Featured News

Students Explore Where Our Water Comes From—and Where It Goes

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.

Students Attend World Languages Day at University of Scranton

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.

Students Present Research at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Regional Meeting

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.

Middle School Student Chosen as a Winner of VIP Art Contest

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.

Second Grade teamed up with Kindergarten to celebrate Read Across America!

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!

RDW Student Wins First Golden Ticket– More Available at Character Breakfast!

The Western Wayne Drama Club performed a preview of their spring musical Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at RDW’s Read Across America Night this past week.

RDW-pre K student Vanessa Werner won a golden ticket at the event which will give her and a family member a backstage tour of the show along with an opportunity to meet the cast on a performance night of her choosing in April.

The Drama Parents Club will be doing more golden ticket giveaways at our upcoming character breakfast on March 28 and would love for your student to be our next lucky winner!

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.  You can reserve tickets by using the following Google Form. 

Form link  

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScuwhV-VKgseCmHiNPJVzo_A-Gu7YjvbZ-NsmeIc9pcaWJ1XA/viewform

TICKET ORDER DEADLINE IS THIS FRIDAY, MARCH 13. Any questions, email jmclaughlin@westernwayne.org

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. 

From left, kneeling:  Jason Vass, Charlie; Vanessa Werner, golden ticket winner; Emma DeNunzio, Augustus Gloop; and Molly French, Mrs. Teavee.  From left, second row:  Xavier Graham, Grandpa George; Jade Wetherington, Mrs. Bucket; Elizabeth Bilski, Mrs. Gloop; Samantha Torres Narvaez, Mrs. Green; Mikayla Fullone, Mike Teavee; Madison Forgione, Veruca Salt; and Dakota Douglas, Violet Beauregarde.  From left, third row:  Ruthann Neve, Grandma Georgina for this performance; Avery Ullner, Cherry Sundae; Scott Kurent, Grandpa Joe; Owen Obloshny, Willy Wonka; Zachary Wilbur, Mr. Beauregarde; Dominic Sgarlata, the ghost of Mr. Bucket; Johnathon Maxwell, Jerry Jubilee; Zachary Jordan, Mr. Salt; and Ayvari Ford-Rakosnik, Grandma Josephine.

RDW to Host Annual Read Across America Night THURS., MARCH 5

Members of the local community are cordially invited to Western Wayne’s RDW Elementary School’s annual Read Across America Night starting at 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 5.  Guests in attendance will surely leave singing their favorite tunes from Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, because the Western Wayne Drama Club will treat people in attendance to a sneak peak of their spring performance of the musical as one part of the night’s entertainment. 

The annual Book Fair will take place starting at 5 p.m. Later, the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory sneak peek performance will begin at 7 p.m.  

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory  is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 

All are invited to come and enjoy Read Across America Night on Thursday, March 5, at the RDW Elementary School, a free evening of entertainment and events perfect for kids of all ages.

From left, standing:  Chloe Jewett, Jasmine Yamamoto, Johnathon Maxwell who plays Jerry Jubilee; Dominic Sgarlata, Jade Wetherington who plays Mrs. Bucket; Jesse Mitchell, Zachary Wilbur who plays Mr. Beauregarde; Dakota Douglas who plays Violet Beauregarde; Scott Kurent who plays Grandpa Joe; Jason Vass who plays Charlie Bucket; Owen Obloshny who plays Willy Wonka; Madison Forgione who plays Veruca Salt; Zachary Jordan who plays Mr. Salt; Molly French who plays Mrs. Teavee; Xavier Graham who plays Grandpa George; Laila Rainford, Elizabeth Bilski who plays Mrs. Gloop; Emma DeNunzio who plays Augustus Gloop; Michael Fullone, Avery Ullner who plays Cherry Sundae; Owen Capozzi, and Britney Wertman.  From left, sitting:  Ayvari Ford-Rakosnik who plays Grandma Josephine, Ruthann Neve, Mikayla Fullone who plays Mike Teavee; Samantha Torres Narvaez who plays Mrs. Green; Sophia Johns, and Arn Bryden. Cast missing from photo:  Paityn Duprey who plays Grandma Georgina; Knight Vizcaino, Rowan Purvis, Katherine Berman, and Daria Ivakhnina.

