The Western Wayne Drama Club’s Mystery Dinner and Show will take place on Saturday, December 6, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Western Wayne High School Cafeteria. This event is for students grades 8 and up and adults ONLY.
The show has an original script written by our very own Western Wayne Drama Club historian Molly French, high school junior. The club is excited to debut their completely student-created show for the community.
This year’s mystery centers around an art gala in which a million- dollar art piece is stolen. Join us for a fun-filled evening and try to figure out who the thief could be. The event will also feature artwork by Western Wayne alumni and current students.
The public is encouraged to dress in formal wear. Gowns for ladies. Suits and ties or tuxedos for men. There will be many audience prizes given including one for best dressed! Additional prizes for audience participation and the team that solves the mystery with the most details given in their report.
Tickets for adults are $25 and students grades 8th and up along with senior citizens are $20. Cost includes appetizers, soda and water, buffet dinner from RPlace, dessert, and interactive dinner show. Buffet includes: beef, chicken, penne and meatballs, roasted red potatoes, California vegetable medley, salad, and rolls.
Checks may be dropped off at the Middle School or High School main office during regular school hours. Checks should be made payable to WWDP. Checks can also be sent in with any Drama Club student. Please put your returns in a sealed envelope. Any questions, please email jmclaughlin@westernwayne.org Deadline for ticket orders is Monday, November 17. Payments can be made in advance or at the door the day of the event.
Payments also with Venmo: @WesternWayneDramaClub
If paying Venmo please clearly state your name, mystery dinner, and how many tickets you are paying for and whether they are for adults and/ or senior citizens.
We hope to see you for this unique evening which is perfect for a date night or night out with friends. Dress up and join the Western Wayne Drama Club on December 6!
Ticket reservation link below for your convenience
Trina was a 6x Dist. Champion at Lakeland High School. Also PIAA State champion, high jump ’04; PIAA State runner-up, high jump ’06; SX PIAA State medalist; She was 3X Lackawanna League Div. All-Star; 2X Scranton Times All-Reg. Girls’ track Performer of the Year; member of Lakeland Girls’ 4×400 relay team, running Lacka. Track Conf. All-time best time of 4:00.86 in ’05. She was a key member of Girls’ track teams, with 4 straight div. championships; 3 Jordan relay titles & 2 Dist. championships. At East Stroudsburg University, Trina was a 3X NCAA National Championship qualifier (Heptathlon/Pentathlon); Women’s track/field All-Time Cont. Championship point scorer; 2x Conf. champion; ranks top 5 All-Time @ ESU in 4 Indoor track events, and top 5 All-Time in 6 outdoor track events.
On Friday, October 10th, in celebration of the 2026 WCAA Student Art Show theme “Trees”, RDW Elementary partnered with the Wayne County Arts Alliance and the Wayne County Conservation District to plant a native Pin Oak tree. First and fifth graders helped make the day a success, with beautiful weather, art, and learning rooted in nature!
On Friday, October 10th, Robert D. Wilson Elementary School was proud to host a tree planting ceremony in cooperation with the Wayne County Arts Alliance (WCAA). First and fifth grade students participated in this special event celebrating art, nature, and community! Each year, RDW art students take part in the annual WCAA Student Art Show. The theme for the upcoming 2026 show is “Trees.” To celebrate this theme and promote the exhibit, the WCAA—along with forest specialist Trevor Tochydlowski of the Wayne County Conservation District—donated a native tree to each participating school as a lasting reminder of the art show’s message. During the ceremony, WCAA Director Debby Pollack read a poem by Sarah Coleridge and excerpts from Wishtree by Katherine Applegate, encouraging students to reflect on the importance of trees, growth, and imagination. Mr. Tochydlowski spoke about the value of planting and conserving native species and shared interesting facts about the Pin Oak. He then planted RDW’s new Pin Oak tree beside the Buddy Bench, where it will provide shade and inspiration for years to come. In preparation for the ceremony, RDW art students created tree- and nature-inspired projects. Kindergarteners made acorns and. First graders studied the art of Gustav Klimt, using his famous Tree of Life as inspiration for their own collaborative mural! The students were proud to have their mural on display during today’s ceremony!.
