Western Wayne music students auditioned virtually for District Band and District Chorus this year.
The following students were accepted to District Band. They include: Jenny Guadagno (Placed 5th and is 1st Alternate for District Orchestra), Madison Kammer, Ash Mangieri, Aidan Donnini (Placed 1st and qualified for District Orchestra), Hudson Malinowski (Placed 4th and qualified for District Orchestra), Alyssa Donnini, Madison Weinczyk (placed 2nd), Nicholas Valentin (2nd Alternate for District Orchestra), Maggie Nagle (1st Alternate for District Band), and Bridgette Flannery (1st Timpani Alternate for District Band).
These band students will be participating in the festival later this winter in a virtual format with nationally recognized clinicians and will have the opportunity to qualify for the All-State Festival.
Also, five chorus students auditioned for District Chorus and all five were accepted. They include: Rhonda Fenkner, Joanna Regalbuto, Rebecca Boots, Bridgette Flannery, and Alex Taylor.
The district is proud of the accomplishments of its music students and wish them the best at their respective upcoming festivals.
In photo: Western Wayne seniors Alex Taylor and Rhonda Fenkner posing at a dress rehearsal for last year’s musical.
The Western Wayne Music Department is thrilled to announce the release of Christmas concert recordings for the community.
The High School Band, High School Chorus, 7th/ 8th Grade Band, 8th Grade Chorus, and 7th Grade Chorus, all worked with their teachers to create concert recordings for the holiday season.
After a year away from the stage, these music groups have returned in full swing to spread some holiday cheer via video performances.
Although the virtual nature of the concerts are certainly different from previous years, the band and chorus is growing accustomed to it, especially the high school band. Having already published a Halloween recording during the High School band’s marching season, they came prepared to make a video in the concert season.
Students in all Western Wayne musical groups were spaced out and utilized personal protective equipment based on their instrument, ranging from face shields and instrument bags to bell covers, special player’s masks, and face masks for chorus students.
Equipped with this gear and decked out in festive sweaters, the band and chorus students performed a variety of fun holiday songs for all to enjoy.
In a truly wild year, it is reassuring to have a holiday concert remain constant. As low brass section leader Madison Weinczyk of the High School Band puts it, “It’s definitely a different experience, but I’m glad to still have this opportunity”.
Western Wayne FCCLA presented a check to The Wayne County Children’s Christmas Bureau in the amount of $455.09. The money was raised at the recent FCCLA Drive Through Breakfast with Santa which was planned by students Kennedy Mistishin and Zoey Goldman as part of FCCLA’s STAR EVENT participation (Student’s Taking Action for Recognition). Kennedy and Zoey will be presenting on the topic of Community Service at the virtual FCCLA State Leadership Conference this spring.
From left: Western Wayne high school principal Paul Gregorski; Western Wayne FCCLA Members and event Co- Chairs Zoey Goldman, Kennedy Mistishin; and a representative from the Wayne County Children’s Christmas Bureau Mr. John Carmody.
Due to the impending winter storm starting Wednesday afternoon into Thursday, schools will be dismissed tomorrow at 12:00 PM. There will be no afternoon Early Intervention. Also, school is cancelled on Thursday December 17th.
From left, back row: Kennedy Mistishin and Zoey Goldman, who served as chairpersons for the FCCLA Drive Through Breakfast. From left, kneeling: Kaitlyn McDermott, FCCLA Secretary, and Caitlyn Burdick, FCCLA President. Students are holding items that were distributed at the event.
First Row Front (Left to Right) – Kennedy Mistishin, Zoey Goldman. Second Row (L to R) – Katarina Wood, Paige Lee, Lena Piccolino, Maggie Millon (Mrs. Claus), Kyle Guarino (Santa), Caitlyn Burdick FCCLA President, Kaeli Romanowski, and Kailey Tickner. Third Row (L to R) – Jaiden DeRosa, Luke Janiszewski, Thomas Chernasky, Caden Brungard, and Paige Bell. All in photo attended and worked at the FCCLA Drive Through Breakfast.