Stage Crew students include:  Luckus Balmer, Audrey Capozzi, Nathan Day, Adam Erb, Audrey Fitzmorris, Ayvari Ford-Rakosnik, Xavier Graham, Roslyn Knecht, Miley Layton, Kendall Murray, Margaret Norris, Charlotte Nutt, Milan Nguyen, Zoe Ratchford, Duke Shemanski, Lola Vertalics, Nichols Wilbur, Kaleb Zawisky, Tyler Buehring, Matthew Carlson, Cayden Clever, Coltan Davitt-Hillemann, Rachel Erb, Guinevere Homisak, Regan Lane, Gavin Lepkowsky-Polizzi, Victoria Neve, Emmett Roccella, Lylah Semon, Maria Shemanski, Patience Strocchia, and Liam VanOrden-AlSaidi.

Pit students include:  Antonio Fisichella, Nicholas Fisichella, Isabella Hayden, Gideon Jezorwski, Michael Kaminsky, Makaya Moser, and Kaitlin Wargo.

Save the date for our performances of Roald Dahl’s 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 Veterans Memorial Auditorium.

Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and students, and Western Wayne students are free with a student ID.  Follow us on instagram at ww_drama_club

 This year we will have pre-sale tickets available for purchase during the time of our Character Breakfast on, Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. All ticket sales will be final.  Having a pre-sale ticket means you will not have to wait in line on the dates of the performances for tickets but does not reserve  a certain seat in the auditorium. 

 Tickets also will be available at the door. There are no online sales.

Any questions, email jmclaughlin@westernwayne.org

Students Continue Watershed Studies Through Fall and Winter Field Experiences

Western Wayne Students Continue Watershed Studies Through Fall and Winter Field Experiences

Western Wayne High School students are continuing their hands-on environmental education journey through the Community Connections to Our Watershed forum. The yearlong regional initiative brings together teams of students from nine local school districts to explore watershed science, land use, ecology, and sustainability through immersive field experiences across Northeastern Pennsylvania.  The Western Wayne students involved include:  Noah Benson, Aidyn Graci, Giana Graci, Aliyah Gregory, and Rhys Locklin.

October: Understanding Our Ecological Footprint at Lacawac Sanctuary

On October 24, students traveled to Lacawac Sanctuary Field Station and Environmental Education Center for a program centered on the theme “Leaving a Footprint.” The day focused on understanding how human activity impacts lake ecosystems and how individuals can reduce their ecological footprint.

.Working with environmental educators, students explored:

  • Their personal ecological footprints and how daily choices affect natural resources
  • The impact of climate change on lake ecosystems
  • Methods for collecting physical and chemical data from a lake system
  • Techniques for detecting microplastics in bodies of water
  • How individual and group actions can reduce water pollution

Through hands-on lake monitoring activities and microplastics investigations, students gained a deeper understanding of how scientific data is used to assess ecosystem health. The experience reinforced the idea that while everyone contributes to environmental impact, everyone can also contribute to solutions.

Students were also challenged to collect water samples from their local communities for later analysis and to evaluate sustainability practices within their own school cafeterias.

November: Examining Land Use and Mining Legacy

On November 6, students shifted their focus to Land Use, visiting the Anthracite Heritage Museum before traveling to the Old Forge Bore Hole.

This experience examined how Northeastern Pennsylvania’s historic coal mining industry was shaped by regional geology—and how it, in turn, reshaped the landscape. Students discussed how historical land-use decisions continue to influence water quality, ecosystems, and community development today.

The day included:

  • Continued microplastics research (Part II)
  • Discussions on how communities make modern land-use decisions
  • Chemical water analysis at the borehole site
  • Exploration of how abandoned mine lands still impact present-day watersheds

By connecting history, science, and civic decision-making, students gained a clearer understanding of how environmental stewardship requires both scientific knowledge and community engagement.

