From left, standing: Dr. Pat Engle, Lynn Scramuzza, Hamlin Community Library director; Jason Vass, Drama Club freshman member; Joseph Regalbuto, Drama Club, treasurer; Robert Scramuzza, Drama Club vice president; Kaori Koike, and Tomoo Koike, missionaries from Japan. From left, kneeling: Lillian Maros, Drama Club historian; and McKenzie Kennedy, Drama Club stage manager.
Changing seasons in life, the outdoors, leaving stress behind, and the act of writing itself were some of the many topics Western Wayne Drama Club students wrote about at the Hamlin Community Library’s Haiku Poetry Night on Tuesday, Sept. 19. The night was open to the public and hosted by Lynn Scramuzza, library director. The group was led in the art of writing Haiku by Dr. Pat Engle, a college professor of 18 years.
Engle explained that Haiku dates back to the 12th century with the actual name of Haiku poetry being coined in the 19th century. This art of writing poetry with a prescription for the number of syllables in each line can be linked to a tradition called Renga. Renga is an exercise when a party guest gets the first few lines of a poem and then adds on to it as they see fit to create a story.
“Haiku usually involves discussing nature,” Engle said. “It is about marking a moment that is important to you.”
One student in attendance, Lillian Maros, Drama Club historian, shared a poem with a nature theme, “trees wave in the wind/ mountains stand unwavering /emotions can’t choose.”
All of the guests discussed many memorable moments in their lives. Also in attendance along with the Western Wayne students were community members Tomoo and Kaori Koike, who are from Japan and in the local area doing missionary work. They both said they learned a lot from poetry night.
Kaori even gave everyone an origami swan she made as a token of appreciation. It was the perfect way to end a night where everyone was immersed in Japanese culture.
The library plans to have a variety of events open to the public in the coming months and especially hopes that Western Wayne students will join in the fun!
From left: Maddie Vinton, Khole Mistishin, Emily Romanowski, Rhayni Carroll, Taylor Maiocco, Alex Chapman, Adrian Agnello, and Weston Nugent.From left: Khloe Mistishin, Rhayni Carroll, Emily Romanowski, Taylor Maiocco, Alex Chapman, Adrian Agnello, Weston Nugent, and Maddie Vinton.
Eight members of Western Wayne High School’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter (FBLA) were among the 13,000 members and advisers who traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, for the organization’s annual National Leadership Conference. The students were accompanied by their local adviser, Theresa Lubash, and former adviser, Fran Vitovsky.
During the Awards of Excellence program, the students captured two important awards: The team of Adrian Agnello and Weston Nugent placed fifth nationally in Business Ethics. Also placing fifth were the members of the Parliamentary Procedure team comprised of Alex Chapman, Rhayni Carroll, Taylor Maiocco, and Emily Romanowski.
Khloe Mistishin competed in Introduction to FBLA and Maddie Vinton competed in Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure.
While in Atlanta, the students had the opportunity to see some of the sights including the College Football Hall of Fame, the World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Aquarium, the Mercedes-Benz Football Stadium, and an evening at the Atlanta Braves baseball game.
Besides competing, a variety of workshops were offered to develop the students’ leadership qualities.
The Western Wayne Hot Rod Club and Drama Club will host their 2023 Car Show on Saturday, September 9, 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. New category for juding this year is vintage snowmobiles!
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 Nate Conway is excited to partner with the Hot Rod Club for the fourth time for the Car Show. He 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,” Nate 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 gather 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,” senior member Robert Scramuzza, club co-vice president, 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, Sept. 9 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. Rain date is Sunday, September 10.
MaiaLearning is a college and career readiness platform that engages students in planning your future. It lets you develop profiles, explore careers that fit those profiles, and build academic, college, and career plans. It helps you manage college applications, and build portfolios.
Students will use their Google Sign-in to get into the program. They will be able to link their Common App accounts to get transcripts, teacher and counselor recommendations, and build data.
In August 2023, Colleen Carmody, FCS Department Chair and Fashion teacher, made a monetary donation to Ann Siebecker, Wayne County Food Pantry Aging Case Aid. Monies for this donation were generated during our WW CAT WALK, and annual Spring Fashion Show, showcasing students’ yearly work and senior collections.
5th and 6th grade parents – Attend this FREE program to help your youth navigate the pressures and expectations of life during their teen years to succeed and achieve a brighter future.
Parents and caregivers can enhance their parenting skills by learning how to:
-Promote health and well-being during the teen years.
-Develop healthy beliefs and clear standards for behavior.