The magic of the holiday season was in the air for Western Wayne’s FCCLA Club as they hosted their first drive-through Holiday Breakfast on Saturday, Dec. 12, with all proceeds benefitting the Wayne County Children’s Christmas Bureau. FCCLA has held this event in the past hosted in the high school cafeteria. Due to COVID-19, they worked, just as hard as Santa’s best elves, and found a way to make this event possible for the community even during this challenging time. Instead of serving food in the cafeteria, the FCCLA students brought food out to their customers waiting in their cars. Even Santa made a socially distanced appearance on a local fire truck. Instead of having stations for people to shop at, this year, the FCCLA students made sure to have all gifts for the little ones ready ahead of time for none other than Mrs. Claus to pass out to the eager kids in their family cars. Some of the items distributed included: lollipops, coloring books, crayons, and McDonald’s coupons among other fun gifts. Many of FCCLA’s club members worked to make this event possible. This year’s club officers include Caitlyn Burdick, president; Zoey Goldman, vice president; Kaitlyn McDermott, secretary; Tarena Strasburger, treasurer; Paige Bell and Kailey Tickner, public relations.
FCCLA members Kennedy Mistishin and Zoey Goldman worked as student chairpersons for this event to lead the students in making the breakfast a success. Kennedy had worked to lead the event last year. This year Zoey stepped into a co-leadership position. Both girls found planning this event to be a very rewarding experience. “My favorite part is the execution of putting together an event of this nature,” Kennedy explained. “I love when it all comes together at the end. This is very different than our event last year, but it is still very rewarding in different ways especially because we have the chance to do this for the community during this challenging time.” The students have been busy working to plan this event for a few weeks by making decorations, getting gift bags together, and preparing other items and aspects of the event. It truly was a team effort by all students and staff involved. The drive- through breakfast with Santa was not FCCLA’s only event this year. The group also, earlier this school year, assisted the Blue Star Mothers of Northeastern Pennsylvania in writing 100 cards to active patriots. Students got to hand-write personal letters to patriots stationed all over the world. Zoey Goldman, vice president of FCCLA, said this activity was special to her. “I have a number of family members who have served, so writing these letters felt especially meaningful to me,” Zoey explained. Along with writing letters to patriots and hosting their breakfast, FCCLA has held a few meetings this year mostly online. Secretary of the club Kaitlyn McDermott explained how it has been challenging to get information out to members. “I have used email and Google Classroom to distribute a lot of information to our members,” Kaitlyn explained. “I think it has been successful because we have 30 members in the club this year.” As a group FCCLA has many purposes including to provide opportunities for personal development and preparation for adult life, to strengthen students for society, to encourage individual and group involvement in helping achieve global cooperation and harmony, to encourage democracy through cooperative action in the home and community, and to promote greater understanding between youth and adults and many more. FCCLA is so grateful to the district for allowing the events they had this year so far to be possible. The group looks forward to finding creative ways to hold more events in the future for all to enjoy.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving Western Wayne School District worked with several individuals and organizations to conduct a food drive to help families in need in their district this holiday season. Mrs. Bernice Fiorella, Western Wayne School Board President, worked to coordinate the event with many others. Harry Howell has worked on this endeavor for the last twelve years with the American Legion and the veterans. This year Mr. Howell donated $500. Also, the Hamlin Rotary donated $500 dollars and Dave’s Super Duper in Honesdale donated over $1,000. There were also several other doners who wished to remain anonymous. In addition, Jen Wargo from the Salem Township building did amazing work to coordinate the building, packing, and delivery of donated items with her husband and son. Sue Schlasta, Western Wayne social worker based at Evergreen Elementary, and the Western Wayne Guidance Department in all buildings coordinated the families in the district who needed assistance. Cindy Gibb and the Hamlin Rotary also helped to pack goods. The American Legion and veterans had their trucks ready to pick up at Dave’s Super Duper and some also helped to deliver to the Middle School. The Western Wayne CATS club helped to further organize items for distribution once they arrived at the Middle School. High School CATS Club members who helped included: Zoey Goldman, 11th grade; Kaitlyn McDermott, 11th grade; Maggie Millon, 12th grade; and Makayla Gregory 12th grade. “Our work is worth it just knowing that a family will have a good Thanksgiving dinner,” Makayla said. “It is good to help others and not expect anything in return.” Fellow senior Maggie Millon agrees. “I like helping people out and being there for others like we are all one big Western Wayne family.” All the many individuals involved in this effort to help Western Wayne families are so glad they could make Thanksgiving better for their fellow Wildcats.
Western Wayne Middle School held a Turkey Trot for students on the morning of November 24 as a part of their PBIS initiative which involves successfully creating a proactive positive school environment in which students are demonstrating their Wildcat PRIDE daily.
PBIS is an ongoing effort of the Western Wayne School District to guide students in behaving and interacting with others in such a way as to promote an effective learning community.
The Western Wayne High School Cross Country Team hosted the students who completed the course. Middle School students signed up to attend the Turkey Trot. Some of the students who participated gave donations of canned goods for local food pantries.