Fire Safety was held at EverGreen on Friday, October 10th. EverGreen Elementary hosted Hamlin Fire & Rescue, Lake Ariel Volunteer Fire Company, and Ledgedale Volunteer Fire Company where local emergency personnel presented students with life saving strategies and showed different pieces of equipment that they use. Students also were able to tour apparatus that local companies had on campus that day. The fire companies presented gloves to all students. We would like to thank these fire companies for coming to EverGreen for the presentation and helping our students understand ways to be safe.
Western Wayne School District hosted their annual Homecoming festivities the first week of October. Members of the Homecoming Court, student athletes, the marching band, and our beloved mascot, Westie, all had the chance to visit with our young Wildcats at EverGreen Elementary, R.D ,and the Western Wayne Middle School on Wednesday,Thursday, and Friday, respectively.
The high school students shared stories and laughter with the elementary students, encouraging them to become active in all of the wonderful activities we have at Western Wayne. Students were inspired to dance to the music and know that one day they, too, can be a member of our talented band!
They also made connections with our student athletes, as they enthusiastically shared their own experiences in sports and encouraged them to continue putting forth their best effort on the field and in the classroom.
Members of the Homecoming Court enjoyed talking with the students and seeing the smiles on their faces as they realized they had something in common, whether it was sports, music, or a hobby. At the conclusion of the visits, the younger students were all invited to attend the Homecoming ceremony and football game on Friday, Oct. 3.
“It was really fun to interact with the younger students and promote Homecoming,” Xavier Graham, homecoming court member, said.
Prior to the ceremony and football game, high school students gathered in the afternoon for a Pep Rally and an after-school tailgate, where they were provided with free food, ice cream, and a chance to vote for their favorite chili in the administrator/faculty/staff annual Chili Cook-Off!
Students enjoyed music, games, and time with their friends, teachers, administrators, faculty and staff members before going to the stadium to see our Homecoming King and Homecoming Queen crowned!
The winners were Vinny Baldini and Audrey Agnello, both of Waymart. High school students culminated the week’s fun festivities with a Homecoming Dance on Saturday evening!
Photos courtesy of Madelyn McClure.
Picture one, Homecoming Court on Friday, Oct. 3, at the Homecoming Game vs. West Scranton, from left: Xavier Graham, Logan Vinton, Paul Borowski, Robbie Carrelle, Vinny Baldini, homecoming king; Audrey Agnello, homecoming queen; Madison Trapanese, Hannah DeStefano, Khloe Mistishin, and Maggie Kotchessa.
Picture two, Homecoming Court during their Western Wayne Middle School visit, from left: Xavier Graham, Audrey Agnello, Logan Vinton, Madison Trapanese, Khloe Mistishin, Paul Borowski, Robbie Carrelle, Maggie Kotchessa, and Hannah DeStefano. Missing from photo: Vinny Baldini.
Photo three, EverGreen Elementary students with Westie the Wildcat, from left: Hattie Williams, Amelia Kosciuk, Avery Orloski, Henry Williams, Nathan Kloss, and Jack Shehadi.
Photo four, Western Wayne High School students promote Homecoming at EverGreen Elementary School, from left: Adam Erb, Nicholas Fisichella, Gideon Jezorwski, Antonio Fisichella, Maggie Kotchessa, Audrey Agnello, Khloe Mistishin, Hannah DeStefano, Madison Trapanese, Logan Vinton, Robbie Carrelle, Vinny Baldini, Paul Borowski, Xavier Graham, Kaitlin Wargo, Lola Vertalics, Mackenzie Warnock, Laila Rainford, Lucky Balmer, Bella Hayden, and Lylah Bucksbee. From left, seated: Charlotte Nutt, Alex DeCandis, Judah Strocchia, Braden Laity, Ciarra Kidder, Phoebe Schmitt, Cassidy Levens, Joey Tickner, Olivia Haines, and Tori Walton.
