Members of Western Wayne High School Student Council attended the Pennsylvania Association of Student Council Region H’s Annual Conference on Friday, April 17, hosted by Wyoming Valley West. There were hundreds of middle and high school students from area schools in the region in attendance.

Mr. Mason Wooldridge gave a presentation.  Wooldridge encouraged students to remember that “things don’t happen to you; they happen for you” and encouraged them to take on challenges in life and know that everything is an opportunity for learning and growth.

In addition, Pennsylvania State Representative Mr. Alec Ryncavage, who represents the 119th Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, serving parts of Luzerne County, also gave a presentation. He was a WVW graduate who spoke about feeling called to public service at a young age and the responsibility he holds for representing 65k residents and encouraged students to follow their calling.

Another part of the experience involved students attending three different workshops of their choice.  The workshops all focused on student leadership, teamwork, mental health, fundraising, and making connections with a fun twist. For example, they were able to make slime, friendship bracelets, and participate in breakout rooms.

Finally, there was a College/Vendor Fair that had 44 tables at the event.

Front row, from left:  Evan Davitt, Ava Fiorella, Layla Persaud, Leah Reeger, Raelyn Simpson, and Meghan Rath. Back row, from left:  Haley McGuire, Lillian Gilchrist, Olivia McGlone, Jailah McRae, Mackenzie Wehrmann, and Alexis Gill.

The following students were recognized by the Student Council as students of the month for March. 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 Xavier James.  He’s a hard worker who actively participates in class and is extremely polite and respectful. He always strives to push himself to be his best. He is described as respectful, polite, hardworking, and all-around great young man, strong athlete with a commitment to his academics, kind, gets along well with both classmates and teachers, and diligent.  It is also noted that he works hard to stay on top of his sports and classes.

Next, Leah Reeger is our chosen sophomore this month. She always participates during class, does her own work, and wants to learn.  She is described as polite, hardworking, dependable, a stand-out amongst her peers, helps others, kind, a role model, and has integrity.  In addition, it is noted that she is creative, insightful, dedicated, mature, hard-working, and courteous.

  In addition, Makenzie Chearney is this month’s featured junior.  She is noted as hard-working, completes all assignments on time, helps her peers, intelligent, friendly, determined and caring.

  Finally, Katarina Shumski is our senior spotlight this month. Katarina’s teachers say she quietly goes about her business and is impeccable with her organization, school work, and time management.  In addition, they note she is hard-working, dependable, considerate, reliable, and dependable because she is always on task.

The Western Wayne School District congratulates these March students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.

From left: Katarina Shumski, Leah Reeger, Makenzie Chearney, and Xavier James.

HERSHEY, PA — Students from Western Wayne High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter demonstrated outstanding achievement, leadership, and professionalism at the Pennsylvania FBLA State Leadership Conference held this week in Hershey.

Throughout the multi-day conference, students participated in a wide range of enriching experiences designed to build career readiness and leadership skills. Attendees engaged in competitive events, attended dynamic leadership workshops, explored career pathways at the expo, and collaborated with peers from across the state. These sessions provided students with opportunities to strengthen their communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, hallmarks of FBLA’s mission to prepare students for success in business and beyond.

Western Wayne proudly celebrates Grady Farley, who earned an impressive 4th-place finish in the event of Agribusiness, qualifying him for the FBLA National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas, in June. This exceptional accomplishment reflects his dedication and expertise.

The chapter also congratulates Kaelyn Chearney for her 10th-place finish in Introduction to FBLA, showcasing her strong foundational knowledge and competitive spirit.

In the Business Ethics event, the team of Khloe Mistishin, Maggie Kotchessa, and Grace Moser advanced to the final round, demonstrating excellence in ethical reasoning, teamwork, and presentation skills at a highly competitive level.

Western Wayne FBLA members competed across a wide range of events, including:

• Abigail Bell – Member at Large/Voting Delegate
• Eli Bilski – Human Resource Management
• Paul Borowski – Banking and Financial Systems
• Julia Burry – Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure
• Robert Carrelle – Banking and Financial Systems
• Kaelyn Chearney – Introduction to FBLA
• Makenzie Chearney – Journalism
• Roxanne Dugan – Healthcare Administration
• Paityn Duprey – Business Communication
• Grady Farley – Agribusiness
• Madison Forgione – Future Business Educator
• Raegan Fox – Member at Large/Voting Delegate
• Lillian Gilchrist – Introduction to Supply Chain Management
• Charlianne Hachikian – Business Law
• Justin Jimenez – Real Estate
• Madison Kizer – Advertising
• Kaitlyn Kloss – Introduction to FBLA
• Maggie Kotchessa – Business Ethics
• Raeleigh Kromko- Computer Applications
• Kelsey Lokuta – Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure
• Aiden Matthews – Banking and Financial Systems
• Kyle Matthews – Introduction to Information Technology
• Madelyn McClure – Organizational Leadership
• Khloe Mistishin – Business Ethics
• Grace Moser – Business Ethics
• Madison Trapanese – Hospitality and Event Management
• Graysen Valinski – Networking Infrastructure
• Avery Vinton – Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure
• Bryn Vinton – Business Communication
• Madelyn Vinton – Computer Applications
• Annie Williams – Job Interview

In addition to competitive success, several students were recognized for their leadership contributions at the regional level. Madelyn McClure was honored for her service as the 2025–2026 Region 22 Treasurer and was officially welcomed into her new role as the 2026–2027 Region 22 President, a testament to her leadership and commitment to FBLA.

The chapter also recognizes Raegan Fox and Abigail Bell, who served as Members-at-Large and voting delegates, representing Western Wayne in important conference decisions and leadership proceedings.

