Western Wayne Drama Club students saw The Ritz Theater in Scranton’s production of Little Women the musical on the evening of Saturday, May 7. The students enjoyed the musical rendition of this well-known classic. Row one, from left: Becca Boots, Kenzie Kennedy, Phoebe Schmitt, Luis Appollonio, and Mikayla Fullone. Row two, from left: Haley Strocchia, club secretary; Madison Trapanese, Colette Schmitt, and Kat Shumski. Row three, from left: Liv Benson, Hayley Cordero, Brynn Mazurick, Alex Fullone, and Rae Christopher.. Row four, from left: Nate Conway, club president; Robert Scramuzza, club public relations; B. Flannery, club treasurer; Jocilyn Brungard, and Amanda David.
Let’s TACO ‘bout the amazing teachers at Robert D. Wilson Elementary School! The RDW PTA treated the teachers to breakfast and lunch for Teacher Appreciation Week. Monday was a continental breakfast of bagels, muffins, danish, and a make your own yogurt parfait bar. Thursday’s lunch was a fiesta with an assorted taco bar with all the trimmings. Thank you for all you do for our children everyday!
Madelyn McClure working on her research. Alex Chapman, Adrian Agnello, and Bridget Oppelt working on their research.Annie Williams working on her research.
The following Western Wayne students presented scientific research at the Virtual Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science. 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. Team advisors are Christine McClure and Maria Masankay.
From Western Wayne High School: Adrian Agnello (10th grade) received a second place award for his work in chemistry while researching “Does SPF Clothing Really Work?.” Alex Chapman (11th grade) received a third place for his work in Ecology while studying “The Effects of Winter Road Treatment on Plant Growth.” Kailey Tickner (11th grade) received a second place award for her work in Behavioral Science studying “The Effects of a Pandemic on Behavior.” Bridget Oppelt (12th grade) received a second place while studying Behavioral Science in the area of “The Effects of Color on Student Learning.” Kailey Tickner was awarded a scholarship to continue her education by taking courses through Lackawanna College in the fall during her senior year of high school.From Western Wayne Middle School: Madelyn McClure (7th grade) received a first place award and a perfect score for her research in Ecology studying “The Effects of Tree Species on Heat Production.” Annie Williams (7th grade) received a third place award for her research in chemistry studying “Does the density of a liquid affect it’s sinking rate?”. Audrey Agnello (8th grade) received a second place award for her research in biology while studying Extraction of DNA. Madelyn McClure will be presenting her research at the PJAS State Competition in May at Penn State
Western Wayne Middle School Select Chorus, under the direction of Mrs. Joyce Covaleski, will be performing at the 73rd Annual Spring Concert of Scranton’s Catholic Choral Society at Holy Rosary Church, 316 William Street in Scranton, on Sunday, May 22, at 7 p.m. All are invited to this FREE concert! Please note that in spite of the Chorale’s name and the venue, this is not a religious concert but an eclectic concert of spring and patriotic music. Pictured are members of the Western Wayne Middle School Select Chorus.
