On April 13, 2023, Western Wayne sophomores and juniors took a trip to the Lehigh Valley to tour colleges. Students were able to see Lafayette College, DeSales University, and Moravian University. Topics included admissions, financial aid, housing, athletics, activities and tours of the facilities.
Flounder, played by Owen Obloshny, and Ariel, played by Amanda David, pose with her human stuff.Ursula, played by Lillian Maros, taunts Ariel, played by Amanda David, with a proposition to trade her voice to become human.Ariel, played by Amanda David, stands in her grotto with her “human stuff.”Chef Louis, played by Joseph Regalbuto leads the chase after Julia Phillips, Sebastian; in our dining hall scene.: From left: Owen Obloshny, Flounder; Colette Schmitt, Scuttle; Robert Scramuzza, Grimsby; Nathan Conway, Prince Eric; Amanda David, Ariel; Caden Wilson, King Triton; Lillian Maros, Ursula; and Julia Phillips, Sebastian (seated).Ariel, played by Amanda David, and Prince Eric; played by Nate Conway, dance” one step closer” to each other in one of our musical numbers.The full cast of Western Wayne Drama Club’s Production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid.From left: Owen Obloshny, Flounder; Nathan Conway, Prince Eric; Amanda David, Ariel; Julia Phillips, Sebastian; and Colette Schmitt, Scuttle, in the boat scene from ActFrom left: Owen Obloshny, Flounder; Colette Schmitt, Scuttle; Robert Scramuzza, Grimsby; Nathan Conway, Prince Eric; Amanda David, Ariel; Caden Wilson, King Triton; Lillian Maros, Ursula; and Julia Phillips, Sebastian (seated).Pit Band for Western Wayne Drama Club’s Production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid.Sebastian, played by Julia Phillips, shows Ariel, played by Amanda David; why life is so good “under the sea.”Stage Crew for Western Wayne Drama Club’s Production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
Western Wayne Drama Club’s production this year is Disney’s The Little Mermaid. The cast, crew, and pit band are excited to perform the show for the community. Performances of Western Wayne Drama Club’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid are at Western Wayne High School’s Veterans Memorial Auditorium on Friday, April 14, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 15 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and students, and Western Wayne students are free with a student ID. All tickets are sold at the door. We will also have basket raffles and refreshments available at the show for purchase. DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.mtishows.com Music by Alan Menken; Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Glenn Slater; Book by Doug Wright. Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker and written & directed by John Musker & Ron Clements. Originally Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions. Orchestrations by Danny Troob; Incidental Music & Vocal Arrangements by Michael Kosarin; Dance Arrangements by David Chase. All involved with the show are grateful to have the opportunity to perform for an audience and cordially invite you to their show. “We have been working on some of the scenes since November and can’t wait to bring this classic story to life,” senior Amanda David, who plays Ariel, and serves as a student director, said. Fellow senior Julia Phillips, who plays Sebastian, and serves as a student director, agrees, “There are a lot of scenes in the show that are not in the movie. One of my favorites is the scene with Chef Louis. I get to do a chase sequence in that one!” Junior Nathan Conway is also excited for the performance. He will play the role of Prince Eric and serves as a student director. “I really got to explore my character this year,” Nate said. “I even learned how to waltz.”
Cast members include: Amanda David, Ariel, club secretary; Gabriel Treibley, Pilot; Nathan Conway, Prince Eric, club president; Robert Scramuzza, Grimsby, club PR officer; Owen Obloshny, Flounder; Colette Schmitt, Scuttle; Scott Kurent, Windward; Bradley Miehle, Leeward; Caden Wilson, King Triton; Julia Phillips, Sebastian, club vice president; Madison Trapanese, Aquata; Molly French, Andrina; Dakota Douglas, Arista; Jade Wetherington, Atina; Lillian Morcom, Adella; Stephanie Maxwell, Allana; Cassidy Levens, Flotsam; Emily Lescinski, Jetsam; Lillian Maros, Ursula, club historian; Makayla Moser, Head Maid; and Joseph Regalbuto, Chef Louis, club treasurer. Ensemble members include: Emma DeNunzio, Zachary Jordan, Mackenzie Kennedy, Brenna McGlone, Noah Sandifer, Kendall Murray, Jason Vass, Zachary Wilbur, Hayley Cordero, Chloe Gilpin, Olivia Swingle, Abigayle Pavlicek, Melinda Kopcza, Isabella Hayden, Avery Ullner, Isabella O’Donnell, Mikayla Fullone, Ireland Parsons, and Lylah Bucksbee. Stage Crew members include:Emily Brophy (Head Stage Crew); Ash Mangieri (Head Stage Crew); Madison Vinton, Raelyn Kellachow, Michael Olivo, Savanna Morrison, Roslyn Khecht, Emma McGowan, Jennifer Hall, Khoi Christopher, Kallie Wehrmann, Luis Appollonio, Katarina Shumski, Jocilyn Brungard, Damien Schaal, Aidan Thomas, Gabby Bryant, Koda DeNunzio, Luckas Balmer, Gideon Jezorwski, Hunter Reichling, Xavier Graham, Ireland Swingle, Ethan Rutkowski, and Sarah Quinones. Pit Orchestra students include: Lia Hartman, Makayla Walton, Aidan Donnini, Evan Peirce, Maggie Nagle, and Anthony Redmond.
The April edition of Scholarships & Career Opportunities is now available. All grades should read this document to get information on college, careers, important dates, SAT/ACT exams and of course…scholarships!