-Deal with anger in a positive way and manage family conflict to strengthen bonds with youth.
-Protect their children from substance abuse and other problematic behaviors.
-Strengthen family bonds and increase youth’s involvement in the family through the teen years.
Guiding Good Choices – Guests Karen Thomas, PROSPER field coordinator and Margaret-Ann Gager, parent participant discusses this evidence-based program and the positive changes in has made in Margaret-Ann’s family. This interactive, skill-based program is open to families with youths ages 9 – 14. A new 5-week virtual program starts June 19th and an in-person program in the fall at the area school districts. To register or learn more contact Karen at kat1@psu.edu or call 570-878-2385.
The Penn State Prevention Research Center and the Wayne County PROSPER teams are seeking individuals who are interested in watching young children whose parents and caregivers attend the Guiding Good Choices program. Sessions are held at the Wallenpaupack, Wayne Highlands, and Western Wayne Schools. Youth program assistants may work in as many school districts as desired. For more details download the following flyer.
Michele Rosko and Bridgit Erb take the “Final Walk” with this year’s 8th grade class through the hallways of the Middle School on the last day of school and receive flowers from students to celebrate their retirements.from left, Michele Rosko, retiring Middle School secretary; Jennifer Bradley, Middle School principal; and Bridgit Erb, retiring Middle School secretary.from left, retiring Western Wayne secretaries: Michele Rosko, Middle School; Sue Romanski, District Office; Bridgit Erb, Middle School; and Paula Herzog, High School, at the reception held for them on June 9 at the Middle School.retiring secretary Denise Kromko, R.D.W.pictured is the retirement display for retiring secretaries Sue Romanski, District Office; Paula Herzog, High School; Bridgit Erb, Middle School; and Michele Rosko, Middle School.from left, retiring Western Wayne secretaries: Michele Rosko, Middle School; Sue Romanski, District Office; Bridgit Erb, Middle School; and Paula Herzog, High School, are seen holding the special gift they received at their retirement reception, hand-painted pictures with WW on them with the grass at the bottom of the pictures done in the finger prints of all of the guests at their celebration.
This year five Western Wayne secretaries with many years of service will leave the district starting on their journeys into retirement. The retiring secretaries include: Denise Kromko, R.D.W. secretary; Sue Romanski, District Office secretary; Paula Herzog, High School secretary; Bridgit Erb, Middle School secretary; and Michele Rosko, Middle School secretary. Kromko has worked as a secretary for 40 years. She graduated from Western Wayne in 1977. She started as a secretary to Don Shaffer when he was the Dean of Students at the High School and was then hired as the secretary at R.D.W. the year the school opened. Kromko, who resides in Steene with her husband Ed, reflected fondly on her time with the district. “What I enjoyed the most about my time at R.D.W. was getting to know the students and their families and watching them evolve from babies to young teens,” Kromko said. She has three sons and daughters-in-law and eight grandchildren. “I look forward to spending more time with family and friends and can’t wait until I never have to grocery shop on the weekend again.” District Office secretary Sue Romanski is also greatly looking forward to her retirement, especially a special beach trip she has planned for the fall. Romanski has worked for the district for 41 years. She graduated from Western Wayne in 1974. When she was in high school, she participated in a program called office practice at Western Wayne High School and worked with some of the secretaries to get career ready before her graduation. Upon her graduation, she was called in to interview to be the superintendent’s secretary, and she was hired. Romanski has worked in a variety of Western Wayne buildings including the District Office, Hamlin Elementary, the Middle School, and the High School. “Having started my career in the District Office and now ending it here, I feel as though I have come full circle,” Romanski said. Romanski remembers fondly all of her time in the district, especially the 18 years she spent in the high school. She especially enjoyed her time working with the students there. She served as a class advisor and chaperoned many trips and events. “I really enjoyed spending time with the students,” Romanski said. “I made a lot of great friends over the years as well.” Romanski resides in Moscow with her husband. She has two sons and two grandchildren who are the pride of her life. She grew up in Lake Ariel. “I am completely a product of my environment,” Romanski said. Next, High School secretary Paul Herzog retires after 20 and a half years of service to the district. She is a 1977 Western Wayne graduate. She started her career at R.D.W. and has also worked at EverGreen. She resides in South Canaan with her husband and has four children, five grandchildren, and one on the way. She looks forward to having more time to spend with her family and to work on her flowers in her garden. She also is excited to travel in her retirement. “I most fondly remember my time working with students at graduation,” Herzog recalled. “It is a rite of passage for them that is special to be a part of.” In addition, the Western Wayne Middle school loses two very special parts of their office staff this year to their much deserved retirements: