Western Wayne sophomores Grace Lidy and Cassidy Zeiler have been chosen to represent Western Wayne at the 2023 Central Pennsylvania HOBY Leadership Seminar to be held this spring.

The girls submitted essays on the topic of what leadership means to them and were chosen to represent Western Wayne at HOBY.

Grace and Cassidy are accomplished Western Wayne students who enjoy being a part of a variety of clubs and activities at school along with taking challenging courses.

In Grace’s essay, she discussed her views on leadership.

“Leadership isn’t about having control,” she explained.  “Instead it is about letting others do what they excel at while keeping control as a leader.”

Grace is a member of  FBLA, Cats Club, football cheerleading and basketball cheerleading.  Her favorite classes are history and math.  

“I feel my experiences at Western Wayne have taught me to always be open to others’ ideas and to not get discouraged by my mistakes but learn from them,” Grace explained.

Grace’s future plans are to attend a four-year college for psychology.

Both girls feel extremely grateful to have been recognized for their leadership essays.

Fellow classmate Cassidy Zeiler also believes that leadership isn’t about taking control.

“I think the most important part of leadership is including others’ ideas and making sure everyone is included,” Cassidy explained.

Cassidy is a member of the tennis team, CATS Club, student council, school newspaper, and NAHS.  She enjoys her American Literature Honors Class this year the most.

Cassidy’s future plans are to attend nursing school. She aspires to be a traveling nurse and would like to specialize in labor and delivery.

Both Grace and Cassidy are looking forward to attending the Leadership Seminar for HOBY this spring. Everyone in the Western Wayne community wishes them well.

“I feel like I have learned a lot about leadership through my experiences at Western Wayne so far,” Cassidy said.  “I have been included in a lot of activities and been allowed to contribute my ideas to make them better.”

From left: Grace Lidy and Cassidy Zeiler.

On Saturday October 10th 2022, Shane Cook and the Woodchippers performed for a large crowd in the Western Wayne High School Auditorium. The group performed music from the folk genre known as Old Time Fiddle music and was hosted by Wayne County’s Old Time Fiddlers who joined them for a number. Some pieces also featured a step dancer whose tap shoes would echo through the auditorium as he danced on a wooden board. Shane Cook, a Canadian and U.S. National Fiddle Champion, led the band. The group is also nominated for two Canadian Folk Music Awards. Western Wayne Stage Crew students had a great learning experience setting up sound equipment and working with the band.  

The Western Wayne Hot Rod Club partnered with the Drama Club hosted their 7th annual Car Show on Sunday, Oct. 2. Despite the brisk weather, the community came out to support the students. Cars filled the parking areas by the football stadium and Hot Rod Club members were able to interact with the owners of a variety of classic cars. In addition, Drama Club students dressed in 50s attire mingled with attendees as old-time music played. There was even an alumni section of cars to be seen. Prizes were awarded to the best in show and over twenty raffle baskets were given to their lucky winners.
“I was thrilled to be able to have my truck in the car show,” Rebeccah King, Class of 2020 said, “I was a part of shop classes and the Drama Club when I was in school.”
The Hot Rod and Drama Clubs look forward to hosting another car show next year and hope to hold it in September of 2023.

The Western Wayne School District invites the community to attend its annual homecoming game this Friday, Sept. 30.
The Western Wayne Homecoming Game against West Scranton will begin at 7 p.m. with the presentation of the Homecoming Court about a half hour before kick-off. The ten seniors on this year’s court feel extremely honored and excited to be a part of this ensemble.
Members of the court include: Niya Acosta, Marshall Davis, Cyrah Bihler, Dustin Ferraro, Catherine Cavage, Lucas Putman, Kourtney Franklin, Kyle Guarino, Skylar Long, and Luke Janiszewski.
All of our senior court members have been highly involved during their time at Western Wayne in a variety of clubs, sports, and other activities.
Senior Niya Acosta has done Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) for three years; girls varsity tennis for two years, and National Art Honor Society (NAHS) for three years. Niya plans to attend a community college under a liberal arts program to pursue a degree in computer programming.
Next, Marshall Davis has played soccer since childhood; has been a member of Boy Scout Troop 102 for six years; National Honor Society (NHS) for three years; and absolutely loved his experience with Ultimate Frisbee when he was an underclassmen. Marshall plans to go to college for environmental studies and then attend law school to become an environmental lawyer.
Marshall really enjoyed his high school years at Western Wayne.
“I will remember most being part of an amazing group of people who manage to keep me in a good mood everyday,” he said.
Fellow senior Cyrah Bihler will also cherish the memories she made in school especially with her soccer teammates. Cyrah is a varsity soccer player for four years; FBLA for four years; NHS for three years (held the position of secretary), CATS Club for two years; wrestling manager for two years; Western Wayne Advisory Board Representative for CYS; and Lackawanna Student Athlete Leadership Program. Cyrah plans to attend college and major in physical therapy and continue her soccer career.
Also, highly involved in sports, senior Dustin Ferraro will remember the time he spent with his teammates the most fondly. Dustin is a triple-sport athlete who played baseball, soccer, and basketball for four years; FBLA for three years; and NHS for three years. Dustin plans to major in business in college.
Another senior also interested in a business-related career field after graduation is Catherine Cavage. Catherine has done FBLA for four years; NHS for three years; and is a member of Student Council. Catherine plans to attend a four-year university to major in fashion merchandising.
Next, senior Lucas Putman had done FBLA for four years; volleyball for three years; NHS for three years; Gold for two years; and Spanish Club for two years. He aspires to attend college and study abroad in the future.
Fellow senior Kourtney Franklin has been on Student Council for three years; NAHS for three years; and CATS Club for one year. She wants to attend Penn State for nursing and become a midwife.
In addition, senior Kyle Guarino has many fun memories of his time in school, especially when he was playing basketball in gym class with his friends. Kyle had played football for four years; basketball for three years; FBLA for four years; and Family, Career, Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) for three years. Kyle plans to attend a four-year university to major in early education.
Fellow athlete, senior Skylar Long is also excited to be on the Homecoming Court. Skylar has done volleyball, basketball, track, FBLA, and has been a student ambassador all for four years; NHS for three years; Student Council and FCCLA for two years; and has been involved in Tomorrow’s Leaders Today. Skylar plans to attend college and major in either finance or statistics and continue with track and field.
Skylar discussed her favorite high school memory.
“It was having the opportunity to see a women’s Penn State volleyball game my freshman year with the whole volleyball team and getting to experience the main campus,” she fondly recalled.
Finally, senior Luke Janiszewski can’t wait to take the field on Friday night for the football game and Homecoming. Luke has been in varsity baseball for four years; varsity wrestling for three years; varsity football for three years; varsity basketball for one year; FBLA; and FCCLA. Luke plans to join the Marine Corp.
“I am glad to get to have the experience of being on the Homecoming Court with my friends for my senior year,” Luke said.
Luke and all of the members of the Homecoming Court look forward to bonding with each other and making memories during homecoming at Friday’s game. The court along with the rest of the Western Wayne community invite the public to join them on Friday, Sept. 30 at 6:30 p.m. for the homecoming festivities followed by the game.