Western Wayne High School students had the opportunity to take a cross-curricular field trip to the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Thursday, March 26. The World Language Department and Art Department partnered to bring this special experience to their students. Students from the Spanish Club and/ or National Art Honor Society attended the trip. “It was really great to see such a wide variety of art from different cultures at the museum,” junior Jason Vass said. “It really helped me to better understand concepts we had been learning in class.” The students all had a great experience and look forward to more opportunities like this in the future. Back row, from left: Eleri Strocchia, Mrs. Elizabeth Sandrowicz, Spanish teacher; Ismael Sosa, Kyleigh Turner, Isabella Hayden, Jason Vass, Bella Kolp, Mrs. Sara Orloski, Spanish teacher; Giuliana Velazquez, Sonora Dockemeyer, Dominic Sgarlata, Mr. Justin Hayden, art teacher; and Mrs. Dorissa Ferraro, art teacher. Front row, from left: Abigail Fox, Raegan Fox, Madison Vinton, Loucynthia Allen, Hayley Cordero, Alana Swingle, Emaan Tanveer, Maha Tanveer, Mikayla Fullone, Anayah Almonte, Lauren Beamer, Jacob Webb, Myles Lee, Evan Gallagher, and Katarina Shumski.
On Saturday, March 7, 2026, nearly 30 students from Robert D. Wilson Elementary proudly participated in the 3rd Annual Wayne County Arts Alliance Student Art Show, entitled “Tree,” held in Honesdale. Students have been preparing for this event since October, when the Wayne County Arts Alliance, in partnership with the Wayne County Conservation District, hosted a tree planting ceremony at the school. During this event, a commemorative pin oak tree was donated, serving as a lasting symbol of the art show, students’ artistic efforts, and connection to the natural world A collaborative mural created in art class by first-grade students at Robert D. Wilson Elementary, inspired by The Tree of Life by Gustav Klimt was prominently displayed at the show. The event was well attended by families and community members and received additional recognition through coverage by Joe Snedeker on WNEP-TV as part of his “About Town” series. We are incredibly proud of our students and their artistic accomplishments. The exhibition will remain open to the public at 959 Main Street in Honesdale through April 3, 2026.
The following students were recognized by the Student Council as students of the month for February. 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 Audrey Fitzmorris. She is called hard-working, creative, insightful, communicative, caring, and talented by her teachers. She goes above and beyond in her assignments. In addition, she is very respectful, mature, and a positive role model for her peers. She is a dedicated member of the high school marching band and is a member of stage crew.
Next, Kyle Matthews is our chosen sophomore this month. He is called polite, agreeable, honest, hard-working, and courteous by his teachers. He is highly involved in his schoolwork and extracurriculars. In addition, he has integrity and is always helpful and kind.
In addition, Cole Combs is this month’s featured junior. He is called pleasant, friendly, respectful, kind, polite, courteous, and genuine by his teachers. They also note he has a great sense of humor.
Finally, Mia Gifford is our senior spotlight this month. Mia’s teachers say she is an incredible role model who works hard and doesn’t quit until the work is done! She is noted to have a very strong resilience and desire to be the best at everything she does. She is an all-around outstanding student, person, and outstanding student athlete, who is a great team player in all aspects of her school experience and beyond.
The Western Wayne School District congratulates these February students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.
From left: Audrey Fitzmorris, Kyle Matthews, Mia Gifford, and Cole Combs.
The cast and crew of The Western Wayne Drama Club’s production of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will host a Character Breakfast on Saturday, March 28, at 10 a.m. in the High School cafeteria. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children and senior citizens.
We are accepting WALK-INS!! Hope to see you there! Simply pay at the door.
Save the date for our performances of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Friday, April 10 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 11 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 12 at 2 p.m. in the High School Auditorium. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
Some of our Western Wayne Drama Club students will appear on PA Live TODAY, MONDAY, MARCH 23, on WBRE TV during the 3 to 4 p.m. hour to promote our upcoming production of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The community is kindly invited to tune in. Our appearance will also air on the WBRE app.
Pictured is senior Owen Obloshny who plays Willy Wonka.
Students from Western Wayne High School recently stepped outside the classroom to take part in a hands-on environmental learning experience focused on one of our most important natural resources—water.
As part of the Community Connections to Our Watershed program, students joined peers from several regional schools for a field trip to learn how drinking water is supplied to homes and how wastewater is treated before returning to the environment.
Participating schools included Carbondale Area, Lakeland, Mountain View, Old Forge, and Western Wayne.
