Lake Ariel, PA — Western Wayne High School’s Watershed Group is proud to announce the successful completion of a student-led environmental education initiative originally planned as a field trip to the Varden Conservation Area. This spring, thanks to grant funding and outstanding community partnerships, fourth-grade students at RDW and Evergreen Elementary Schools experienced a day filled with hands-on watershed education, led by professionals and high school mentors.
This project is part of the long-standing Community Connections to Our Watershed program, which for over 20 years has connected students in northeastern Pennsylvania with local environmental experts and conservation educators. Each year, students explore watersheds, learn about clean water initiatives, and participate in forums alongside professionals from agencies committed to preserving Pennsylvania’s natural resources. More information about the program can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/CCTW2025
This year’s participating schools include:
• Lackawanna County Teams: Carbondale, Forest City, Lackawanna Trail, Lakeland, Mountain View, Old Forge, Riverside, Western Wayne, and Wayne Highlands
• Luzerne County Teams: Crestwood, Hanover, HAAS, HACC, Hazleton, Northwest, Tunkhannock, and Wyoming Area
Western Wayne High School students participated in several preparatory field trips, including visits to Lackawanna State Park, Keystone College, the Old Forge borehole, and the Alliance Landfill, the University of Scranton, Pennsylvania American Water Treatment and Sewage Treatment Facilities, and the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. These experiences helped students learn how to assess watershed health and explore solutions to protect local water resources. Support for these programs was provided by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Pennsylvania American Water Company, and the DCNR Watershed Education Program.
The culminating event was presented at a student showcase held at Montage Mountain on May 6, 2025, where Western Wayne students unveiled their vision: an interactive field trip experience for all district fourth-grade students. They designed original ecology-based activities and coordinated programming with outside agencies to bring their vision to life.
Originally planned for the Varden Conservation Area, the field day was quickly relocated indoors due to cold, wet weather. Thanks to the flexibility and determination of teachers, administrators, and partners, the program was successfully delivered on-site at both elementary schools—retaining all core educational experiences.
Participating Agencies and Presenters
The program featured presentations and hands-on stations from a wide range of environmental organizations, including:
• Lacawac Education Department: Nichole Seul
• Lacawac Sanctuary PLEON Department: Theresa Black
• Promised Land DCNR Environmental Education Specialist: Joshua Heath
• Trout Unlimited: Don Strathy, Paul Guinnane
• Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (National Park Service): Anna Grismer
o All participating 4th graders received a free National Parks pass good for unlimited admission for them and their families during their 4th-grade year
• Wayne County Conservation District: Olivia D’Amore
• Delaware Highlands Conservancy: Rachel Morrow
• Western Wayne High School Science Faculty: Mark Nebzydoski Ph.D.
• Community Connections to Our Watershed High School Student Leaders: Dakota Douglas, Aliyah Gregory, Giuliana Velazquez
High school students acted as presenters, group leaders, and support staff, working closely with fourth graders during each 45-minute station rotation. Activities included a watershed model demonstration, casting skills with Backyard Bass, and a water chemistry/biology interactive lesson.
Funding and Community Support
Funding for the program was made possible through two generous sources:
• A mini-grant from the Wayne County Community Foundation (WCCF), reviewed and awarded by the Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee, which supported transportation and programming costs.
• Additional funding for both the Varden classroom education and the in-school field trip was provided through an Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) grant from the Western Wayne Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting innovation and opportunity in the district.
o For more information, contact Christine McClure, President, at 1970C Easton Turnpike, Western Wayne School District, Lake Ariel, PA 18436.
Both the Wayne County Community Foundation and the Western Wayne Education Foundation play a crucial role in building long-term educational opportunities for students in the region.
A Day of Fun, Learning, and Resilience
Despite the weather challenges, the program delivered an enriching experience filled with environmental discovery, hands-on activities, and expert instruction. Students were engaged, enthusiastic, and inspired by what they learned—and most importantly, they had fun doing it.
Western Wayne High School extends its sincere thanks to all agency partners, grant providers, faculty, and students who made this unique educational day possible. The project is a testament to the power of youth leadership, collaboration, and environmental stewardship.

Picture One: Fourth grade students at EverGreen engaged in hands-on watershed education.

Picture Two: Fourth grade students at RDW engaged in hands on watershed education.

Western Wayne High School students recently  won The Wayne County Envirothon.  These students include: Paul Borowski, Aiden Matthews, Logan Pauler, Robert Carrelle, and Phoebe Schmitt.

Envirothon is a hands-on environmental education and competition program for high school students, focusing on natural resource conservation and problem-solving. It involves students working in teams to demonstrate their knowledge of aquatic ecology, forestry, soils and land use, wildlife, and a current environmental issue. Back row, from left:  Aiden Matthews, Paul Borowski, and Robert Carrelle. Front row, from left:  Logan Pauler and Phoebe Schmitt.

