The Western Wayne Marching Band and Color Guard performed in Waymart’s annual Flag Day parade on Saturday, June 10. Pictured are members of the Color Guard. From left, seated, row one: Lily Gale, Alexis Lanza, captain. From left, kneeling, row two: Gabby Velez, Abby Lopez, Caitlyn Burdick, and Brianna Trutt. From left, standing: Kate Hirsch, Terra Harty, Haley Post, Alex Filkovsky, Rachael Harsch, Brady McElheny, and Ellen Dwyer.
Working in sports management, owning a business related to a trade, and going into the field of fashion marketing are just some of the career paths that interest students in Mrs. Theresa Lubash’s Introduction to Business classes at Western Wayne High School. In order to help give her students an edge in today’s competitive atmosphere, Lubash had her two Introduction to Business classes complete an online Financial Literacy course provided by EverFi.
EverFi, Inc. is an educational technology company focused on teaching, assessing, and certifying K-12 and college students in critical skills they need for life. The company teams with local institutions like Western Wayne to provide their programs at no cost to schools. Honesdale National Bank locally sponsors EverFi.
Through this computer-based program, called the Pennsylvania Financial Scholars Program, students progressed in nine modules. They had a pretest and posttest of ten questions for each module. The topics included: savings, banking, payment types, credit scores, higher education, renting vs. owning, insurance and taxes, consumer protection, and investing.
Pictured are Lubash’s students who completed the Financial Literacy course with their certificates of completion.
Row one, from left: Nascha Lamphere, Ciarah Sherwood, Claudia Kovaleski, Caitlin Henneforth, Salina Tregaskis, and Kayla Fitzpatrick. Row two, from left: Graham Dudley, Matthew Trygar, Ben Burkhardt, Lucas Scott, Jake Kunz, Flamur Berisha, and Dravyn Falsone Missing from photo: Kaitlyn Juhasz.
Row one, from left: Nascha Lamphere, Ciarah Sherwood, Claudia Kovaleski, Caitlin Henneforth, Salina Tregaskis, and Kayla Fitzpatrick. Row two, from left: Graham Dudley, Matthew Trygar, Ben Burkhardt, Lucas Scott, Jake Kunz, Flamur Berisha, and Dravyn Falsone Missing from photo: Kaitlyn Juhasz.
Pictured are more students from Lubash’s Introduction to Businesses course who received certificates for completing the Financial Literacy course. Row one, from left: Bryan McGlone, Cheyenne Stenlake, Laura Booths, Skye Smith, Ashley Kline, and Alex Prtichyk. Row two, from left: Ryan Cavage, Ethan Podunajec, Brandon McCormick, Johnny Barcarola, Logan Bolduc, Gavin Lamberton, Jakob Ortola, Austin Boguski, and Adam DeLeon. Missing from photo: Samantha Harris.
Wayne County Commissioners Softball Camp
Directed by: Western Wayne Softball Coaching Staff
June 26th – June 29th
9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
For girls entering 3rd to 8th Grade
Held at the High School Softball Field and Middle School Gym
Daily Schedule:
Mon/Wed
9:00 – 9: 10 Warm-up
9:10 – 9:25 Throwing Drills
9:25 – 9:30 Water Break
9:30 – 11:30 Individual Stations – Ground Ball Work, Fly Ball Work, Base Running, Bunting, and Slap Hitting
11:30 – 12:15 Hitting Stations
Tues/Thurs
9:00 – 9:10 Warm-up
9:10 – 9:25 Throwing Drills
9:25 – 9:30 Water Break
9:30 – 11:30 Group Stations – Pitching, Catching, and Hitting
Il :30 – 12:15 Competition Games – Timed Base Running, Long Toss, and Accuracy Throw
Wayne County Commissioners Girl’s Roundball Camp
Directed by: Western Wayne Girl’s Coaching Staff
Wed. June 21st – Fri. June 23rd
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Girls going into grades 2nd – 8th
Held at the Western Wayne Middle School
Daily Schedule:
9:00 – Camp Begins/Stretching
9:10 – 10:10 Small Group Instruction
10:10 – 10:15 Break
10:15 – 10:45 Whole Group Demonstration
10:45 – 11:00 Snack Break (will be provided)
11:00 – 11:30 Individual Competitions
11:30 – 12:00 Team Competitions
Stations Drills: Fundamentals, Passing, Dribbling, Defensive Drills, Rebounding, Ball Handling, Fast Break Techniques
Awards:
Individual Competitions
Coaches Choice
Camper Attire:
T-Shirt
Gym Shorts
Sneakers
Pictured are members of the Middle School band who played as a pep band for the Middle School Student vs. Faculty Basketball Game on Friday, May 26, and were directed by Mrs. Maria Arneil and Mrs. Elaine Ort. From left, first row: Alyssa Donnini, Hudson Malinowski, Madison Bower, Julia Lamberton, Abby Lopez, Stephanie Knecht. From left, second row: Mrs. Maria Arneil, Mrs. Elaine Ort, Alex Taylor, Leah Figueroa, and Lily Visceglia. From left, back row: Chris Wallace, Taylor Altenhofen.
