Around the Schools
Western Wayne High School Receives 2018 ExxonMobil Grant
The Western Wayne High School received a 500 dollar 2018 ExxonMobil Educational Alliance Grant for their math and science departments. ExxonMobil and Liberty Petroleum present these grants to various area schools each year. The check was presented to Western Wayne on Thursday, Dec. 13. Western Wayne Administration and staff are excited to use these funds to better the educational experiences of their students. From left: Mr. Paul Gregorski, high school principal; Mrs. Christine McClure, co-science department chairperson; Mr. Leo Kerylovicz, general manager of Liberty Petroleum; and Mr. Ted MacDonough, math department chairperson.
Western Wayne School Counselor Named Pennsylvania School Counselor of the Year
Robert D. Wilson School Counselor, Erica Booth, was honored at the School Counselor Annual Conference hosted by the Pennsylvania School Counselors Association held at The Hershey Lodge and Convention Center on November 29. She was selected as Pennsylvania School Counselor of the Year, the equivalent of Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.
Erica is in her sixth year at the Western Wayne School District, all of which were served at Robert D. Wilson Elementary. The PSCA SCHOOL COUNSELOR OF THE YEAR (SCOY) AWARDS honor professional school counselors who have made significant contributions to their students and/or school districts through the development and implementation of comprehensive school counseling programs that are based on the ASCA National Model. Western Wayne Administration and staff are extremely proud of Erica’s great accomplishments in their district which have led her to receiving this honor.
Hamlin/ Lake Ariel Rotary Donates Coats for Western Wayne Students
Pictured are Western Wayne staff members with members of the Rotary who generously donated coats for students throughout the Western Wayne School District. From left: Matthew Fitzsimmons, high school guidance counselor; Diane Tansits, high school and middle school social worker; Tatiana Black, Rotary member; Susan Giguere, Rotary member; Terry Gunning, Rotary member; Renee Chernin, high school guidance counselor; Kasey Gribble, high school guidance counselor; Lisa Jacques, middle school guidance counselor; and Jennifer Bradley, high school assistant principal.
All four Western Wayne Schools (EverGreen Elementary, R.D. Wilson Elementary, the High School, and Middle School) benefited from a coat drive done by the Hamlin/ Lake Ariel Rotary. The Rotary donated several cases of coats to the schools. All of the schools received a variety of coats in different colors and sizes. The district is so grateful for this donation and knows its students will greatly benefit from these much needed coats. From left, Sue Schlasta, EverGreen Elementary social worker; and Tatiana Black, from the Rotary.
High School Recognizes Fall Art Students of the Month
The following Western Wayne arts students were recognized this fall as artists of the month. From left, top row: September: Dayla Jones, “Bi-Polar Leopard” mixed media; September: Melody Gershey, “Southward Bound” oil. From left, middle row: October: Abby Burke, “The Other Abby” colored pencil; October: Teree Hopson, “Me, Myself, & I” colored pencil. From left, bottom row: November: Anya Wayda, “Primary Girl” chalk pastel; and November: Sarah Gerstenmaier, “Finny” ceramics.
Western Wayne senior Damian Johnson donates book bags
Western Wayne senior Damian Johnson donated book bags and school supplies to EverGreen Elementary as part of his senior project. Damian is pictured here with some of the EverGreen’s fifth grade students.
Mobile Agriculture Education Science Lab Visits Western Wayne Elementary Students
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Western Wayne’s Robert D. Wilson Elementary School hosted a special event the week of November 27. The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s Mobile Agriculture Education Science Lab came to the school for students pre-kindergarten to fifth grade to enjoy.
The opportunity was afforded to the students through funding provided by the Wayne County Farm Bureau, a Soybean Council Grant and Robert D. Wilson PTA.
The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s Mobile Agriculture Education Science Lab creates an opportunity for students to learn about agriculture (Pennsylvania’s number one industry) in a fun and hands-on-way.
“With fewer children having a tie to farming, we created the Ag Lab program to help teachers educate more students about the importance of agriculture,” said PF President Rick Ebert.
Students enter the lab to perform science experiments that teach lessons focused on farm, food, fiber and the environment. Mobile Lab visits to schools are coordinated with the preparation of teachers and their classes for the science experiments. A certified teacher travels with the lab to lead each class in the science experiments. The lab is equipped with all the materials and supplies needed for the experiments.