The theme of the day, “Out of the Faucet and Down the Drain,” focused on helping students understand where water comes from and what happens after it leaves our homes and schools.
The day began with students meeting at the Lake Scranton Water Treatment Plant. There, students toured the facility and participated in a water filtration challenge that helped them better understand how drinking water is cleaned and prepared for public use.
Following lunch, students traveled to a wastewater treatment plant where they learned how used water is treated before being safely released back into the environment. The tour provided an inside look at the systems that protect rivers and streams while maintaining public health.
Throughout the day, students worked with presenters from Pennsylvania State Parks and Pennsylvania American Water, who explained the science and technology involved in providing safe drinking water and managing wastewater systems.
The experience allowed students to connect classroom science with real-world applications. By seeing these systems firsthand, students gained a deeper appreciation for the infrastructure that delivers clean water to their homes and protects local waterways.
Western Wayne students had an excellent time on the trip and greatly enjoyed the opportunity to learn outside the classroom while exploring real-world solutions to environmental challenges.
The watershed program will continue throughout the year as students work on environmental action projects and collaborate with other schools to better understand and protect local water resources.
From left: Noah Benson, Rhys Locklin, Mark Nebzydoski Ph.D. advisor, Aliyah Gregory, Giana Graci, and Aidyn Graci.
Twenty-two Western Wayne High School students recently had the opportunity to explore languages and cultures from around the world at the 3rd Annual World Languages Day hosted by The University of Scranton on Thursday, March 5. The event brought together students from ten area school districts across the region for a day of cultural exploration and language learning.
The program’s theme encouraged students to “MAKE YOURSELF MORE (interesting than AI).” The theme challenged participants to develop the real-world communication skills, cultural understanding, and curiosity that make human connections meaningful.
Throughout the day, students participated in lightning-round beginner lessons in several languages, visited interactive exhibits, and enjoyed refreshments while meeting instructors and cultural representatives from around the world. Presenters shared insights about languages and cultures from Argentina, Egypt, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, Taiwan, and even highlighted cultural connections found right in our own community.
The event gave students a unique opportunity to interact with peers from other districts while experiencing how language learning can open doors to global understanding. Sophomore Nick Patuto volunteered to showcase his listening and speaking skills in front of the crowd of more than 200 students, teachers, and university staff.
Nick shared, “The day was so fun! I met so many nice people and going up in front of everybody made me feel like Batman.” When asked to clarify, he said, “I knew our school was relying on me to perform and I did my best, even if I did say, ¡Yo soy Pennsylvania!” he added with a laugh, a nod to part of his performance.
Before the program ended, students were given a tour of The University and treated to a delicious lunch, courtesy of the Office of Admissions, which helped students see more of the campus and get to feel what it is like to be a university student! By the end of the day, students returned with new cultural perspectives, greater enthusiasm for language study, and inspiration to continue exploring the world beyond their classroom.
Front row, from left: Britney Wertman, Jason Vass, Lola Vertalics, Katarina Shumski, Kaitlin Wargo, Kaitlyn Kloss, Anayah Almonte, Olivia McGlone, Mikayla Fullone, Kyleigh Turner, Adalyn Fox, Kaelyn Chearney, Holly Kellogg, Zackary Kizer, and Gene Yamamoto
Back row, from left: Ismael Sosa, Nicholas Patuto, Hunter Burry, Gavin Ortiz, Lance Hauenstein, Ethan Hedrick, and Jack Sepelyak.
Western Wayne High School and Middle School students presented scientific research at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Regional Competition on February 28. These students investigated a scientific question, carried out controlled scientific research, and presented their findings to a panel of professionals in the scientific 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. The first award winners will present their research at Penn State Main Campus in May.
High School:
Audrey Agnello- 1st award for her research in the field of Behavioral Science. Audrey studied Gender Differences in Deceptive Efficiency. Audrey was awarded a perfect score as well as the excellence award in senior high behavioral science. Her research centered around analyzing whether males or females could lie more efficiently. According to her findings, males did it more proficiently. Audrey was also awarded a scholarship to The University of Scranton as a result of her dedication and academic performance in the program. She plans to pursue a career as a labor and delivery nurse.
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. She plans to pursue a career in pharmacy.
Christoper Pane- 1st 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. He learned through his research how food waste could possibly be made into an effective material to fight cancer. He plans to pursue a career in the medical field.
Ava Karabuber- 1st 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. She wishes to pursue a career as a doctor.
Charlie Vinton- 1st 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.