Western Wayne freshman Rebekah Palko placed third in the walk/ jog intermediate competition at the Interscholastic Equestrian Association National Competition on April 30 in Harrisburg. Palko looks forward to next year’s competition season. Any other local middle and high school riders can join IEA. Students do not need to own their own horse in order to be a part of a team. The link for more information is https://www.rideiea.org/
For the first time since 2019, the PA FBLA State Leadership Conference was held in-person at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center. The 50 members of the Western Wayne delegation were among the more than 2,900 members and advisers in attendance. During the conference, 25 WW students were recognized on stage for excellence in various competitive events. Seniors Gabby Tetreault and Morgan Coccodrilli, PA FBLA state officers, along with the other state officers, conducted the sessions. Theresa Lubash, local chapter adviser, was honored during the Opening Session as the Outstanding Adviser of the Year. The chapter garnered two first-place awards and four second-place awards as well as many more. Those students recognized included: Rhayni Carroll, first-place, Intro to Parliamentary Procedure, the team of Rachel Hoch, Kaeli Romanowski, Jenna Kwiatkowski, Aly McCarthy, and Alex Chapman, first-place, Parliamentary Procedure; Adelaide Treibley, second-place, Public Speaking; the team of Adrian Agnello and Weston Nugent, second place, Intro to Business Presentation; the team of Gavin Murphy and Morgan Coccodrilli, second-place, Sales Presentation; Emily Romanowski, second-place, Intro to Parliamentary Procedure; the team of Lou Azzato, Stevie Wilkinson, and Alex Iovacchini, third-place, Public Service Announcement. Also winning awards were the team of Julie Bryan, Niya Acosta, and Anjali DeLeon Bello, fifth-place, Digital Video Production; Rachel Tuman, sixth place, Entrepreneurship; Taylor Maiocco, sixth-place, Intro to Parliamentary Procedure; Xenia Vivona, sixth-place, Help Desk; Gabby Tetreault, eighth-place, Future Business Leader; Allie Pauler, ninth place, Introduction to FBLA; and the team of Raegan Palmer and Colette Schmitt, tenth-place, Intro to Business Presentation. In Who’s Who in PA FBLA, Kaeli Romanowski and Rachel Hoch placed fourth and fifth, respectively. These two seniors also placed fourth and fifth in the William Selden Scholarship Award receiving each $1,000 scholarships. They will receive the money after successfully completing one semester of college. Finally, the Western Wayne chapter received a fifth-place award in the Outstanding Chapter event and seventh place for the Local Market Share Award. Also attending the conference were Mackenzie Adams, Zoe Albitz, Connor Bryant, Jamie Chapman, Brandon Cleveland, Sarah Collins, Ava Compton, Marshall Davis, Anthony Donnini, Ella Dougher, David Elias, Ashton Fitzsimmons, Jared Goldman, Addison Griffin, Morgan Heenan, Allyson Irvine, Audrey Lawlor, Grace Lidy, Laynee Nugent, Lucas Putman, Mason Rush, Hunter Schmitt, Kathy Shepherd, Hunter Smith, and Kayla Stokesberry.
On Tuesday, May 3, 2022, WWHS SADD/TRU club attended a “Virtual Day at the Capital” hosted by the American Lung Association. The group spread the word that” Vaping is harmful for youth and teens” by putting messages in chalk on the sidewalk outside the middle school. They also attended a Zoom conference along with Tobacco Resistant Youth members from all over the state, Lung Association representatives and the PA House of Representatives. In photo, from left: Kaitlyn McDermott, vice president; Madison Kammer, president of SADD; Zoey Goldman, secretary; McKenzie Laity; and Jaden Gregory, treasurer.
Students at Robert D. Wilson welcomed Spring by learning all about pollinators and the important role that honey bees play in growing our food ! Students made core curricular connections as they learned about the parts of a flower, and the parts of a bee! Additionally, students used printmaking techniques to mimic the unique honeycomb patterns bees create organically, while learning about shapes that tesselate, like hexagons!
This program brings the opportunity for college education closer to home without the long drive and time to campus. Both high school and adult students will have interactive, two-way access to Johnson College faculty and will participate in remote education, discussions, testing, and skill demonstrations. The program will create a direct route to career technology education (CTE), a college degree, and ultimately a fulfilling career with family-sustaining wages for students in rural Northeastern Pennsylvania. See the attached flyer for details.
Art Show a SuccessMay 16, 2025Western Wayne hosted their annual spring Art Show on Saturday, May 10, for the community. The show featured art from students in grades 8 through 12 and art from graduating seniors. The following list of seven seniors exhibited their portfolios at the art show: Aubrey Bell, Andy Dickison, Cedar Gilpin, Lillian Maros, Davis Sheppard, Neima Smith-Horst, and Lizzie Washine. Their displays represented an accumulation of up to four years of artwork.
Senior Aubrey Bell’s featured display focussed on contrast.
“In my senior display, I juxtaposed elements like skulls and flowers,” Aubrey explained. “To me, this pairing symbolizes the inherent beauty in contrast–how life and death are not opposites, but part of a shared, nature cycle. By combining them, I aim to present death not as an end, but as a meaningful and even peaceful transition.”
Aubrey said that Marvel and DC comics often influence her creative perspective as well.
She plans to attend Penn State University to pursue a four-year degree in nursing, with the ultimate goal of becoming a surgeon. In addition, she always plans to carry her artistic perspective with her.