Examples of the experiments that are taught in the lab include: germinating seed under different conditions, creating crayons from soybeans, and testing the water capacity of different soils. A Mobile Lab can educate up to 900 students and involve up to 30 teachers per week.
At R.D., first grade participated in an experiment called Popcorn Capers. Students engaged in conversation with Paula Brennan, Mobile Ag Lab Teacher, and enjoyed a story about corn, how it grows, where it grows, and its many uses. Students then completed a sink and float activity including a corn kernel and a popped kernel of corn along with a variety of other common objects with varying degrees of air (rice crispies, cheese ball, raisins to name a few).
In addition, Kindergarten participated in an experiment called Farm Charm where prompted by conversation, the students and teacher built a farm and made connections between the various components of a farm. Student made a Farm Charm to wear which symbolized all the components of a farm (sun, water, cows, pigs, chickens, soil and more).
All of the Western Wayne Elementary students and staff greatly enjoyed their experiences with the Mobile Lab and hope to have more of these unique educational experiences in the future.
Robert D. Wilson – 4th Annual Turkey Trot
Robert D. Wilson conducted the 4th Annual Turkey Trot November 29. 2019 thanks to the work and dedication of Elizabeth Musso, physical education teacher. Students enjoyed a variety of physical exercises stationed around the school and in the gymnasium. It a a tradition to get up and moving with friends and classmates. Students also had an opportunity to socialize and enjoy a Thanksgiving movie and popcorn supplied by the Robert D. Wilson PTA and prepared by office staff. It was a fun filled morning for all involved.
RDW Students Host Assembly to Promote Kindness
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On November 19th, students in the Kindness Club and Student Council hosted the annual Olweus Kickoff Event to promote kindness and teach anti-bullying strategies. After two months of planning, rehearsals, and preparation, eleven students in the fifth grade held a school-wide assembly which included:
– The Bully Circle: teaching the different roles that bystanders play in bullying situations
– The Wildcat Pledge: where all students pledged to be defenders of their school
– Kickoff Videos: pre-recorded by the student council- interviewing students throughout the school
– Classroom Match-ups: each classroom in the school was randomly paired with another. These classroom pairs will perform acts of kindness for each other throughout the year
– Kindness Dance: all students learned the special kindness dance: Throw Kindness Like Confetti!
A very special thank you to the students who made it all possible! They are a shining example of Wildcat Pride!
Kindness Club members: Audrey Agnello, Ayla Butrim, Magda Malcolm, Grace Moser, Trista Murphy, and Alexis Weist
Student Council members: Kera Edwards, Brendan Mistishin, Khloe Mistishin, Makayla Moser, and Madelyn Vinton
Tech Talk | Johnson College guides Wayne Co. man’s career
MOSCOW, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WOLF) — “I was a bit less of a book-learned student… I didn’t learn as well from lectures and things like that. I learned well when I could combine that with taking what I learned in the classroom and applying it right there in their labs.”
Wayne County native Fernando Marques always had a knack for technology, having a role on the Western Wayne High School robotics team.
He says the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Technology Program at Johnson College fit him best with his background.
“When I was coming out of high school I really wasn’t sure where to go. I actually haven’t found that degree program when I first graduated from Western Wayne. And then shortly after, I found their program so I had worked construction for a year to save up the money- and built a little bit of a buffer so that the following year I could start the AMET program,” said Marques.
Read more here https://fox56.com/news/tech-talk/tech-talk-johnson-college-guides-wayne-co-mans-career
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BOOK A SESSION NOW! Senior portraits will be taken July 9th, 10th, and 11th.June 30, 2025We are excited to announce that Upstate Images has been chosen as the official senior photographer for the Class of 2026.
Senior portraits will be taken at the Western Wayne High School July 9th, 10th, and 11th. The location is tbd due to construction in the school. Scheduling a portrait session with Upstate Images is essential to ensure your child’s inclusion in the yearbook.
To book a portrait session, scan the QR code or visit the Upstate Images website: https://www.upstate-images.com/seniors. Select the Binghamton Southern Tier when booking your appointment.Yearbook Portrait Requirements: ● Select your favorite CAP AND GOWN photo by 11/20/25. ● Any images that do not follow these specs or are not selected by this deadline will be picked by the WWHS Yearbook team.