Bridgit Erb and Michele Rosko. Erb has worked for the district for 25 years along with volunteering for the district for five years before that. She is originally from New Jersey and had planned to move to this area for work with her best friend. “My friend ended up staying in New Jersey,” Erb said. “I have been here for 30 years, and she is thinking of moving here now.” Erb graduated from Hawthorne High School, New Jersey, in 1978. She has worked at the Hamlin school, Lake school, Middle School, High School, and Evergreen in her career at the district. She resides in Lake Ariel with her husband and has two daughters. “I have enjoyed all of my years at Western Wayne,” Erb said. Finally, Middle School secretary Michele Rosko is retiring after 26 years with the district. She is a 1983 graduate of Scranton Central High School who resides in Lake Ariel with her husband. She has two children and one granddaughter. “I love seeing Middle School students go on a journey from their sixth grade to eighth grade years,” Rosko said. “By the time they are in eighth grade, they are ready to roll!” Also, the district’s Special Education Secretary Alene Olsommer is leaving the district this year after 16 years. Olsommer graduated from North Pocono High School in 1986. She resides in Sterling with her husband and has one son, one daughter, and two granddaughters. She now will work full-time in her family’s business Olsommer Clarke Insurance Group, Hamlin, and reflects fondly on her time at Western Wayne. “I liked being able to keep the Special Education Department organized so those in charge could better help our students,” Olsommer said. The retiring Middle School secretaries had a special send off being the honored guests at the Middle School Final Walk on the last day of school, Friday, June 9. This is a yearly tradition in which 8th grade students, as a final activity in their Middle School careers, take a final walk through the hallways led this year by retirees Erb and Rosko. The ladies led the procession through the hallways of the Middle School and received flowers from 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students along the way. The two women ended up with bouquets at the end along with many well wishes from students, faculty, and staff who lined the hallways and met them outside of the building to celebrate. The celebration continued with a special reception for Romanski, Herzog, Erb, and Rosko at the school. Many high school teachers, middle school teachers, administrators, staff, and Western Wayne retirees came to honor them. In addition, high school retiree Lori Lucchesi attended the reception and received many congratulations on her retirement this year. Lucchesi has served the district for 23 years as a family consumer science teacher. She also taught at Blue Ridge and Forest City before working at Western Wayne. Lucchesi is a 1984 Western Wayne graduate She started working at the high school in 1999. She also worked in the Middle School and ended up back in the High School to end her career at the district. She was the moderator of the school’s FCCLA Club for nine years and worked closely with volunteer Paula Lamberton on many club projects. Lucchesi resides in Browndale with her husband. She has two children. “It was an honor and privilege to have the seniors I taught this year also in sixth grade in the middle school,” Lucchesi explained. “It was magical to have been able to see their entire journey from the start of their middle school careers to the end of their high school careers. I got to see them go from shy sixth graders to confident seniors ready to launch into the world. They are so lucky to have such fantastic teachers at Western Wayne who have guided them along the way, and I am so happy I could be a part of that journey.” The District wishes all of the ladies the best in their future endeavors and are grateful for their many years of service. Picture One, from left, retiring Western Wayne secretaries: Michele Rosko, Middle School; Sue Romanski, District Office; Bridgit Erb, Middle School; and Paula Herzog, High School, at the reception held for them on June 9 at the Middle School. Picture Two: retiring secretary Denise Kromko, R.D.W. Picture Three, from left, retiring Western Wayne secretaries: Michele Rosko, Middle School; Sue Romanski, District Office; Bridgit Erb, Middle School; and Paula Herzog, High School, are seen holding the special gift they received at their retirement reception, hand-painted pictures with WW on them with the grass at the bottom of the pictures done in the finger prints of all of the guests at their celebration.
ALL NEWS
Mental Health First Aid Virtual TrainingsMay 23, 2025Mental Health First Aid training is an 8-hour evidence-based curriculum created by the National Council for Mental Well-being. This course helps adults working with youth ages 12-18 to identify, understand, and respond to the early signs of mental health and substance use challenges using the ALGEE action plan. Please download the flyer below for more details. [...]
High School Students Explore Cutting-Edge Medical Science at Penn State College of MedicineMay 20, 2025 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. [...]
High School April Students of the MonthMay 20, 2025The 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. [...]
Wayne High School May Students of the MonthMay 20, 2025The 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. [...]
High School May Students of the MonthMay 20, 2025The 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. [...]
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.