Photo five, Western Wayne High School students promote Homecoming at RDW, standing, row four: Lucky Balmer, Zachary Wilbur, Noah Sandifer, and Mackenzie Warnock. From left, standing, row three: Evan Davitt, Jacob Wells, Graysen Valinski, Aiden Matthews, Michael Kaminsky, Adam Erb, Gideon Jezorwski, and Bella Hayden.
From left, seated, row two: Roxie Dugan, Makayla Moser, Jason Vass, Joseph Roses, Tori Walton, Madie Kizer, Makenzie Chearney, and Kera Edwards. From left, seated, row one: Xavier Graham, Robbie Carrelle, Paul Borowski, Vinny Baldini, Hannah DeStefano, Khloe Mistishin, Maggie Kotchessa, Madison Trapanese, and Audrey Agnello.
Western Wayne hosted their fall bi-anual cavalcade this past Oct. 1 to a near sold out stadium. Nine local high school marching bands performed their field shows for each other and the community. It was a beautiful night to celebrate music with this group of talented students.
The following bands performed: North Pocono, Dunmore, Greater Nanticoke Area, Abington Heights, Valley View, Honesdale, Delaware Valley, and Riverside. To close the evening, Western Wayne had the honor of performing their 2025 Monsters themed field show featuring the following songs: Beetlejuice, Godzilla, Devil Went Down to Georgia, and Frankenstein .
The Western Wayne School District thanks the schools who attended this event and the community for their support as well.
The Western Wayne Marching Band is under the direction of Mrs. Elaine Ort. Western Wayne drum majors this year are Isabella Hayden and Antonio Fisichella; color guard captains Kayelin Martin and Emma DeNunzio.
“A home cavalcade performance always feels exceptionally special when the audience gets on their feet for our closing performance,” Kayelin, five-year member and three-year captain said. “We are all so grateful for their support. I am glad to have had the opportunity to participate in a home cavalcade as part of my senior year.”
Pictured are student leadership from all nine schools in attendance from left Mrs. Elaine Ort, Western Wayne band director, Western Wayne, North Pocono, Delaware Valley, Greater Nanticoke Area, Riverside, Valley View, Dunmore, Honesdale, and Abington Heights.
Pictured are members of the 2025 Western Wayne Homecoming Court, front row, from left: Maggie Kotchessa and Xavier Graham. Second row, from left: Paul Borowski, Khloe Mistishin, Audrey Agnello, and Vinny Baldini. Third row, from left: Robbie Carrelle, Hannah DeStefano, Logan Vinton, and Madison Trapanese.
The Western Wayne School District invites the community to attend its annual homecoming game this coming Friday, Oct. 3 vs. West Scranton. The public is encouraged to bring a donation for our Food Drive to the game and will gain free admission for doing so. The donation truck will be near the gate of the Sharkey Rosetti Stadium.
The Western Wayne Homecoming Court presentation will begin about 6:30 p.m.. 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: Hannah DeStefano, Xavier Graham, Audrey Agnello, Maggie Kotchessa, Khloe Mistishin, Robbie Carrelle, Vinny Baldini, Paul Borowski, Madison Trapanese, and Logan Vinton.
All of our senior court members have been highly involved during their time at Western Wayne in a variety of clubs, sports, and other activities.
First, Hanah DeStefano, South Canaan, has participated in four years of softball and volleyball; three years of basketball; four years of Student Council, and three years of Future Business Leaders of America, FBLA.
Upon graduation, she plans to play softball at a four-year university and major in medical sonography. She has thoroughly enjoyed her science classes at Western Wayne with some of her favorite times being in those classrooms.