The Middle School students who participated in the Turkey Trot did many fun activities such as participating in raffles for prizes, completing a one-mile run, and dancing with the Turkey. High School Cross Country student George Lee donned the Turkey costume for the occasion and entertained the students.
The Middle School students who participated were directed, guided, and cheered on by members of the High School Cross Country Team that included: Sydney Hutchinson, Jamie Bryan, Haley Estus, Julie Bryan, Maddie Kammer, Lucas Putman, Kris Maloney, Tarena Strasburger, and Kailey Tickner.
All the students who attended had a great time at the event. Eighth grader Raegan Palmer came in second place for the girls in her grade at the race.
“I really liked getting to see the older students and hang out with them briefly after the race,” Raegan, who plays basketball for Western Wayne, said.
Fellow 8th grader Timmy Roberts also had a great time at the event. He came in first place for the boys for the second year in a row and won a turkey.
“We plan to donate the turkey,” Timmy, who plays for the Western Wayne Soccer Team said.
Also, for the second year in a row 8th grader Hayden Romanskas came in second place for the 8th grade boys.
“It was fun to get to go outside for a while,” Hayden, who has been racing BMX bikes since he was about five years old said. “I think my experience with BMX helps to give me endurance for something like this. I thought the race was really close this year.”
In addition, on Nov. 24, Middle School students were treated to a special lunch time reward for PBIS. Beloved School Resource Officer Marty Robbins acted as D.J. for lunch periods that day. The students always look forward to occasions such as this one. Robbins also initiated a special board for students to write and display what they felt grateful for during the holiday season.
The students all had a lot of fun on Nov. 24 and look forward to other PBIS activities such as these where they can demonstrate their Wildcat Pride as the school year continues.
Winners of the Turkey Trot held at Western Wayne on November 24 are as follows.
Sixth graders: Eric McGrath, 1st place; Damian Glackin, 2nd place; Giana Tomasetti, 2nd place; and Makenzie Chearney, 1st place.
Seventh graders: Robert Carrelle, 1st place; Mia Gifford, 2nd place; Peter Race, 2nd place; and Audrey Agnello, 2nd place.
Join us online to help your youth navigate the pressures and expectations of life during their teen years to succeed and achieve a brighter future.
Join Us Online This Winter! Starting January 12, 2021 FREE of Charge!
SFP 10-14 promotes: – Communication – – Family Bonding – – Problem Solving – – Positive Social Skills –
– Requirements – • Families with youth ages 10-14 • Internet connection • Phone or laptop with video capabilities • Zoom capabilities
Contact by January 2, 2021 Western Wayne – Mrs. Jennifer Bradley JBradley@westernwayne.org or (800) 321-9973 – Option 2
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High School Hosts Graduation for Class of 2025June 13, 2025Wildcat Pride was bursting from the audience at Western Wayne’s Veterans Memorial Auditorium on the evening of Friday, June 6, for the graduation of the class of 2025. This is a bright class of students who have excelled in academics, athletics, and club activities having gained a total of $6,075,675 in college scholarships and grants at their recently held senior night. Student speakers at graduation gave their classmates advice for the exciting and new journey that lies ahead of them for their very bright futures.Senior Lillian Maros, president of the class of 2025, gave the welcome address.Lillian ended her speech in a unique way by having her class honor the many role models who have shaped their life journey thus far.“I was once told that everyone, at least once, deserves to be on the receiving end of a round of applause,” she said. “As a theater kid myself, I couldn’t agree more, and I ask any parents, guardians, siblings, teachers, and administrators to stand, and let our class applaud you for all of the opportunities you have given us.”Later, Lillian presented the Class Mantel to Audrey Agnello, junior class president.Following the presentation of the mantle, the class salutatorian and valedictorian gave speeches.Senior David Elias III, Hamlin, was named the salutatorian of the class of 2025 with a final overall GPA of 100.41.
David is the son of Carrie and David Elias.Along with being an excellent academic student, David was involved in Western Wayne clubs and activities including: FBLA, basketball, PBIS, and track and field.
In the future, he plans to attend Marywood University with an undecided major.