 Western Wayne High School science students embarked on an educational field trip to Penn State University College of Medicine in Hershey, PA, this past April. The visit, made possible through a partnership with the Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center (PA-AHEC) and supported by the Western Wayne Education Foundation, offered students an immersive, hands-on experience with groundbreaking medical technologies and healthcare professions. Students were accompanied by Mrs. Christine McClure, Dr. Mark Nebzydoski, Mrs. Denise Johnson, and Mr. Matthew Fitzsimmons.

Throughout the day, students engaged in an array of interactive learning experiences. In the genomics lab, they explored the role of genetic sequencing in modern medicine. At the MRI and Cryo-Electron Microscope Core Facility, they witnessed the advanced imaging tools used to visualize the molecular structures of cells and tissues with astonishing precision.

A highlight of the visit was a stop at the Technology Center, where students learned how 3D printing is revolutionizing medical education by creating lifelike organ models. They also stepped into the human body—virtually—using state-of-the-art virtual reality technology to take a guided tour through major organ systems and diseases that affect those systems.

  The experience extended beyond the lab as students participated in a professional panel featuring a nursing student and a public health doctoral candidate who gave students an insight into their journey from high school to healthcare and encouraged students to keep moving forward to follow their dreams. Students also had the opportunity to learn about child life services at Penn State Health’s Children’s Hospital and mental health services provided through Penn State Children’s Hospital’s Child Psychiatry and Behavioral Health department. These experts shared their career journeys, provided insights into their fields, and answered questions about working in healthcare today.

  Another exciting moment came during the tour of the Life Lion medical helicopter. Students met with the flight crew—including the flight nurse, paramedics, and pilot—who explained how rapid-response care and critical patient transport services are conducted across the region.

 “This trip opened our students’ eyes to the wide array of opportunities in healthcare and science,” said Christine McClure, who coordinated the trip. “The level of engagement, from both the professionals and our students, was truly inspiring.”

  The field trip was coordinated in partnership with PSU College of Medicine’s liaison through PA-AHEC, whose mission is to strengthen the healthcare workforce in underserved areas by connecting students to academic and professional opportunities. Additional funding from the Western Wayne Education Foundation helped ensure that students had access to this enriching experience.

For more information about education through PA-AHEC or to support future science initiatives, please visit https://www.paahec.org/.

Kneeling, from left: Maggie Kotchessa, Raegan Fox, Audrey Agnello, Abigail Washine, Madelyn McClure, and Abigail Bell.

Row one, from left: Mrs. Denise Johnson, Alana Swingle, Laylah Epstein, Roxanne Dugan, Jade Wetherington, Beja Marcel, Grace Moser, Sydney Sosa, and Grady Farley.

Row two, from left : Mrs. Christine McClure, Norman Phillips,  Jason  Vass, Jasmine Rodriguez, Hayley Cordero, Cedar Gilpin, Emaan Tanveer, Scott Kurent, Madelyn Vinton, Mia Arcadipane, Hayden Mundrake, Madison Trapanese, Logan Vinton, Logan Pauler, Mr. Matt Fitzsimmons, Khloe Mistishin, Alicia Wertman, and Dr. Mark Nebzydoski.

The following students were recognized by the Student Council as students of the month for April. 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, Sadie Booths is our selected freshman. Sadie is a dedicated triple-sport athlete participating in track, soccer, and wrestling.  In addition, Sadie is part of Science Olympiad and Envirothon.  Her favorite subject is math.  She aspires to get her teaching degree and come back to Western Wayne as a math teacher who also assists with sports.

“One of my inspirations is my middle school math teacher Mr. Hodorawis,” Sadie said, because he teaches math and coaches at the district.   

 Next, Emaan Tanveer is our chosen sophomore this month. Emaan has become highly involved in the district this year after moving here from New Jersey.  She participates in wrestling, FBLA, NAHS, Spanish Club, and CATS Club.  In addition, she takes a boxing class once a week in New Jersey to help enhance her athleticism for wrestling.  Her favorite class is English, in which she especially enjoys writing fiction such as short stories and poetry.  She also loves to draw with her preferred mediums of pencil and paper and paint.

Emaan wishes to be an entrepreneur when she gets older or to be a part of the FBI.  She wants to attend either Boston University or Princeton University.

“I believe the stamina and discipline that I am learning through, especially my sports, is preparing me for my future dreams,” Emaan said.

 In addition, Ian Ensley is this month’s featured junior.  Ian is a member of the Chess Club and History Club.  He greatly enjoys studying history and wishes to become a history teacher, welder or both when he is older.