Igor Barth- 2nd award for his research in Physics. Igor studied the Effects of Temperature Variation on Solar Panel Energy. Igor examined how temperature fluctuation in our local environment is affecting the energy developed by solar panels. He learned through his research that colder temperatures are more efficient. He aspires to be an entrepreneur.
Middle School:
TJ 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. He learned that expensive bullets are not necessarily more precise than cheaper ones. TJ was awarded a perfect score and the Junior High Excellence Award in Physics. He wishes either to pursue business as a career or work on natural gas lines.
Harper Bell- 1st 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. She discovered through her research that wooden bats were effective due to the density of the material they are made from. Harper wishes to pursue either a career in speech pathology or occupational therapy.
Sophia Shehadi- 1st award for her research in Microbiology. Sophia studied the Effects of Straw Type on Bacterial Content. Her work involved determining the bacteria that builds up in straw materials during use. She determined that smoother materials like plastic and metal had less bacteria build up. She wishes to pursue a career as a labor and delivery nurse.
Maria Shemanski- 2nd award for her research in Microbiology. Maria studied the Effects of Pasteurization on Milk. Maria examined the difference in bacterial load in raw milk in comparison to pasteurized milk. Maria also studied the bacterial load of milk after expiration dates. She found through her research that raw milk had higher bacteria levels. She wishes to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher.
Other PJAS researchers included: Abigail Bell studied the Effects of Dance on Mood Regulation. She discovered through her research that ballet brought about calm, hip hop brought about a more intense feeling, and jazz seemed to relax individuals. Abigail plans to pursue a career as a pedicatrician.
Raegan Fox studied the Efficacy of Soaps on Bacterial Growth. She found that Dove soap seemed to have the most effective ingredients. She wishes to pursue a career as a physician’s assistant.
Abbie Washine studied the Effects of NSAIDS on Muscle Strength. She studied deer muscles for her project. Abbie wishes to pursue a career in pediatric orthopedics.
In addition, Alicia Wertman, studied tendon strength. She was excited to be a part of this group of students who represented Western Wayne.
Club advisors are high school teachers: Christine McClure and Maria Masankay.
All of the students and faculty involved from Western Wayne are especially grateful for this experience. “I am so honored and humbled to be awarded scholarship money to The University of Scranton,” Audrey Agnello said. “I can’t wait to begin my career path to becoming a labor and delivery nurse.”
From left, kneeling: Maria Shemanski, Harper Bell, TJ McClure, Igor Barth, and Abbie Washine. From left, standing: Raegan Fox, Audrey Agnello, Ava Karabuber, Christopher Pane, Maria Shemanski, Madelyn McClure, and Abigail Bell. Absent from photo: Charlie Vinton and Alicia Wertman.
Victims’ Intervention Program of Wayne & Pike Counties held their annual February Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) art contest recently and Western Wayne eighth grader Keira Hauenstein was one of the winners. She created her entry with fellow classmate Harper Bell. Their artwork has been displayed on billboards in the local community to raise awareness for this cause.
The girls used the color orange in their artwork and the image of a butterfly and hope that their image inspires people who are struggling in their relationships with violence.
The Western Wayne School District is proud of all of their students who put submissions in the art contest and look forward to seeing what they accomplish next.
From left: Keira Hauenstein and Harper Bell with their picture for VIP.
Students partnered with their younger buddies to read a book together and share the joy of reading. As a special gift, each kindergartener kept the book they read along with a bookmark from their second-grade buddy. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to connect, build friendships, and celebrate a love of reading!
ALL NEWS
Junior Information Night – May 13th – 6:00 PMApril 30, 2026On Thursday, May 13th, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. the Guidance Department will be conducting JuniorInformation Night in the LGI. The purpose of this evening is to inform parents/guardians about:selecting a college/trade school/training program, college cost, the college admissions process,registration and deadlines for the SAT/ACT, general financial aid information, Maia, SmartFutures,military and job opportunities and other important information.
https://ww3.westernwayne.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Junior-Information-Night-letter-to-parents-2026.pdf [...]
Student Council Attend Pennsylvania Association of Student Council Regional ConferenceApril 23, 2026Members 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. [...]
High School March Students of the MonthApril 23, 2026The 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. [...]
FBLA Students Shine at PA State Leadership Conference in HersheyApril 23, 2026HERSHEY, 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. [...]
JA Inspire – Career Exploration Experience – 2026April 15, 2026JA Inspire – Career Exploration Experience – 2026 Western Wayne Juniors were able to attend Junior Achievement’s interactive career fair with over 80 different presenting organizations! [...]
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.