The Western Wayne Marching Band and Color Guard took their yearly band trip from June 1 through June 4. This year they traveled to Virginia. The students had the opportunity to perform in historic Colonial Williamsburg. They also visited Busch Gardens, took an educational sailboat ride, and spent some time at the beach among other excursions. Pictured are members of the color guard. From left, sitting: Alexis Lanza, captain; Lily Gale; Kayla Hutchins, captain; and Haley Post. From left, standing: Ellen Dwyer, Kate Hirsch, Kayli Hineline, Bri Trutt, and Rachael Harsch.
Pictured are Color Guard members proudly holding the Western Wayne school banner in Colonial Williamsburg.
Standing, from left, are Samantha Parry and Terra Harty.
Pictured are members of the Western Wayne Marching Band performing at Colonial Williamsburg with their director Elaine Ort.
On Thursday, June 1, 2017, graduation was held for the Junior Leadership Northern Poconos, Class of 2017. Representing Western Wayne High School were Morgan Amorine, Caitlin Falloon, Mallory Jablon, Lilli Millon, and Abigail Zeiler. These students, along with students from Forest City Regional, Wallenpaupack Area, and Wayne Highlands, met monthly and came up with a community project called L.E.A.D.S. (Leaders Educating Against Drugs & Substances) to combat drug and substance abuse.
The Junior Leadership Northern Poconos program is specific to high school juniors of Forest City, Wallenpaupack Area, Wayne Highlands and Western Wayne High Schools. The purpose of Leadership Northern Poconos is to educate a group of potential leaders residing or employed in Wayne or Pike Counties about all aspects of the community. Their education will allow them to gain a better, more in-depth knowledge of the community and thereby become better prepared to be our future leaders.
Pictured are student council members who served as D.J.s and emcees for the event. From left Mrs. Kristen Donohue, Middle School principal; Courtney Petrilak, Anya Rusnak, student council members; and Celeste Orchard, student council president.
Western Wayne Middle School students and faculty participated in the annual Student versus Faculty Basketball Game in which an 8th grade team of students, who volunteer for the event, play against some of their middle school teachers. Ms. Elizabeth Watson, Middle School assistant principal, served as coach for the student team and Mrs. Kristen Donohue, Middle School principal, served as referee at this fun-filled event that took place on Friday, May 26, in the middle school gym. Student council students served as D.J.’s, middle school band students played in a pep band, and many students in grades 6 through 8 were able to try their luck at throwing a shot at half-court. Overall, it was a great day for students and faculty to gather to have some fun with each other and build morale before the end of the school year.
Pictured are members of the Middle School student team that was made up of a variety of 8th grade students who volunteered to play in the Student vs. Faculty game on Friday, May 26. From left, sitting: Joey Jara, Mike Miraih-DeVore, Lily Black, Cassidy Asinski, Diala Hassan, Haley Estus, and Harry Martinez. From left, kneeling: Hailey Robbins, George Johnson, Matt Stone, Timmy Smith, J.J. Murphy, Zane Janiszewski, Matt Leslie, Nick Curtis, and Jeremiah Pauler. From left, standing: Jeremy Schermerhorn, Jake Jones, Caleb Hoch, Matt Henneforth, Brett Schane, Kasen Taylor, Joe Smith, Jeremy Sekely, and Ms. Elizabeth Watson, Middle School assistant principal.
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! [...]