“I really like to soak up details about the past, and I want to teach them to others one day,”  Ian said.

 Finally,  Noah Vail is our senior spotlight this month.  Noah has a variety of interests including music and cooking. He takes the advanced cooking class at Western Wayne this year.  In addition, he is a member of both the Volleyball Team and Chess Club.  He has played piano for six years and has been accepted to Marywood University to study musical therapy after graduation.

“I love to learn about mental health,” Noah explained.  “I want to help people struggling with situations that I have faced.  I want the knowledge I learn in college to guide me in helping others struggling with their mental health through music therapy.”

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

From left: Mr. Paul B. Gregorski, high school principal; Sadie Booths, Emaan Tanveer, Ian Ensley, and Noah Vail.

The 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, Tori Walton is our selected freshman. Tori especially loves music. She is a proud member of the High School Marching Band. Her instrument is the baritone. She started with the marching band her eighth grade year by participating in color guard. Her favorite thing to do is play her instrument, and she aspires to be a high school band teacher one day like her band director at Western Wayne, Mrs. Elaine Ort.
“Playing music helps me forget things I am feeling stressed about,” Tori explained.
Next, Aiden Korea is our chosen sophomore this month. Aiden is in both Spanish Club and Envirothon. He is also a member of the National Honor Society. His favorite class is chemistry. His dad and other members of his family have pursued careers in pharmacy, and Aiden wishes to follow in their footsteps.
“I really enjoy studying science,” Aiden said. “I think my advanced classes at Western Wayne have really taught me how to study and prepare for the intensity of college studies.”
In addition, Aiden Burry is this month’s featured junior. Aiden and his family just moved to the district from Elk Lake this school year. He plays both basketball and soccer. His favorite academic subject is chemistry, and he aspires to pursue a pre-med track in college. In addition, he is a member of National Honor Society and volunteers at his church Nativity BVM in Waymart.
“I want to pursue being a doctor, because I like helping others,” Aiden said. “I feel that my time on the soccer team is teaching me what it takes to step up to the plate and do my best work to achieve my future goals.”
Finally, Lillian Bronson is our senior spotlight this month. Lillian came to Western Wayne when she started high school. She is involved in soccer, National Honor Society, and CATS Club where she holds the office of treasurer. Her favorite class is Spanish, because she enjoys the challenge of learning a new language. She has been accepted to Cedar Crest College for the fall and will major in environmental conservation. She absolutely loves nature and the outdoors and wants to be a conservationist as her career path.
The Western Wayne School District congratulates these May students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.
From left: Mr. Paul B. Gregorski, high school principal; Tori Walton, Aiden Korea, Aiden Burry, and Lillian Bronson.

The 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, Tori Walton is our selected freshman.  Tori especially loves music.  She is a proud member of the High School Marching Band.  Her instrument is the baritone.  She started with the marching band her eighth grade year by participating in color guard.  Her favorite thing to do is play her instrument, and she aspires to be a high school band teacher one day like her band director at Western Wayne, Mrs. Elaine Ort.

“Playing music helps me forget things I am feeling stressed about,” Tori explained.

 Next, Aiden Korea is our chosen sophomore this month. Aiden is in both Spanish Club and Envirothon.  He is also a member of the National Honor Society.  His favorite class is chemistry.  His dad and other members of his family have pursued careers in pharmacy, and Aiden wishes to follow in their footsteps.

“I really enjoy studying science,” Aiden said.  “I think my advanced classes at Western Wayne have really taught me how to study and prepare for the intensity of college studies.”

 In addition, Aiden Burry is this month’s featured junior.  Aiden and his family just moved to the district from Elk Lake this school year.  He plays both basketball and soccer.  His favorite academic subject is chemistry, and he aspires to pursue a pre-med track in college.  In addition, he is a member of National Honor Society and volunteers at his church Nativity BVM in Waymart.

“I want to pursue being a doctor, because I like helping others,” Aiden said.  “I feel that my time on the soccer team is teaching me what it takes to step up to the plate and do my best work to achieve my future goals.”

 Finally,  Lillian Bronson is our senior spotlight this month.   Lillian came to Western Wayne when she started high school.  She is involved in soccer, National Honor Society, and CATS Club where she holds the office of treasurer.  Her favorite class is Spanish, because she enjoys the challenge of learning a new language.  She has been accepted to Cedar Crest College for the fall and will major in environmental conservation. She absolutely loves nature and the outdoors and wants to be a conservationist as her career path.

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

From left: Mr. Paul B. Gregorski, high school principal;  Tori Walton, Aiden Korea, Aiden Burry, and Lillian Bronson.