Sitting Options and Fees: (Sitting fees are prepaid online when the session is booked.)
● Platinum: $40 sitting fee includes 25-30 images (traditional yearbook attire, cap and gown, three casual outfits, multiple backgrounds)● Gold: $30 sitting fee includes up to 20 images (traditional yearbook attire, cap and gown, two casual outfits, multiple backgrounds)● Silver: $15 sitting fee includes up to 15 images (traditional yearbook attire, cap and gown, one casual outfit, multiple backgrounds)● Yearbook Only: Free session for those who need it. This includes four images in yearbook attire only.
Call 1-855-773-3321 to book this session. [...]
High School Hosts Graduation for Class of 2025June 13, 2025Wildcat Pride was bursting from the audience at Western Wayne’s Veterans Memorial Auditorium on the evening of Friday, June 6, for the graduation of the class of 2025. This is a bright class of students who have excelled in academics, athletics, and club activities having gained a total of $6,075,675 in college scholarships and grants at their recently held senior night. Student speakers at graduation gave their classmates advice for the exciting and new journey that lies ahead of them for their very bright futures.Senior Lillian Maros, president of the class of 2025, gave the welcome address.Lillian ended her speech in a unique way by having her class honor the many role models who have shaped their life journey thus far.“I was once told that everyone, at least once, deserves to be on the receiving end of a round of applause,” she said. “As a theater kid myself, I couldn’t agree more, and I ask any parents, guardians, siblings, teachers, and administrators to stand, and let our class applaud you for all of the opportunities you have given us.”Later, Lillian presented the Class Mantel to Audrey Agnello, junior class president.Following the presentation of the mantle, the class salutatorian and valedictorian gave speeches.Senior David Elias III, Hamlin, was named the salutatorian of the class of 2025 with a final overall GPA of 100.41.
David is the son of Carrie and David Elias.Along with being an excellent academic student, David was involved in Western Wayne clubs and activities including: FBLA, basketball, PBIS, and track and field.
In the future, he plans to attend Marywood University with an undecided major.
“My favorite memory from high school was attending the FBLA state conference as a freshman in Hershey,” David said. “While at Western Wayne, I’ve learned important skills such as critical thinking and time management that will help me through college and beyond.”In his salutatorian speech, David let his classmates know it is ok to be undecided about their futures as long as they follow their inner drive.“We have the ability to blaze our own paths different from what our parents did and what others expect of us,” he said. “As long as we follow what truly matters to us, we will get where we are supposed to go.”David summed up the evening with a quote from LeBron James, “Education is the most important thing in life. No matter what you do, you have to be educated, and you have to learn.”He then ended his speech with these encouraging words to his class, “We are closing a major chapter in our lives, but with the hope that we will be able to keep learning throughout whatever endeavors come next with the goal of reaching greatness.”Fellow classmate Lia Hartman, Lake Ariel, was named valedictorian of the class of 2025 with a GPA of 100.94.Lia is the daughter of Chad and Mayumi Hartman.Lia also has done numerous activities both inside and outside of the classroom at Western Wayne. She has participated in NHS, Student Council, Marching Band, serving as a drum major her junior and senior years; District and Region Band, Envirothon, Science Olympiad, and FBLA.In the future, she plans to attend The University of Scranton as a biochemistry major and then attend medical school to pursue pathology.“My favorite moment throughout high school was seeing the smile on people’s faces after having a good field show,” Lia said. “I believe the teachers at Western Wayne have pushed me to succeed and provided me with many meaningful opportunities.”
In her valedictorian speech, Lia reminisced about how in her freshman year when she saw that she was ranked first in her class that she had a fleeting thought about what it would be like to deliver a graduation speech. At that time, all she felt was anxiety, but now faced with the reality, she said she felt nothing but honor and pride to get to deliver this speech to her class.Her speech focused on the idea of how motivation is a key aspect in life especially when facing a milestone moment like graduation.“Motivation is a truly powerful force,” Lia said. “It is a psychological drive and combination of our values, goals, and beliefs. It pushes us toward success.”Lia said in preparation of her speech she asked many of her classmates to discuss with her their motivations and found them to be a variety of forces including God, drive for success in sports and academics, along with wanting to inspire others to work hard, and to make family proud.She quoted one of her favorite books, The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, “What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well.”She told her classmates to not lose hope if they find themselves lost in their journey after high school at times, “As long as you latch onto your own motivations, you will continue to trek forward towards the future, and you will undoubtedly find your own well.”She then left her classmates with these words of advice, “Always remind yourself why you decided to go on this journey in the first place. Never let go of that initial spark. I encourage you to go out there and become the inspiration that gives others their sparks.”