From left, senior Julia Phillips, who plays Sebastian and serves as Drama Club vice president and a student director for the production, and Amanda David, who plays Ariel and serves as Drama Club secretary and a student director for the production.
Western Wayne Drama Club seniors Amanda David and Julia Phillips will be promoting Western Wayne’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid on the PA Live show at 3 p.m. on Monday, April 3. Tune in to watch them live that day on channel WBRE. DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.mtishows.com Music by Alan Menken; Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Glenn Slater; Book by Doug Wright. Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker and written & directed by John Musker & Ron Clements. Originally Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions. Orchestrations by Danny Troob; Incidental Music & Vocal Arrangements by Michael Kosarin; Dance Arrangements by David Chase. Also, mark your calendar with the dates for our performances of The Little Mermaid at the Western Wayne High School’s Veterans Memorial Auditorium on Friday, April 14, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 15 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and students, and Western Wayne students are free with a student ID.
Community members who purchased tickets IN ADVANCE for our Little Mermaid Character Breakfast to be held TOMORROW, APRIL 1, at 10 a.m. in the High School Cafeteria do not need tickets to show at the door to confirm your reservation. We have a master list of everyone who reserved tickets. If you owe a balance, you may pay at the door. The entire cast is excited to greet and interact with you and your children. We encourage our little princes and princesses in attendance to dress up for the event. Any questions, email jmclau@wwsd.io From left: Colette Schmitt, Scuttle; Amanda David, Ariel; Owen Obloshny, Flounder; and Julia Phillips, Sebastian. DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.mtishows.com Music by Alan Menken; Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Glenn Slater; Book by Doug Wright. Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker and written & directed by John Musker & Ron Clements. Originally Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions. Orchestrations by Danny Troob; Incidental Music & Vocal Arrangements by Michael Kosarin; Dance Arrangements by David Chase.
The Western Wayne Guidance Department is planning a trip to Allentown to tour universities on April 13, 2023. The trip will include tours of Lafayette College, DeSales University and Moravian University. Seating is limited to 40 students, so it will be on a first come, first serve basis. The cost of the trip will be $55.00 to cover the charter bus. Please make checks payable to Western Wayne High School. Money is due by Thursday, March 30, 2023. Please check your email for more information and the permission form or click this link:
Amanda Miehle works on her mural which is composed of 68 pieces of her art. Flyer for Amanda’s exhibition which opens on Saturday, March 25.
Amanda Miehle, a student who attends New Story School and is a part of the Western Wayne School District, is a 16 year old untrained artist who has created an extensive amount of outside art for her young age. This Saturday, March 25, Amanda will open her “Fashion Passion Magic” art display at The Ruffed Grouse Gallery. It is her first gallery exhibition. Over 200 of Miehle’s color drawings showcasing her exuberant take on fashion, color, and abstraction will be presented. Amanda began creating art at age four with her first drawings of figures in what has become her signature “A” style. Through the years as her figures evolved stylistically, yet consistently retaining the “A” simplicity, she began referring to them as her fashion. In 2017, along with her “A” fashion girls, Amanda expanded her work to include her new style of abstract art. At 16 years old, Amanda has created well over 300 works of art, consisting mostly of her fashion girls and abstracts. Discovered in 2021 by Paul Plumadore and Jim Tindell, local artists and curators for the Great Wall of Honesdale, Amanda’s work was selected to be recreated as a mural to appear on The Great Wall for the year. Her art won the People’s Choice Award and was featured in several publications. This exposure caught the eye of photographer Bill Westmoreland who became her liaison into the art world. He introduced her to magazine editor Edward Gomez leading to a feature in the inaugural edition of BrutJournal, as well as to gallery owners for her first showings. Born June 5, 2006 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the doctors immediately diagnosed her as having Trisomy 21, better known as Down Syndrome. Through early therapeutic intervention and the Head Start program, along with her parents’ and brother’s dedication to helping her reach her fullest potential, Amanda thrived as a child. Throughout her childhood, Amanda has enjoyed swimming, soccer, cheerleading, karate, gymnastics, cooking, music, singing and dancing. She is also an avid ATV motorcycle rider, having learned to drive an ATV independently at age 12. She has a keen interest in fashion, hair and makeup, and dreams of being a fashion designer and stylist. She plans on designing clothes and accessories as well as owning a salon to style clients from head to toe. Her passion for fashion and beauty is illustrated throughout her artwork. Amanda is a strong, passionate, creative soul. When asked she has said she creates her art to express her fashion and make everybody happy. The unique style and joy represented in her work reflects who Amanda truly is as a person. She is a joy; she is clever; she is unique and there is no doubt that this is just the beginning of her contribution to the art world.
The PA Friends of Agriculture Foundation’s 2023 Ag Literacy Week kicked off this week at EverGreen Elementary. A special thank you to our guest reader, Mr. Peifer, for reading The Day the Farmers Quit to the K-2 graders. This book helped the students see that we all depend on the hard work of farmers.
The Western Wayne Track Foundation in conjunction with REMAX Best will be sponsoring a pole vault clinic at the Western Wayne Middle School on Saturday, March 25th from 1-4pm.
Our lead clinician for the event will be two-time Olympian and World Champion Pole Vaulter Lawrence Johnson.
On April 5th, the Western Wayne High School Guidance Department will be hosting a career fair for 11th and 12th grade students.
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.