“My favorite memory from high school was attending the FBLA state conference as a freshman in Hershey,” David said. “While at Western Wayne, I’ve learned important skills such as critical thinking and time management that will help me through college and beyond.”In his salutatorian speech, David let his classmates know it is ok to be undecided about their futures as long as they follow their inner drive.“We have the ability to blaze our own paths different from what our parents did and what others expect of us,” he said. “As long as we follow what truly matters to us, we will get where we are supposed to go.”David summed up the evening with a quote from LeBron James, “Education is the most important thing in life. No matter what you do, you have to be educated, and you have to learn.”He then ended his speech with these encouraging words to his class, “We are closing a major chapter in our lives, but with the hope that we will be able to keep learning throughout whatever endeavors come next with the goal of reaching greatness.”Fellow classmate Lia Hartman, Lake Ariel, was named valedictorian of the class of 2025 with a GPA of 100.94.Lia is the daughter of Chad and Mayumi Hartman.Lia also has done numerous activities both inside and outside of the classroom at Western Wayne. She has participated in NHS, Student Council, Marching Band, serving as a drum major her junior and senior years; District and Region Band, Envirothon, Science Olympiad, and FBLA.In the future, she plans to attend The University of Scranton as a biochemistry major and then attend medical school to pursue pathology.“My favorite moment throughout high school was seeing the smile on people’s faces after having a good field show,” Lia said. “I believe the teachers at Western Wayne have pushed me to succeed and provided me with many meaningful opportunities.”
In her valedictorian speech, Lia reminisced about how in her freshman year when she saw that she was ranked first in her class that she had a fleeting thought about what it would be like to deliver a graduation speech. At that time, all she felt was anxiety, but now faced with the reality, she said she felt nothing but honor and pride to get to deliver this speech to her class.Her speech focused on the idea of how motivation is a key aspect in life especially when facing a milestone moment like graduation.“Motivation is a truly powerful force,” Lia said. “It is a psychological drive and combination of our values, goals, and beliefs. It pushes us toward success.”Lia said in preparation of her speech she asked many of her classmates to discuss with her their motivations and found them to be a variety of forces including God, drive for success in sports and academics, along with wanting to inspire others to work hard, and to make family proud.She quoted one of her favorite books, The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, “What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well.”She told her classmates to not lose hope if they find themselves lost in their journey after high school at times, “As long as you latch onto your own motivations, you will continue to trek forward towards the future, and you will undoubtedly find your own well.”She then left her classmates with these words of advice, “Always remind yourself why you decided to go on this journey in the first place. Never let go of that initial spark. I encourage you to go out there and become the inspiration that gives others their sparks.”
Following the speeches, all graduates received their diplomas and were presented as the Class of 2025 to the audience. They then sang the school’s alma mater one last time as a class on stage. The Western Wayne School District wishes all the graduates the best in their bright futures.
Picture one: Senior Elizabeth Washine works on one of her many art projects at Western Wayne. After graduation, she will attend Duquesne University to study secondary education English and creative writing.
Picture two: from left: David Elias, salutatorian, and Lia Hartman, valedictorian, hard at work on a project after being named “most likely to be your boss” for their high school yearbook.
Picture three: from left: Allyson Irvine and Grace Lidy taping a segment for Western Wayne Broadcast which they both worked on this year.
Picture four: from left: high school English teacher Amanda Jenkins, student council co-advisor; Madison Stiffler, Prom Queen; and high school Spanish teacher Sara Orloski; student council co-advisor; at the Homecoming game this past fall when Stiffler was named queen.
Picture five: from left: High School Principal Paul B. Gregorski; senior Mason Rush, Prom King, and his mom Western Wayne high school English teacher Megan Rush. Mason will attend Juniata College this fall with a merit scholarship to study criminal justice and education.
Picture six: from left: Colette Schmitt, who played Sophie; and Lillian Maros, who played Donna; in Western Wayne’s production of Mamma Mia this past spring for their senior year. Lillian has won numerous creative writing and band awards over her time in high school. She plans to start her own business upon graduation and move to Texas with her family. Colette Schmitt will serve an 18 month mission trip for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints after graduation and plans to study to become a chiropractor as her career path.
Picture seven: from left: Stephanie Maxwell, who played Rosie; and Robert Scramuzza, who played Bill in Western Wayne’s production of Mamma Mia this past spring for their senior year. Stephanie will attend The University of Alabama in the fall to study pre-law and minor in theater. Robert will attend RIT in the fall to study engineering.
Picture eight: is senior Rebekah Palko on her horse Paxil at Salem View Farms She has done competitive equestrian for many years, and Paxil was her first horse.