Senior Andy Dickison’s artwork centers around the human form and all the ways it can be bent. Andy takes inspiration from artists who use “gross” color palettes and strange perspectives. In addition, drum-heavy grunge music has also been inspirational.
“A message I want to send through my pieces is that they can never be exactly replicated again,” Andy explained. “AI image generators cannot replace human creativity and artwork.”
Andy is proud of doing the artwork for the cover of the December issue for Happening Magazine this school year and for being Artist of the Week on WVIA.
Andy plans to attend Kutztown University and major in art.
Senior Cedar Gilpin feels that in her time taking art class throughout her high school career has really helped her expand her creative mind.
“A major source of inspiration for me is my mother,” Cedar said. “She’s always been incredibly creative and has encouraged me to express myself through drawing, painting and more. I’m genuinely proud of what I’ve accomplished so far, and I believe the skills I’ve developed will benefit me greatly in the future.”
Cedar will attend college in the fall with a major in art therapy.
Senior Lillian Maros’ display centered around art inspired by her family.
“My inspiration is my family and things I experience around me,” Lilly explained. “My father and brother are both cowboys. Yes, they still exist. They participate in rodeos around the country and are often far from home. My art is a way of connecting to them when I can’t see them, and showing my support for them as they have supported me. My mural is the centerpiece of my display, as is my art. It is the explanation of how my relationship with my brother works.”
Lilly is greatly inspired by all members of her family including her mother and grandparents as well as her father and brother. She is also strongly guided by her faith in God.
Lilly plans to move with her family to Texas after graduation where she intends to start her own mobile coffee truck.
Senior Davis Sheppard believes his artwork has helped him grow as a person.
“My artwork has profoundly shaped my life, giving me a more positive outlook and inspiring personal growth to elevate my creative expression,” Davis explained. “Through my work, I found meaning and a sense of identity–I became someone. It also helped me open up to others.”
Davis wants others to know how truly free art is.
Davis plans to attend Marywood University to earn a bachelor’s degree in graphic design.
Senior Neima Smith-Horst’s primary medium for art is mixed media, combining unexpected things together and creating peace, but also holding versatility.
“Everything comes from trusting the process, and I find peace in creating and trusting my own heart in making something,” she explained. “Art is an escape for me, something to do without pressure and insecurity. Being able to create different things allows me to capture what I wish was, what I fear, feel, love, enjoy, and even things I have no interest or control over.”
Neima plans to continue to work and also attend college for directing and filmmaking.
Finally, senior Lizzie Washine has always had a love for art.
Watercolor is her favored medium.
“I draw inspiration from everything around me: my personal experiences, the world I observe, the music I love, and the poetry and literature I read,” she explained. “Art surrounds us in so many forms. I see it in the lyrical depth of artists like Bob Dylan, The Doors, and even Noah Kahan, and Zach Bryan–where every word feels intentional and alive with meaning.”
Lizzie plans to attend Duquesne University to pursue a dual major in elementary and special education with a minor in creative writing.
All of the seniors 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.
From left: Aubrey Bell, Davis Sheppard, Cedar Gilpin, Neima Smith-Horst, Lizzie Washine, and Lilly Maros. Absent from photo: Andy Dickison. [...]
Community Invited to Annual CatWalk Fashion Show on May 22May 16, 2025Western Wayne Fashion students are thrilled to invite the community to their annual CatWalk Fashion Show on Thursday, May 22, at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. This year the show titled “Eco Floral Fusion” is focussed on the theme of eco- sustainability .Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. Free admission! The students will also host the show for an audience of their peers during the school day on Thursday, May 22.
Pieces made by students in grades 9 through 12 will be featured. The students also worked in teams that represent fashion collections based on the four seasons. The lead designers for the collections are senior Lily Kieva, spring collection, sophomore Bella Kolp, winter collection; sophomore Emma DeNunzio, summer collection; and sophomore Addriana Cangas, fall collection.
Show director and fashion teacher Andrea McCleland explained the way the students created their seasonalities collections to reflect the theme of the show.
“The designers thrifted what’s on stage,” she explained. “We studied in class how the fashion industry has been a burden on the environment, so for the seasonalities portion of our show, we have set an example of not burdening the environment for these collections.”
Senior Lily Kieva is excited to debut her Lily of the Valley collection for the spring portion of the competition.
