The EverGreen Student Council (Maria Gadous, Justin Jimenez, Cameron Press, Leighna Narvaez, President Skyla McGuire, and Isabella Kolp) added some Wildcat colors to the tree at EverGreen. Jason Vass and Sophia Floros are absent from the photograph.
The EverGreen Elementary Student Council and student body would like to say “thank you” to the PTA for this year’s holiday gift so students can show their pride!
The EverGreen Elementary students would like to thank the EverGreen PTA for purchasing a display case for the school store where students can purchase items with their cat cash.
As a tradition for many years, Western Wayne administration, faculty, staff, and students joined together on Wednesday, November 13, to celebrate veterans in the community with a special in-school event that featured music from the high school band and chorus, wise words from a veteran guest speaker, and this year the event had the added component of a special presentation of the meaning of the 13 folds in the American flag.
Many local veterans attended the presentation at Western Wayne. Some of which had special connections to Western Wayne students. Marty Reingold, Vietnam veteran, attended with his wife Marsha to spend the day honoring veterans with their grandson sophomore Matt Reingold.
Marsha explained that they have taken part in the Veterans Day assembly at Western Wayne for the past four years.
“Matt is very proud of his papa,” Marsha explained. “We are so happy to be here with our grandson. It is very rewarding to see the school do things for our service men and to witness the camaraderie.”
Matt agreed with his grandmother.
“The best part about today is being able to honor the veterans,” Matt explained. “Especially my grandfather.”
Another veteran that felt proud to be at the event with his grandchildren was Roger O’Brien, a United States Navy veteran. O’Brien explained that it was his first time at the Veterans Day event at Western Wayne. However, he had heard about it from his granddaughter Rebeccah King, who is a senior this year, and performed with the chorus and band at the event.
O’Brien also had a number of other grandchildren at the event who have attended Western Wayne. His grandchildren Johnathan Robbins, 7th grade, and Summer Schaal, granddaughter, were with O’Brien before the presentation to welcome him to the school.
“I am a very proud grandfather,” O’Brien said. “I promised them I would come.”
O’Brien traveled to Western Wayne from New Jersey for the event, and he was happy to discuss his time in the service with his grandchildren.
“I practically traveled around the world as a gunner on a cargo ship,” O’Brien explained. “I was in Russia twice. I was shipped to the West Coast and was headed to Okinawa, Japan, but they surrendered before we got there. We saw plenty.”
O’Brien discussed how he received many honors for his military service.
“I have a number of medals and ribbons for my time in the service which I have shown to my grandchildren,” O’Brien explained.
Reingold, O’Brien, and many other veterans processed into the auditorium to begin the event.
Highlights of the event include some beautifully performed patriotic pieces by the Western Wayne High School chorus and band. The veterans also were treated to a breakfast and lunch prepared by students in Mrs. Stephanie Zoppi’s culinary classes. In addition, during the assembly, a group of local veterans demonstrated and explained the meaning of the 13 folds in an American Flag when it is presented to a loved one at a military funeral service.
The symbolism of each of the folds was explained in a very moving presentation. They represent a variety of meaningful parts of military service, faith in God, and faith in America. For example, the second fold signifies a belief in eternal life; the seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces; and the final fold, when the stars are uppermost, is a tribute to our national motto, “In God We Trust.”
As a closing to the assembly, the students, veterans, and faculty in attendance heard from guest speaker Officer Robert Robbins. Officer Robbins served in the United States Army in the 101st Airborne Division as a Light Wheel Vehicle Mechanic at Fort Campbell Kentucky for two years. He earned the Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Air Assault Badge.
Upon the conclusion of his active service, Officer Robbins joined the Pennsylvania National Guard and served in Alpha Co, 1st Battalion of the 109th Infantry Regiment. In this unit, he served as a Squad Leader, Vehicle Commander, was promoted to Sergeant and was awarded the General S. J. Stewart Medal for service and NCO Academy Graduate Ribbon.
In 1991, Officer Robbins joined the Pennsylvania Air National Guard and served with the Security Police Flight at Willow Grove Naval Air Station. He was responsible for base security, Flight Operations Security, and the protection of aircraft and missile weapons sites. He earned the Rank of Staff Sergeant.
He then attended the Security Police Academy at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in which he earned the title of Honor Graduate and was awarded the Pennsylvania Commendation Medal. Officer Robbins received an Honorable Discharge from all three branches he served in.
Officer Robbins is a retired Pennsylvania State Trooper, who served for 23 years and spent his entire career in the Patrol Unit. He was promoted to Corporal in 1999 and was responsible for nearly every facet of daily operations in a State Police Troop. He was stationed all over the State from Bucks County to Wayne County.
Today, Officer Robbins serves as a School Resource Officer here at the Western Wayne School District and has diligently done so since 2013. Robbins is beloved by Western Wayne students and faculty alike. He has a very meaningful presence throughout the school keeping it safe and helping to guide students.
Robbins also has the honor of being the newest voice of the Western Wayne Wildcats at their football and basketball games where he has taken over as announcer after the passing of Western Wayne’s beloved veteran teacher Mr. Jim Rebar.
As Robbins talked to the students, he discussed his upbringing in Honesdale where he was one of seven children in what he described as an average family. Robbins went on to marry his high school sweetheart and have three children. He then explained his journey through the military. Next, Robbins told the students what the military had done for him and how it shaped him as a person.
“I discovered that there were things I never thought I could be capable of doing from my time in the military,” Robbins explained. “For example, I conquered my fear of heights. I had to jump out of helicopters in my time in the service. My time in the military really shaped my life.”
Robbins quoted “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and discussed how he feels it is very meaningful to him as a veteran. He then told the students how important it is for them to be thankful for veterans and, if possible, for them to try to do service for the community to give back.
“We should live a life that we have earned from what was sacrificed for us,” he said. “It important for us to say thank you to veterans and to provide service to the community if we can.”
His closing words were very meaningful and memorable.
“God bless you,” he told all in attendance. “God bless America.”
EverGreen Elementary celebrated healthy snack options with apples on Apple Crunch Day! Klim’s Orchard donated yummy apples to help our students get a taste of the different varieties. The lessons did not stop at snacking. Teachers incorporated math, science and language arts into the day by creating experiments, graphs and writing descriptive words to describe the texture, color and taste of the apples. During lunch, students had Apple Crisp and apple slices to enjoy as well. Apple Crunch Day is a great way to encourage healthy eating habits and a great way to extend our learning.
The Deputy Phil program was at EverGreen on November 7th to present to students in grades K-4. This program is brought to the students by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department. The program offers three core values to the program which are safety, respect, and awareness. Each value is described and talked about in a manner that allows students to learn about each value in an amusing yet educational way.
Students were given a topic of Fire Prevention and Safety to write an essay. The two students chosen were Joseph Altenhofen and Haley Dougal. They pictured with Chief Price and Rescue Captain/Vice-President Henry Hinz from Hamlin Fire & Rescue.
Chief Price and his firefighters from Hamlin Fire & Rescue were at EverGreen Elementary on October 11, 2019 to discuss fire prevention and safety with all students. Students were able to see fire fighters in their turn-out gear, different tools used to fight fires, different piece of equipment that was on scene, and have lunch with some of the firefighters. Students learned valuable lessons that they will be able use to in their lives.
On October 9th, students in Kindergarten to Fifth grade learned about bus safety which included rules and expectations while riding on a school bus. Bill and Gayle Hemmler, who own and drives buses for Western Wayne, along with Officer Robbins from the Western Wayne School Police Department spoke with all students. We thank these individuals for their time and expertise!
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. [...]