Western Wayne High School and Middle School students presented scientific research at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science State Competition on May 19 at Penn State University Main Campus. These students investigated a scientific question, carried out controlled scientific research, and presented their findings to a panel of professionals in the scientific fields. 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. Western Wayne PJAS advisors are Christine McClure and Maria Masankay.
The following students won awards in various areas.

High School:

Madelyn McClure- 1st award for her research in the field of Biology in her research on Quantifying Impact Resistance: An Experimental Analysis of Force Distribution on Equestrian Helmets Under Simulated Weight Drop Conditions.

Cassidy Zeiler- 2nd award with a perfect score for her research in the field of Biology as she studied the Effects of Statins on Tendon Elasticity.

Mackenzie Adams- 2nd award for her research in Behavioral Science as she studied the Effects of Sports Injuries on Mental Health in High School Students.

Audrey Agnello- 2nd award with a perfect score for her research in Behavioral Science, studying the Effects of Posture Reminders on Improving Posture in Students. Audrey was also named as a PSTS Talent Search Award Nominee.

Middle School:

Andraye Agnello- 1st award for his research in Microbiology as he studied the Bacterial Load found on Artificial Turf.

Charlie Vinton- 1st award for his research in Ecology as he studied the Effects of Tree Species on Heat Production.

Ryder Glasner- 1st award for her research in Zoology as she studied the Effects of Soft Drinks on Daphnia magna Heart Rate.

TJ McClure- 1st award for his research in Chemistry as he studied the Effects of Corrosion Protectors on Preventing Oxidation.

From left: Mackenzie Adams, Cassidy Zeiler, Madelyn McClure, Audrey Agnello, Andraye Agnello, TJ McClure, Charlie Vinton, and Ryder Glasner.

Western Wayne Fashion students are thrilled to invite the community to their annual CatWalk Fashion Show on Thursday, May 22, at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. This year the show titled “Eco Floral Fusion” is focussed on the theme of eco- sustainability .Doors will open at 6:15 p.m.  Free admission! The students will also host the show for an audience of their peers during the school day on Thursday, May 22.

 Pieces made by students in grades 9 through 12 will be featured. The students also worked in teams that represent fashion collections based on the four seasons.  The lead designers for the collections are senior Lily Kieva, spring collection, sophomore Bella Kolp, winter collection; sophomore Emma DeNunzio, summer collection; and sophomore Addriana Cangas, fall collection.

Show director and fashion teacher Andrea McCleland explained the way the students created their seasonalities collections to reflect the theme of the show.

“The designers thrifted what’s on stage,” she explained.  “We studied in class how the fashion industry has been a burden on the environment, so for the seasonalities portion of our show, we have set an example of not burdening the environment for these collections.”

Senior Lily Kieva is excited to debut her Lily of the Valley collection for the spring portion of the competition.

“It is a perfect theme for me,” she explained.  “It is an eccentric spring theme with a reference to my name and Pennsylvania flowers of the valley.”

Lily is a four-year fashion student at Western Wayne.  Upon graduation, she will attend Marywood University with a major in secondary education history with the intention of also earning a special education certificate.

She is most fond of the memories she has made through creating fashion and plans to continue to create designs after graduation with her sewing machine at home.

Fellow designer Bella Kolp also owns a sewing machine and learned how to sew at a young age.

She is thrilled to debut her winter collection called Whispers of Winter and other pieces in the show.

Bella shared how she has tied in another meaningful part of her high school years to the fashion show.

For the past two years, she has been a part of a program called EF Language Abroad which has given her the opportunity to study Japanese language and culture abroad in Japan both last summer and again this upcoming summer.  

“I got the opportunity to study the language for about four hours a day and then travel throughout Japan,” she explained.

She discussed how one of the pieces she created for the show was inspired by her time in Japan.  Bella aspires to study business in college.

Fellow sophomore Emma DeNunzio, who was encouraged by her aunt to start sewing years ago, is also excited to share her summer collection.

Emma just played the supporting role of Ali in Western Wayne’s production of Mamma Mia!

“One of my more beach-themed pieces was influenced by the musical,” she explained.

Her fellow fashion classmate sophomore Addriana Cangas is also happy to debut her fall collection at the show.  She has greatly enjoyed her experience creating fashion and can’t wait to present her work to the community with her classmates and teacher.

McCleland and her students feel so grateful to be able to invite the community to their evening show on Thursday, May 22, and they look forward to creating more designs to share with the Western Wayne community in the future.

From left, standing:  Chloe Gilpin, model; Clare Coccodrilli, model; Avery Ullner, model; and Davis Sheppard, model. From left, kneeling:  Lily Kieva, designer; and Bella Kolp, designer.