Following the speeches, all graduates received their diplomas and were presented as the Class of 2025 to the audience. They then sang the school’s alma mater one last time as a class on stage. The Western Wayne School District wishes all the graduates the best in their bright futures.
Picture one: Senior Elizabeth Washine works on one of her many art projects at Western Wayne. After graduation, she will attend Duquesne University to study secondary education English and creative writing.
Picture two: from left: David Elias, salutatorian, and Lia Hartman, valedictorian, hard at work on a project after being named “most likely to be your boss” for their high school yearbook.
Picture three: from left: Allyson Irvine and Grace Lidy taping a segment for Western Wayne Broadcast which they both worked on this year.
Picture four: from left: high school English teacher Amanda Jenkins, student council co-advisor; Madison Stiffler, Prom Queen; and high school Spanish teacher Sara Orloski; student council co-advisor; at the Homecoming game this past fall when Stiffler was named queen.
Picture five: from left: High School Principal Paul B. Gregorski; senior Mason Rush, Prom King, and his mom Western Wayne high school English teacher Megan Rush. Mason will attend Juniata College this fall with a merit scholarship to study criminal justice and education.
Picture six: from left: Colette Schmitt, who played Sophie; and Lillian Maros, who played Donna; in Western Wayne’s production of Mamma Mia this past spring for their senior year. Lillian has won numerous creative writing and band awards over her time in high school. She plans to start her own business upon graduation and move to Texas with her family. Colette Schmitt will serve an 18 month mission trip for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints after graduation and plans to study to become a chiropractor as her career path.
Picture seven: from left: Stephanie Maxwell, who played Rosie; and Robert Scramuzza, who played Bill in Western Wayne’s production of Mamma Mia this past spring for their senior year. Stephanie will attend The University of Alabama in the fall to study pre-law and minor in theater. Robert will attend RIT in the fall to study engineering.
Picture eight: is senior Rebekah Palko on her horse Paxil at Salem View Farms She has done competitive equestrian for many years, and Paxil was her first horse.
Picture nine: Salutatorian, David Elias III
Picture ten: Valedictorian, Lia Hartman
Picture eleven: The class of 2025 after receiving their diplomas
Picture twelve: The class of 2025 celebrating
List of 2025 Graduates
Mackenzie Jean AdamsZoe Lorah AlbitzThomas John BainLily BarberJacob Alexander BarnaAlexis BarrVallita Princess BelinovaAubrey Shay BellJamal Lee BenedictKayne Michael BihlerTheodore Robert BlackNatalia Lydia BorrelliLillian Grace BronsonMatthew T. BrownConnor Howard BryantAnthony CanzanoDouglas Robert ChapmanJames Samuel ChapmanStacey ChristopherMadelyn Rose ChrobakRiver CollinsNikko CondiAngelina L. CorreaNicholas CotterAndrew CrisseyAddison Grace DanielsEvan Joseph DeanEmily Ann DicelloAnnaliese DickisonHannah Lee DockemeyerAnthony John DonniniLauren Letizia DramisinoMichael Samuel DursoJonathan Hunter DwyerZariah EdmundsDavid John Elias IIIJayla C. FiorellaJeffrey David Foote, Jr.Olivia Giovanna FordAiden Patrick ForneyKalob Alejandro FrankoJordan FrisbieSean James GallifordColton Michael GearyZachary Aiden GibbsCedar C. GilpinJared Joshua GoldmanAddison Lynn GriffinBryan James GuarnizDaniel HallDavid J. HallbergLia Mimi HartmanPaige Elizabeth HaswellJaden Desire HeadenChase HobgoodMaKennah Lynn HolbertColton J. HooseBrianna Michelle HoyerJak Michael HubingerAllyson Grace IrvineJames Ethan JimenezSydney Grace JusticeAlyssa Lynn Ellis KapalskiJayden KellachowAustin D. KenyonKendra May KeryloviczLily Patrice KievaNicole Marie KlimEthan Tyler LambertonGrace K. LangendoerferFrederick Frances Leonetti IIIGrace H. Murphy LidyTravis Mark LockerRyleigh Niccole MahonLance Maiocco, Jr.Matvey MamoshukLillian Grace MarosAddison Brooke MatthewsStephanie K. MaxwellDaymon Robert McGuireRobert William