The State Leadership Conference is an incredible opportunity for our students to grow as leaders, connect with peers, and apply their skills in real-world scenarios. As their adviser, I am extremely proud of their hard work, accomplishments, and the way they represented Western Wayne. Students were also accompanied by Mrs. Megan Rush and Mr. Tim McClure, who are themselves WW FBLA Alumni.

The Western Wayne FBLA chapter looks forward to continuing its tradition of excellence and wishes Grady Farley the best of luck as he prepares to compete on the national stage this summer.

Picture one, front row, from left: Lillian Gilchrist, Madison Kizer, Kaelyn Chearney, Madison Trapanese, Khloe Mistishin, Grace Moser, and Maggie Kotchessa.  Second row, from left: Madison Forgione, Madelyn McClure, Makenzie Chearney, Bryn Vinton, Annie Williams, Paityn Duprey, Madelyn Vinton, Julia Burry, Kaitlyn Kloss, and Avery Vinton.  Third row, from left: Raegan Fox, Grady Farley, Abigail Bell, Eli Bilski, Kyle Matthews, Paul Borowski, Graysen Valinski, Robbie Carrelle, and Aiden Matthews.

Picture two, from left:  Kaelyn Chearney, 10th-place finish in Introduction to FBLA; and Grady Farley, 4th-place finish in the event of Agribusiness.

Western Wayne Drama Club’s production this year is Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The cast, crew, and pit band are excited to perform the show for the community. Performances of Western Wayne Drama Club’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are at Western Wayne High School’s Veterans Memorial Auditorium on Friday, April 10, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 11 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 12 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and students, and Western Wayne students are free with a student ID.  Follow us on instagram at @WW_DRAMA_CLUB

We will also have basket raffles and refreshments available at the show for purchase.
Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.mtishows.com

All involved with the show are grateful to have the opportunity to perform for an audience and cordially invite you to their show.

“We have been working on some of the scenes since December and can’t wait to bring this fan-favorite story to life,” senior Drama Club student director/ student music director Zachary Wilbur, who plays Mr. Beauregarde, and serves as one of the club’s treasurers, said.

Fellow student director/ dance captain junior Madison Forgione, who plays Veruca Salt, and serves as the club’s Public Relations officer, agrees, “There are so many scenes that I think the audience will connect with, because they know the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory characters so well.”

Picture one, from left, standing: Chloe Jewett, Jasmine Yamamoto, Johnathon Maxwell who plays Jerry Jubilee; Dominic Sgarlata, Jade Wetherington who plays Mrs. Bucket; Jesse Mitchell, Zachary Wilbur who plays Mr. Beauregarde; Dakota Douglas who plays Violet Beauregarde; Scott Kurent who plays Grandpa Joe; Jason Vass who plays Charlie Bucket; Owen Obloshny who plays Willy Wonka; Madison Forgione who plays Veruca Salt; Zachary Jordan who plays Mr. Salt; Molly French who plays Mrs. Teavee; Xavier Graham who plays Grandpa George; Laila Rainford, Elizabeth Bilski who plays Mrs. Gloop; Emma DeNunzio who plays Augustus Gloop; Michael Fullone, Avery Ullner who plays Cherry Sundae; Owen Capozzi, and Britney Wertman. From left, sitting: Ayvari Ford-Rakosnik who plays Grandma Josephine, Ruthann Neve, who plays Grandma Georgina; Mikayla Fullone who plays Mike Teavee; Samantha Torres Narvaez who plays Mrs. Green; Sophia Johns, and Arn Bryden. Cast missing from photo: Knight Vizcaino, Rowan Purvis, Katherine Berman, and Daria Ivakhnina.

Picture Two, standing: Elizabeth Bilski, Mrs. Gloop. Sitting: Emma DeNunzio, Augustus Gloop.
Picture Three, from left: Ayvari Ford-Rakosnik, Laila Rainford, Avery Ullner, Cherry Sundae; Madison Forgione, Veruca Salt; and Zachary Jordan, Mr. Salt.

Picture Four, from left, on floor: Laila Rainford, Ruthann Neve, and Samantha Torres Narvaez. From left, on blocks: Dakota Douglas, Violet Beauregarde; Zachary Wilbur, Mr. Beauregarde; and Avery Ullner, Cherry Sundae.

Picture Five, from left: Molly French, Mrs. Teavee; Mikayla Fullone, Mike Teavee; and Avery Ullner, Cherry Sundae.
Picture Six, from left, standing: Scott Kurent, Grandpa Joe; Zachary Jordan, Mr. Salt; Zachary Wilbur, Mr. Beauregarde; and Xavier Graham, Grandpa George. From left, sitting: Jade Wetherington, Mrs. Bucket; Owen Obloshny, Willy Wonka; and Mikayla Fullone, Mike Teavee.

Stage Crew students include: Luckus Balmer, Audrey Capozzi, Nathan Day, Adam Erb, Audrey Fitzmorris, Ayvari Ford-Rakosnik, Xavier Graham, Roslyn Knecht, Miley Layton, Kendall Murray, Margaret Norris, Charlotte Nutt, Milan Nguyen, Zoe Ratchford, Duke Shemanski, Lola Vertalics, Nichols Wilbur, Kaleb Zawisky, Tyler Buehring, Matthew Carlson, Cayden Clever, Coltan Davitt-Hillemann, Rachel Erb, Guinevere Homisak, Regan Lane, Gavin Lepkowsky-Polizzi, Victoria Neve, Emmett Roccella, Lylah Semon, Maria Shemanski, Patience Strocchia, and Liam VanOrden-AlSaidi.

Pit students include: Antonio Fisichella, Nicholas Fisichella, Isabella Hayden, Gideon Jezorwski, Michael Kaminsky, Makaya Moser, and Kaitlin Wargo.