Western Wayne School District recognizes that student wellness and proper nutrition are related to students’ physical well-being, growth, development, and readiness to learn. We believe in a school environment that promotes student wellness, proper nutrition, nutrition education and promotion, and regular physical activity as part of the total learning experience. Federal regulations require local education agencies (LEAs) participating in the National School Lunch Program to complete an assessment of their local school wellness policy at least once every three years and make the results available to the public.
The PTA Reflections Ceremony was held May 24, 2024, at EverGreen for students. This year, the theme was “I am hopeful because…” Students were selected at the local (county) level and moves on to the regional level and then the state level.
Back, standing, from left: Melinda Kopcza, Kiersten McDonald, and Jocilyn Brungard. Kneeling from left: Aurora Morris, Carly Schott, Lila Rusin, and Peyton Cook.
Western Wayne hosted their annual spring Art Show on Saturday, May 11, for the community. The show featured art from students in grades 8 through 12 and art from graduating seniors. In addition, high school students in the creative writing class also had their written pieces displayed in an artistic manner. The following list of seven seniors exhibited their portfolios at the art show: Melinda Kopcza, Kiersten McDonald, Jocilyn Brungard, Aurora Morris, Carly Schott, Lila Rusin, and Peyton Cook. Their displays represented an accumulation of up to four years of artwork. Senior Melinda Kopcza’s display centered around fantasy. “My biggest inspiration is Alice in Wonderland. I love art because it brings my dreams of being a Disney princess to life, as well as my dream to live in a fantasy world,” Melinda said. She is also especially glad that her family enjoys her artwork. Melinda plans to attend Millersville University to study psychology and criminology or social work. Fellow senior Kiersten McDonald’s display had a dreamscape theme. “I picked this theme because it represents loss of identity and always wanting to get away. The majority of my art follows the same theme of space, dreams, and illusions,” Kiersten said. She is also especially proud of having won first and second place in the same category of mixed media at the Western Wayne Art Show her sophomore year. Kiersten plans to attend Millersville University as well with her best friend Melinda where she plans to study anthropology in the hope of becoming a forensic anthropologist, as well as continuing art as a hobby. Another featured artist is Jocilyn Brungard who centered her display around skeletal animals. “I chose this theme because my first pen and ink was a skeleton crow, and it’s a piece of artwork that has stuck with me ever since. Music greatly influences my art as well and is the inspiration for some of my other works of art,” Jocilyn said. Jocilyn’s favorite artists include Vincent Van Gogh and Florence and the Machine. Although Jocilyn’s future plans are undecided, she is interested in joining the Air Force and would like to continue art in her future as well. Another featured artist is Aurora Morris who created her art in mostly a whimsical style. Her favorite medium is colored pencils. “I think the art I create looks like a person would see it in some odd planet or alternate reality. I also love to create 3D mixed media art, using wire as one of my favorite things to add to my sculptures,” Aurora said. In her free time, Aurora loves to read and write poetry. She plans to attend Mercyhurst University to earn a degree in art education and a minor in special education. Fellow senior Carly Schott’s display has a focus on nature. “The state of our environment has always been important to me, and is an issue I hope to bring to light through my artwork,” Carly said. “In addition, art has given me confidence and purpose. To me, creating art is a way for me to express myself. As a typically shy and quiet person, my artwork has become an outlet for me to share my thoughts, feeling, and personality with others while still being able to hide behind a page.” Carly is most proud of how much she has improved since she began drawing. After high school, she plans to pursue a career in the art field. Another featured artist is Lila Rusin whose work is done primarily in black and white, which she feels simplifies her pieces, putting more of a focus on her compositions. Her biggest inspiration is Japanese artist Junji Ito, who has influenced some of her art style and ideas. “Through my art, I want to convey the struggles and stereotypes of being a woman in today’s society. I want to use art to speak against gender norms created by society,” Lila explained. Lila’s hobbies include drawing, digitally and traditionally, writing and playing video games. Her future plans include going to a college to pursue a writing career. Finally, Peyton Cook’s senior display was inspired by her development as an artist in scrapbook form. “I wanted to convey to my viewers how I have grown as an artist, and the phases of my life displayed through my art at the time. Through my display, I want to give the message of how important pushing myself as a creator is,” Peyton said. Peyton is mostly inspired by her father, who always enjoyed doing crafts and new projects with her and her brother as kids. While Peyton isn’t pursuing a career in the art field, she plans to attend Penn State Scranton for nursing and continue to create art as a stress reliever and an expression of her new chapter in life after high school. Many of the seniors plan to do as Peyton is and pursue art as a hobby if it is not part of their chosen career field. They are grateful for the experiences they had at Western Wayne in their art classes. The District wishes them the best on their future endeavors and congratulates the Art Department on another successful Art Show.
May 21 marked the Fourth Annual Cat Pack Games at Sharkey Rosetti Stadium. Student “CAThletes” from EverGreen, RDW, and both the Middle and High Schools participated in a day filled with running, jumping, throwing, and play! Thank you to every faculty and staff member and student volunteer who dedicated their time and energy to ensure this event was a success!
From left: Audrey Agnello, Madelyn McClure, Cassidy Zeiler, and Mackenzie Adams.
Congratulations to the following students who presented scientific research at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science State Competition on May 20th 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.
“Students learn valuable skills in their completion and presentation of these projects. In each case their presentations were judged by professors, graduate students, researchers working in the field, and teachers from area school districts. As advisors we are very proud of their accomplishments,” said Mrs. Christine McClure, one of the Western Wayne advisors. Below is a list of the results for Western Wayne.