“It is a perfect theme for me,” she explained. “It is an eccentric spring theme with a reference to my name and Pennsylvania flowers of the valley.”
Lily is a four-year fashion student at Western Wayne. Upon graduation, she will attend Marywood University with a major in secondary education history with the intention of also earning a special education certificate.
She is most fond of the memories she has made through creating fashion and plans to continue to create designs after graduation with her sewing machine at home.
Fellow designer Bella Kolp also owns a sewing machine and learned how to sew at a young age.
She is thrilled to debut her winter collection called Whispers of Winter and other pieces in the show.
Bella shared how she has tied in another meaningful part of her high school years to the fashion show.
For the past two years, she has been a part of a program called EF Language Abroad which has given her the opportunity to study Japanese language and culture abroad in Japan both last summer and again this upcoming summer.
“I got the opportunity to study the language for about four hours a day and then travel throughout Japan,” she explained.
She discussed how one of the pieces she created for the show was inspired by her time in Japan. Bella aspires to study business in college.
Fellow sophomore Emma DeNunzio, who was encouraged by her aunt to start sewing years ago, is also excited to share her summer collection.
Emma just played the supporting role of Ali in Western Wayne’s production of Mamma Mia!
“One of my more beach-themed pieces was influenced by the musical,” she explained.
Her fellow fashion classmate sophomore Addriana Cangas is also happy to debut her fall collection at the show. She has greatly enjoyed her experience creating fashion and can’t wait to present her work to the community with her classmates and teacher.
McCleland and her students feel so grateful to be able to invite the community to their evening show on Thursday, May 22, and they look forward to creating more designs to share with the Western Wayne community in the future.
From left, standing: Chloe Gilpin, model; Clare Coccodrilli, model; Avery Ullner, model; and Davis Sheppard, model. From left, kneeling: Lily Kieva, designer; and Bella Kolp, designer. [...]
Hartman Named NEIU 19 Scholar of the Year and Scholastic SuperstarMay 14, 2025Senior, Lia Hartman, was recently recognized as both the NEIU 19 Scholar of the Year and The Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstar. The Scholastic Superstar Ceremony was held on May 5th at Lackawanna College. NEIU Scholar of the Year Ceremony was held on May 6th at Carbondale Area Jr./Sr. High School.Lia is a highly involved student who is the president of the Science Club. She, also, is in Envirothon, National Honor Society, and is president of the Band. In addition, she served as a drum major for the past two years playing the flute and piccolo.“I have learned a lot about leadership in my time at Western Wayne,” she said. “I’ve come to embrace the fact that everyone I work with is unique and to have success leading them I have to adjust to their needs. I have become a more understanding and open-minded person through being a drum major.”Hartman will take the leadership skills she learned at Western Wayne to college next year. She will be attending The University of Scranton in the fall with a major in biochemistry.“The human body is really interesting,” she said. “I want to contribute to people’s health, and I enjoy lab work best, so pathology embodies what I see for my future.”From left: Western Wayne High School Principal Mr. Paul B. Gregorski and Lia Hartman. [...]
Kloss Sets Junior High School RecordMay 14, 2025Congratulations to Kaitlyn Kloss for setting the JH School Record in the 3200 with a time of 12:23.74 with a Gold Medal effort at Abington Heights tonight in a makeup event from the invitational two weeks ago. Garrett Malakin earned a Bronze Medal in the event with a time of 11:56.24. From left: Kloss and Malakin. [...]
Band Director Receives PMEA District 9 Citation of Excellence AwardMay 14, 2025Mrs. Elaine Ort formerly received thePennsylvania Music Educators Association District 9 Citation of Excellence award at the school board meeting on Wednesday, May 7. Mrs. Ort is the only band director in District 9 to be chosen for the award this year. This award is given to music educators who demonstrate high musical standards both inside and outside the classroom. She attended an awards banquet at the PMEA State Conference in April to receive recognition for this award as well.
In addition, Mrs. Ort has had the honor of being a member of America’s Bands Directors with her most recent appearance with this group at the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The district is proud of Mrs. Ort’s past and most recent accomplishments.
Pictured is Mrs. Ort, PMEA District 9 vice president, shaking hands with and receiving her framed award from PMEA District 9 President Dr. Thomas Bassett.
Second picture is of Mrs. Ort with her well-deserved award. [...]
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.