January: Exploring Winter Ecology

On January 16, students returned to Lackawanna State Park to study Winter Ecology. Despite cold temperatures, students rotated through hands-on learning stations led by professionals from Pennsylvania State Parks, the Bureau of Forestry, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Students:

  • Participated in Project FeederWatch, contributing to winter bird population monitoring
  • Studied how forests adapt to winter stressors
  • Learned about Snowshoe Hare population dynamics and ecosystem shifts
  • Examined how climate change is altering winter weather patterns in the Northeast
  • Strengthened their observational skills through structured nature journaling

The winter session also encouraged students to reflect on the human dimension of climate action, discussing both the scientific and psychological challenges associated with environmental change.

Preparing for Stewardship in Action

Through these fall and winter experiences, Western Wayne students have examined environmental impact from multiple perspectives—personal responsibility, historical land use, ecosystem science, and climate change.

The forum will culminate this spring with a regional showcase, where each school team will present a stewardship action project designed to improve their campus or local community.

Western Wayne High School is proud of its student participants for their continued leadership, curiosity, and dedication to understanding and protecting our region’s natural resources.

Pictures One and Two: Western Wayne students participating in October Watershed activities.

Picture Three:  Western Wayne students participating in November Watershed activities.

Pictures Four and Five:  Western Wayne students participating in January Watershed activities.

The Western Wayne Inclusion Club Raises Over $1,400 for Special Olympics

The Western Wayne High School Inclusion Club proudly participated in the Northeastern Pennsylvania Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Pennsylvania, with 28 students attending the event and raising over $1,400 to support Special Olympics athletes across the region.

The Polar Plunge is an annual fundraiser that challenges participants to brave the winter cold in support of athletes with intellectual disabilities. Funds raised directly benefit Special Olympics programs throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania, providing opportunities for training, competition, and inclusive athletic experiences.

Western Wayne’s Inclusion Club is part of the school’s commitment as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School, promoting inclusion, leadership, and meaningful participation for all students. Through service projects, awareness initiatives, and Unified Sports, the club fosters a culture where every student belongs.

Students fully embraced the spirit of the event, wearing colorful costumes, tutus, and even polar bear outfits to bring fun and excitement to the day. Their enthusiasm added to the energy of the event and reflected the joyful, inclusive atmosphere that defines the Polar Plunge.

Special Olympics Pennsylvania supports Unified Sports programs that bring students with and without intellectual disabilities together as teammates. At Western Wayne, the Unified Bocce team had a particularly strong season this year, advancing to the regional playoffs, a testament to the power of teamwork and inclusion. Students were also excited to see the WW Athletic Director, Mr. Tyler Jakes, greet them at the festivities today, as Mr. Jakes is a constant supporter of the WW Unified Bocce program.

The Inclusion Club is advised by high school teachers Rebecca Banik and Christine McClure, along with elementary teacher and WW Unified Bocce Coach Siena Cardamone. Through the leadership of teachers and coaches, students coordinate service initiatives, school-wide engagement activities, and Unified athletic programming that extends beyond any single department and is embedded in the broader student experience.

“The Polar Plunge is more than just a fundraiser,” said advisor Christine McClure. “It represents our students’ commitment to inclusion, empathy, and leadership. We are incredibly proud of the 28 students who participated and the generosity of our community in supporting this cause.” 

Student Joey Roses shared what made the experience most meaningful to him: “My favorite thing about the day is watching kids jump into the cold water together.”

The Inclusion club is excited about continuing its mission to support Unified and inclusive opportunities within the school community.

First row, from left: Andrew Locker, Oliver Harty, Phoebe Schmitt, Madison Forgione, Joseph Roses, Khloe Mistishin, Grace Moser, Cassidy Levens, Maggie Kotchessa, and Nathaniel Amberg.

Second row, from left: Logan Pauler, Liam Pauler, Kyle Matthews, Vinny Baldini, Aiden Matthews, Paul Borowski, Kaylee Fischer, Madelyn McClure, Aliyah Gregory, Eric McGrath, Grace Owens, Audrey Agnello, Raeleigh Kromko, Hannah DeStefano, Donovan Gregorski, Quinn Swartz, and Norman Phillips.