Mackenzie Adams won 2nd award for her research in Biology studying the Effects of Steroids on Mammalian Bone Tissue. Cassidy Zeiler won 1st award for her research in Microbiology studying the Effects of Essential Oils on the Inhibition of Bacteria. Audrey Agnello won 2nd award for her research in Behavioral Science studying the Effects of Color on Memory of Students. Madelyn McClure won 2nd award for her research in Zoology studying the Effects of Essential Oils on the Heart Rate of Daphnia magna. Advisors are Christine McClure and Maria Masankay.
From left, standing: Abigail Bell, Madelyn McClure, and Ryleigh Mahon. From left, kneeling: Audrey Agnello and Sophia Ochlan.From left: Dr. Mark Nebzydoski, Audrey Agnello, Abigail Bell, Madelyn McClure, and Sophia Ochlan.
Community Connections to Our Watershed began over twenty years ago. Each year the education staff from Lackawanna and Nescopeck State Parks coordinate groups of five students and one teacher from local schools to participate in this environmental forum. Learners visit their local parks and other public lands while meeting conservation professionals doing the unending work to ensure our communities have equitable access to the clean waters that are essential for us and our ecosystems to survive and thrive. An overview of the program with information, pictures, and highlights from the field trips can be found athttps://tinyurl.com/CCTW2024
The Lackawanna County Teams included: Carbondale, Forest City, Lackawanna Trail, Lakeland, Mountain View, Old Forge, Riverside, Western Wayne, and Wayne Highlands. The Luzerne County Teams included: Crestwood, Hanover, HAAS, HACC, Hazleton, Northwest, Tunkhannock, and Wyoming Area.
This year Western Wayne students attended field trips to Keystone College, the Old Forge borehole, Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center, Sweeney’s Beach in Scranton, and Frances Slocum State Park. On these excursions students learned about what makes a healthy watershed, how we monitor a watershed, and finally solutions being made to keep our watershed clean.
On May 7, 2024 these trips culminated in a student presentation banquet at Montage Mountain. Western Wayne presented their project titled, “Little Fish, Big World to the other participating schools. The students used what they learned on their field trips to create a video project with interactive questions that will be used for future classes of Western Wayne High School. The project can be found athttps://tinyurl.com/Little-Fish-Big-World
These trips and experiences were made possible by Pennsylvania American Water Company, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and The Watershed Education Program designed by DCNR.
On May 8, 2024, Western Wayne 9th grade High School Students visited the Varden Conservation Area and participated in ecology activities presented by Lacawac Sanctuary, DCNR, and Trout Unlimited. Students participated in three different activities, which involved the topics of macroinvertebrates in a pond environment, a fishing demonstration with practice casting, and chemical water testing and pollution.
Students also released rainbow trout as a conclusion of the Pennsylvania Trout in the classroom (PA-TIC) program. The Pennsylvania Fish Commission provided rainbow trout eggs that were hatched and raised by Dr. Mark Nebzydoski and his classes this school year. The trout release was assisted by the Pike – Wayne Chapter #462 Trout Unlimited, President, Paul Ranello and Youth Advisor, Pat Guinnane.
Lacawac Sanctuary instructors included Natalie Wasilchek, Asst. Director of Environmental Education/Camp Director, who explained chemical testing and water quality at the stream, Nicole Seul, assistant director of school programs, Maria Hutchins and Merrilee Ulisny, Environmental Educators, who explained water quality health through identification of macroinvertebrates found at the pond.
Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) Environmental Education Specialist, Josh Heath, explained fishing techniques which included casting a rod and bait type based on the environmental conditions as well as fish identification.
Prior to the field trip students engaged in a classroom presentation on water quality and the environment. Students participated in activities that model groundwater and surface water and how they fit into a concept of a watershed. These activities lead to discussions about the local area and incorporate the concept of a water table and common water resources shared by all.
Funding for the Varden classroom education as well the field trip was provided through an Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) grant from the nonprofit Western Wayne Education Foundation. Christine McClure, President, 1970C Easton Turnpike, Western Wayne School District, Lake Ariel, PA 18436
Accompanying the students were instructors Dr. Mark Nebzydoski and Maria Phillips, Helene Tscheschlog, and Michael Bershefsky. For more information on
RDW’s Kindness Club students came up with a neat project to end the year. A spin-off of “Flat Stanley,” students created a character called “Kind Westie” who has been traveling to different classrooms. When he arrives, students read a letter from Westie which explains that he is watching to see if they do kind things for one another. When they do, they are allowed to take a picture with Westie. Since launching the project last week, the Kindness Club has received numerous pictures of Westie with kind students. They can’t wait to see how many more photos they get and are excited about the impact that his project is having. Kindness Club members, left to right: Aaedyn Hillemann, Rachel Enslin, Jasmine Piacentino, Cami French, Aubrey Hendricks, and Jakob Vinton
The mobile classroom traveled to EverGreen from May 13-16 to provide STEM-based science experiments to students in grades K-6. The students of EverGreen excitedly participated in many hands-on experiences, such as The Colorful Bean, How Well Do You Wash, Crawly Critters, and The Mighty Smooth Bean.
MAY 21,2024 VETERANS MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM DOORS OPEN AT 6 SHOW STARTS AT 6:30PM
ALL NEWS
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! [...]
Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention
program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize
warning signs and signals, especially within social media,
from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others
and to “say something” BEFORE it is too late.