“Some of my favorite high school memories were spending all of my free time in Ms. Masankay’s room,” she said.
Next, Xavier Graham, Lake Ariel, has been involved in four years of Drama Club, Marching Band, and Ultimate Frisbee; three years of Stage Crew; two years of Chess Club; and one year of Anime Club.
For his future plans, he wishes to attend Marywood University to major in arts and performance.
One of his most memorable moments in high school involved one of his favorite teachers.
“I will always remember dancing to ‘Soda Pop’ with Mrs. Ort in the band room,” he said.
Another featured member of our court is Audrey Agnello, Waymart, who has participated in numerous activities including: ten years of competitive swimming; six years of Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science, PJAS; fours years of track and field, cross country, Youth Advisory Committee, high school swimming, FBLA, Student Ambassador group, and CATS Club; three years of National Honor Society, NHS; and one year of Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.
In addition, she has held the following leadership positions: current vice president of CATS Club, four years as Student Council class president, and current president of NHS.
She plans to use all of her leadership experience to help her pursue her career goal of becoming a labor and delivery nurse. Audrey has always been a person who has worked to overcome any obstacles in path to excellence.
“I will always remember returning to school after my spinal fusion,” she said. “I walked into the gym and was surrounded by a warm welcome of friends and teachers that made me feel so loved.”
Another featured court member is Maggie Kotchessa, Lake Ariel, who has also been involved in many activities including: four years of volleyball, basketball, FBLA, and Student Council; three years of NHS; and two years of softball.
Upon graduation, she wants to attend a four-year university to become a special education teacher.
She has always valued friendship and helping others during her time at Western Wayne.
“Some of my best times in school were walking with my friend Anthony between classes,” she said.
Next, Khloe Mistishin, Lake Ariel, is another member of our court who has been highly involved during her time in school with the following activities: four years of varsity soccer, basketball, softball, FBLA and Student Council; and three years of NHS.
Her future plans are to attend college with a major in speech pathology. She has enjoyed her time with both her guidance counselor and best friend the most in her high school years.
“I will always remember hanging out in Mrs. Gribble’s office with Grace,” she said.
Next, featured gentleman on our court is Robbie Carrelle, Sterling, another highly involved student who has participated in the following: four years of indoor and outdoor track and soccer; and three years of FBLA, NHS, and Envirothon.
Upon graduation, he wishes to pursue track in college and aspires to become a financial advisor.
Robbie has always enjoyed using humor to brighten his classmates and teachers’ days. One such moment like this led to his favorite memory.
“I will always remember when I told my friend Logan he couldn’t fit under the bus, and Ms. Masankay sent us to the guidance,” he said.
In addition, Vinny Baldini, Waymart, an accomplished Western Wayne athlete is also a member of this year’s court having been involved in the following: four years of varsity football and baseball; two years of varsity track and field; and three years of FBLA and Student Council. Also, he is the current student body president.
For his future plans, Vinny wishes to attend a four-year college to play football and major in education.
Vinny has always enjoyed spending time with his friends in school.
“I especially enjoyed the moments I spent with my friends throughout my junior year,” he said.
Next, Paul Borowski, Waymart, is another accomplished Western Wayne student, who has participated in the following sports and activities: four years of football and wrestling; three years of FBLA and NHS; and two years of track and field and Envirothon.
Upon graduation, he plans to attend a four-year college and major in civil engineering.
He has many favorite memories with the best ones involving sports travel.
“I will always remember staying overnight at the hotels during wrestling tournaments,” he said.
Our final featured young lady on the court is Madison Trapanese, Lake Ariel, who has also done many activities throughout her school years including: FBLA, Envirothon, 339 group, Avedium, Student Council, Student Ambassador group, NHS, Yearbook, Junior Leadership Northern Poconos, and National Honor Society of High School Scholars. In addition, she also notes going to the gym and helping with her family businesses as important parts of her high school years.