Mildner, Jr.Nelson Edgardo Miranda-MirandaSeth MontijoBryson MoscarelliHayden William MundrakeTeagan S. MurphyBrendan Joseph OlivoMichael Banavan OlivoTyler OvensSean Davon OwensRebekah Lane PalkoOwen S. PalkovicRaegan Alaina PalmerJessica Rose PalopoliNicholas Anthony PaneMercedes D. L. PedersenRobert F. Phillips, Jr.Addyson Bailey PrussJohn Patrick Pyatt IIIAliyah S. RatchfordAnthony Joseph RedmondHunter Baron ReichlingJayden Michael RiveraKarter M. RizziTimothy Richard Roberts, Jr.Noel Michael RodriguezHayden Timmy RomanaskasEvan John RonchiAyden K. RosengrantNikita RudMason Scott RushAbigail Faith SadowskiRyan Michael SchaneColette Ann SchmittKennedy Carolyn Ortman ScottRobert Nicholas ScramuzzaDavis M. SheppardVincent Charles SilonKathryn E. SkirpanThomas Joseph SmithNeima Marie Smith-HorstSienna Skye StevensMadison Naomi StifflerDylan David StookeyAshley Lynn ToscanoBella Marie TrumbullNoah VailJoshua Shawn VintonMakayla Marie WaltonAva Michell WardLandon R. WargoElizabeth Blaire WashineLogan WeaverJulia Ross WehrmannKallie May WehrmannCassidy Ann Zeiler [...]
Charlotte Nebzydoski, RDW Fourth Grade student achieves perfect attendanceJune 13, 2025Charlotte Nebzydoski, Fourth Grade student at Robert D. Wilson Elementary School, was the only RDW student to achieve perfect attendance for the 2024/2025 school year. Charlotte was present for every day of school and was never tardy or dismissed early. Charlotte is a bright light for everyone in the school. Her academics are top notch and the kindness and positivity that she shows daily is truly inspiring. Having Charlotte in the building every day made RDW a better place. Please congratulate Miss Charlotte Nebzydoski on this seemingly impossible accomplishment. RDW is so proud of you, Charlotte! [...]
Hot Rod Club and Drama Club Car Show on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6June 5, 2025The Western Wayne Hot Rod Club and Drama Club will host their 2025 Annual Car Show on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the high school parking lot, 1970A Easton Turnpike, Lake Ariel, PA, near the football stadium.Food to be sold at the concession stand. Registration fee is $10. Spectators are free. The Hot Rod Club will give prizes for best car, truck, tractor, motorcycle, and best in show.In addition, the Drama group will sell a variety of concessions. There will also be a raffle of baskets and gift certificates generously donated by businesses and families in the local community.Drama Club President Dakota Douglas is excited to partner with the Hot Rod Club for the Car Show. She explained how the Drama Club students will be dressed in 50s attire for the event.“We wanted our presence at the event to go along with the variety of cars from the past that surely will be there,” Dakota said. “We hope that the public comes out to enjoy the cars and to have some good food and purchase some chances to win baskets and gift certificates.”Members of the Drama Parents Club are working to obtain a variety of items for the raffle at the Car Show from many very generous businesses and families in our Wildcat community. The students involved in the Hot Rod Club and Drama Club can use the funds raised from this event for their club activities.The Hot Rod Club meets on a regular basis to work on a variety of automotive projects after school and can use the funds for their projects among other activities.The Drama Club meets on a regular basis after school to work on a variety of projects and activities.“Drama Club gives students a place where they can express themselves,” club vice president, Jason Vass, explained. “We are like one big family in our club and really enjoy coming together to work as a team on events such as the Car Show.”All of the members of the Hot Rod Club, Drama Club, and Drama Parents Club cordially invite the public to attend this fun-filled event on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the High School parking lot near the stadium. Come out and see some great vehicles, take some chances on our basket raffle, enjoy some food, and enjoy some time socializing. Hope to see you there! [...]
