun at
homecoming.
“It’s
exciting. I didn’t know I’d make it,”
Gevin said.
Hunter Frable
also felt surprised to be named to the court and looks forward to being with
his friends at the game.
Hunter is a
four-year member of the Western Wayne golf team and enjoys being a part of the
Hot Rod Club. He plans to attend a
two-year trade school to be an auto mechanic.
Two
additional members of the court are Trina Barcarola and Noelle Orehek both
girls are highly involved in fashion classes at Western Wayne. They are both looking forward to the honor of
displaying their senior collections in the fall at the school’s annual fashion
show. Noelle’s collection has a
wildflower theme and Trina’s is striped-themed and titled “Between the Lines.”
The girls
also participate in track together.
Noelle, in addition, plays soccer, and Trina plays volleyball. This year Trina also had the honor of being
named Athlete of the Year for the Scranton Times. She was state champion in two
track events last season and made second team all- star for volleyball.
Noelle and
Trina are also members of NHS and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Noelle plans to study biology and
environmental science in college. Trina plans to attend college as well with a
potential major in business marketing and minor in psychology. In addition, Trina aspires to continue her
track career after high school.
Both Trina
and Noelle feel very excited for the homecoming game.
“I can’t wait
to get dressed up and see everyone. I
also hope the court brings more spirit to the school,” Noelle said.
Trina agrees.
“I love
getting dressed up and feel very honored to represent the school at such a fun
event.”
Trina and all
of the members of the homecoming court look forward to bonding with each other
and making memories during homecoming at Friday’s game. The court along with
the rest of the Western Wayne community invite the public to join them on
Friday, Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m. for the homecoming festivities followed by the
game.
Bring some canned goods to donate and
contribute to the positive atmosphere of Western Wayne Homecoming.
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.