Upon graduation, she wishes to either attend Lackawanna College to earn an associate’s degree in ultrasound or to attend St. Joseph’s University to earn an associate’s degree in nuclear medicine technology.
As is the theme with many of our Homecoming Court students, her favorite memory also included beloved teacher Ms. Masankay.
“I will always remember her Honors Chemistry class,” she said.
Finally, Logan Vinton, Waymart, is a featured gentleman on our court who is highly involved in sports and school clubs including: four years of Hot Rod Club; three years of NHS and soccer, and one year of baseball. In addition, he is an Aevidum member.
For his future plans, he wishes to attend college at Lackawanna for petroleum and natural gas.
He will always remember his time with his teammates in school.
“My favorite memory is hanging out with my friends on the way to soccer games,” he said.
All of the members of our 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, Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m. for the homecoming festivities followed by the game.
Pictured are members of the 2025 Western Wayne Homecoming Court, front row, from left: Maggie Kotchessa and Xavier Graham. Second row, from left: Paul Borowski, Khloe Mistishin, Audrey Agnello, and Vinny Baldini. Third row, from left: Robbie Carrelle, Hannah DeStefano, Logan Vinton, and Madison Trapanese.
New to 6th Grade? New to our school? This night is for you! Orientation Night will help you kick off a year full of Growth, Resilience, Integrity, and Tenacity!
AUGUST 19th 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
ALL NEWS
Students Present Aquaponics Challenge Project at Regional BanquetMay 7, 2026On May 5, 2026, students from Western Wayne High School proudly presented their student-led environmental education project at the Community Connections to Our Watershed banquet, held at Montage Mountain. Their project, an Aquaponics Challenge System, was designed, researched, and implemented entirely by the student team.Aquaponics is a sustainable food production system that combines aquaculture (raising fish) with hydroponics (growing plants without soil). In this balanced system, fish waste provides essential nutrients for plant growth, while the plants naturally filter and clean the water for the fish. The Western Wayne team developed their system to demonstrate how this closed-loop approach can support both food production and water quality.As part of their project, the students raised trout from eggs to approximately three to four months old before preparing them for release into a local stream. A major focus of their work involved addressing water quality challenges, particularly nitrate buildup from fish waste. Through research and problem-solving, the team explored ways to improve natural filtration within their system, including redesigning components and upgrading equipment such as water pumps to maintain optimal conditions.The project also emphasized key components of the Aquaponics Challenge, including system design, environmental monitoring, and community outreach. Students utilized technology such as climate control tools and irrigation systems while also connecting with local organizations and professionals for support. In addition, they worked to share their knowledge beyond the classroom by engaging others in understanding sustainable practices and watershed stewardship.This presentation was the culmination of months of work as part of the Community Connections to Our Watershed program, a regional environmental initiative that has been in place for over 20 years. Each year, teams of five students and one teacher from schools across Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties participate in the program. Coordinated by the education teams at Lackawanna and Nescopeck State Parks, the program immerses students in watershed science through field experiences and collaboration with environmental professionals.Throughout the year, the Western Wayne students participated in field trips to Keystone College, Lackawanna State Park, the Old Forge borehole, the Anthracite Heritage Museum, Lacawac Sanctuary, Pennsylvania American Water treatment facilities, and the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. These experiences deepened their understanding of how human activities impact local watersheds and helped inform their aquaponics system design, particularly in understanding the relationships between aquatic organisms, plants, and water quality.This year’s Community Connections to Our Watershed program included schools from across the region: Carbondale, Forest City, Lakeland, Mountain View, Old Forge, Riverside, Western Wayne, and Wayne Highlands in Lackawanna County; and Crestwood, Hanover Area, HAAS, HACC, Hazleton Area, Northwest, Tunkhannock, and Wyoming Area in Luzerne County.The program is made possible through the support of Pennsylvania American Water Company, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and the DCNRWatershed Education Program.Picture one, from left: Mark Nebzydoski Ph.D., advisor; Rhys Locklin, Noah Benson, Aidyn Graci, Aliyah Gregory, and Giana Graci.Picture two, the group from Western Wayne making their presentation, from left: Aliyah Gregory, Giana Graci, Rhys Locklin, Noah Benson, and Aidyn Graci. [...]