Picture nine: Salutatorian, David Elias III
Picture ten: Valedictorian, Lia Hartman
Picture eleven: The class of 2025 after receiving their diplomas
Picture twelve: The class of 2025 celebrating
List of 2025 Graduates
Mackenzie Jean AdamsZoe Lorah AlbitzThomas John BainLily BarberJacob Alexander BarnaAlexis BarrVallita Princess BelinovaAubrey Shay BellJamal Lee BenedictKayne Michael BihlerTheodore Robert BlackNatalia Lydia BorrelliLillian Grace BronsonMatthew T. BrownConnor Howard BryantAnthony CanzanoDouglas Robert ChapmanJames Samuel ChapmanStacey ChristopherMadelyn Rose ChrobakRiver CollinsNikko CondiAngelina L. CorreaNicholas CotterAndrew CrisseyAddison Grace DanielsEvan Joseph DeanEmily Ann DicelloAnnaliese DickisonHannah Lee DockemeyerAnthony John DonniniLauren Letizia DramisinoMichael Samuel DursoJonathan Hunter DwyerZariah EdmundsDavid John Elias IIIJayla C. FiorellaJeffrey David Foote, Jr.Olivia Giovanna FordAiden Patrick ForneyKalob Alejandro FrankoJordan FrisbieSean James GallifordColton Michael GearyZachary Aiden GibbsCedar C. GilpinJared Joshua GoldmanAddison Lynn GriffinBryan James GuarnizDaniel HallDavid J. HallbergLia Mimi HartmanPaige Elizabeth HaswellJaden Desire HeadenChase HobgoodMaKennah Lynn HolbertColton J. HooseBrianna Michelle HoyerJak Michael HubingerAllyson Grace IrvineJames Ethan JimenezSydney Grace JusticeAlyssa Lynn Ellis KapalskiJayden KellachowAustin D. KenyonKendra May KeryloviczLily Patrice KievaNicole Marie KlimEthan Tyler LambertonGrace K. LangendoerferFrederick Frances Leonetti IIIGrace H. Murphy LidyTravis Mark LockerRyleigh Niccole MahonLance Maiocco, Jr.Matvey MamoshukLillian Grace MarosAddison Brooke MatthewsStephanie K. MaxwellDaymon Robert McGuireRobert William Mildner, Jr.Nelson Edgardo Miranda-MirandaSeth MontijoBryson MoscarelliHayden William MundrakeTeagan S. MurphyBrendan Joseph OlivoMichael Banavan OlivoTyler OvensSean Davon OwensRebekah Lane PalkoOwen S. PalkovicRaegan Alaina PalmerJessica Rose PalopoliNicholas Anthony PaneMercedes D. L. PedersenRobert F. Phillips, Jr.Addyson Bailey PrussJohn Patrick Pyatt IIIAliyah S. RatchfordAnthony Joseph RedmondHunter Baron ReichlingJayden Michael RiveraKarter M. RizziTimothy Richard Roberts, Jr.Noel Michael RodriguezHayden Timmy RomanaskasEvan John RonchiAyden K. RosengrantNikita RudMason Scott RushAbigail Faith SadowskiRyan Michael SchaneColette Ann SchmittKennedy Carolyn Ortman ScottRobert Nicholas ScramuzzaDavis M. SheppardVincent Charles SilonKathryn E. SkirpanThomas Joseph SmithNeima Marie Smith-HorstSienna Skye StevensMadison Naomi StifflerDylan David StookeyAshley Lynn ToscanoBella Marie TrumbullNoah VailJoshua Shawn VintonMakayla Marie WaltonAva Michell WardLandon R. WargoElizabeth Blaire WashineLogan WeaverJulia Ross WehrmannKallie May WehrmannCassidy Ann Zeiler [...]
Charlotte Nebzydoski, RDW Fourth Grade student achieves perfect attendanceJune 13, 2025Charlotte Nebzydoski, Fourth Grade student at Robert D. Wilson Elementary School, was the only RDW student to achieve perfect attendance for the 2024/2025 school year. Charlotte was present for every day of school and was never tardy or dismissed early. Charlotte is a bright light for everyone in the school. Her academics are top notch and the kindness and positivity that she shows daily is truly inspiring. Having Charlotte in the building every day made RDW a better place. Please congratulate Miss Charlotte Nebzydoski on this seemingly impossible accomplishment. RDW is so proud of you, Charlotte! [...]
Hot Rod Club and Drama Club Car Show on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6June 5, 2025The Western Wayne Hot Rod Club and Drama Club will host their 2025 Annual Car Show on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 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.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 Dakota Douglas is excited to partner with the Hot Rod Club for the Car Show. She 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,” Dakota 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 obtain 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,” club vice president, Jason Vass, 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, SEPTEMBER 6, 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. Hope to see you there! [...]
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.