Science meets nature: Students release trout at Varden Conservation AreaMay 6, 2026Students in Wayne County are getting an up-close look at nature with an opportunity to study what’s right in their backyard.
https://www.wnep.com/video/news/local/wayne-county/science-meets-nature-students-release-trout-at-varden-conservation-area/523-3cf2ef49-624d-4f00-95cd-f2573064bf60 [...]
Western Wayne Hosts Prom with Support of Local BusinessesMay 6, 2026Western Wayne hosted their annual prom with “A Starry Night” theme at a new venue this year New Leaf Farm in Waymart on Saturday, May 2. The event focussed around local community businesses who hosted food trucks for the event including: Lupo Russo, 2 Ways One Passions, and Pop-Pop’s Grill and Catering. The students also enjoyed gourmet cupcakes from Ms. Michele Dugan along with cotton candy donated by Mrs. Paula Lamberton
There were 225 students and guests in attendance. Event sponsors included: Ariel View Inn (AVI), Leeward, Waymart Hotel, Iron Hill at 1940,and Meadowbrook Stables, and For the Birds, who provided flowers.
The students in attendance enjoyed this new experience. Senior Maggie Kotchessa thought this unique prom experience was a great idea.
“I really loved all of the food choices,” Maggie, who decided on a pulled pork sandwich from Pop-Pop’s, said.
Her classmate Norman Phillips’ grandfather owns Pop-Pop’s, and he was excited his family business could be a part of the event.
“It was really neat having my grandfather there doing what he loves,” Norman said. “He usually travels around to do a number of different gigs, and it was really neat having him at our prom.”
In addition to the variety of food items at the event, the students also were treated to a mocktail bar. Junior Madelyn McClure wrote a grant through the Wayne County Community Youth Advisory Committee and the district used the money to fund the mocktails for prom.
Also, the community donated a variety of gift cards for the students as prizes. Each student in attendance got a raffle ticket for a chance to win.
The 2026 Prom Court included: Vinny Baldini, King; Audrey Agnello, Queen; and
Mia Gifford, Hannah DeStefano, Olivia Haines, and Sofia Ochlan served as attendants.
The students enjoyed this unique prom experience and thank the district for their continued support of student events.
Picture one: Mr. Paul Gregorski, high school principal; Vinny Baldini, King; and Audrey Agnello, Queen.
Picture two:: Olivia Haines, Hannah DeStefano, Vinny Baldini, Audrey Agnello, Mia Gifford, and Sophia Ochlan. [...]
Scholarships & Career Opportunities – May EditionMay 4, 2026The May edition of Scholarships & Career Opportunities is now available. All grades should read this document to get information on college, careers, important dates, SAT/ACT exams and of course…scholarships!
Click here: https://ww3.westernwayne.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Scholarships-and-Career-Opportunities-May-2026.pdf [...]
Western Wayne Annual Art Exhibit & Spring Concerts on May 9May 4, 2026Western Wayne’s annual art exhibit and spring concerts will take place on Saturday, May 9.
The art exhibit will run in the high school gymnasium from 2 to 5 p.m. It will mainly feature high school artwork with special displays by our seniors. In addition, a select sample of middle and elementary student artwork will be on display.
The concert schedule is as follows: the sixth-grade concert will begin at 11 a.m.; the seventh- grade concert will begin at 1 p.m., the eighth- grade concert will begin at 3 p.m.; and the high school concert will begin at 5 p.m. with all concerts in the Veterans Memorial Auditorium at the high school.
There will be concessions for sale in the high school cafeteria throughout the day. All events are free of charge. Please join us in the celebrating the arts in our school. [...]
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.
