The Western Wayne High School Semi Formal was held on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Ladore, Waymart. Approximately 300 students, faculty, and security team were in attendance.
Students nominated sophomores Frederick Lauemoeller and Myla Smith as Semi Prince and Princess. Everyone in attendance enjoyed a beautiful Candyland theme for their special evening.
“I had a wonderful experience as Semi Princess,” Myla said.
From left: Paul B. Gregorski, high school principal; Frederick Lauemoeller, Semi Prince; Myla Smith, Semi Princess; and Robert Black, high school assistant principal.
The Western Wayne Drama Club’s Mystery Dinner and Show will take place on Saturday, December 6, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Western Wayne High School Cafeteria. This event is for students grades 8 and up and adults ONLY. Ticket sales EXTENDED until Tuesday, November 25.
The show has an original script written by our very own Western Wayne Drama Club historian Molly French, high school junior. The club is excited to debut their completely student-created show for the community.
This year’s mystery centers around an art gala in which the million- dollar art piece is stolen. Join us for a fun-filled evening and try to figure out who the thief could be. The event will also feature art pieces by Western Wayne alumni and current students.
The public is encouraged to dress in formal wear. Gowns for ladies. Suits and ties or tuxedos for men. There will be many audience prizes given including one for best dressed! Additional prizes for audience participation and the team that solves the mystery with the most details given in their report.
Tickets for adults are $25 and students grades 8th and up along with senior citizens are $20. Cost includes appetizers, soda and water, buffet dinner from RPlace, dessert, and interactive dinner show. Buffet includes: beef, chicken, penne and meatballs, roasted red potatoes, California vegetable medley, salad, and rolls.
Checks may be dropped off at the Middle School or High School main office during regular school hours. Checks should be made payable to WWDP. Checks can also be sent in with any Drama Club student. Please put your returns in a sealed envelope. Any questions, please email jmclaughlin@westernwayne.org Deadline for ticket orders is TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25. Payments can be made in advance or at the door the day of the event.
Payments also with Venmo: @WesternWayneDramaClub
If paying Venmo please clearly state your name, mystery dinner, and how many tickets you are paying for and whether they are for adults and/ or senior citizens.
We hope to see you for this unique evening which is perfect for a date night or night out with friends. Dress up and join the Western Wayne Drama Club on December 6!
Ticket reservation link below for your convenience
Tacos and bananas don’t necessarily go together at mealtime, but they do connect to an initiative for mental health awareness at the Western Wayne Middle School through their involvement in the Avedium program called the “Wear Your Care” campaign. Avedium is a US-based, student-led mental health awareness and suicide prevention program active in schools across the country. Created by students for students, its mission is to “shatter the silence” surrounding depression, suicide, and other youth issues. The name Aevidum means “I’ve got your back”.
As a follow-up to mental health awareness month students are “wearing their care” in the month of November to provoke discussion about emotional well-being. Members of the middle school Avedium group wore taco costumes to gather data on how many people who interacted with them during the day would sincerely check in on their mental state. Of the over one hundred interactions the students recorded, they reported only two remarks of genuine concern.
Western Wayne Middle School principal Casey Newcomer introduced the guest speaker at the Avedium mental-health awareness assembly on Thursday, November 20, and encouraged the student body to continue to strive to care about others in the school community as a priority.
Dr. Matthew Spott, local entrepreneur and suicide prevention counselor with the Crisis Line, Scranton, spoke to the students about his personal journey through mental health struggles. He is the Vice President of U.S. Sales for Uniphar, a global healthcare company that helps pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturers connect with patients and healthcare professionals through education, medical information, and digital engagement.
Over his 17-year career in the pharmaceutical industry, Spott has worked with some of the world’s leading life science companies. In addition, he owns The Lovelton Hotel, a family-friendly sportsman bar, hotel and restaurant in Wyoming County; leadsSpoSho Investments, a real estate company with more than 80 residential units and several community redevelopment projects; and through Spott Inc., he’s opening three new Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop locations throughout Northeast Pennsylvania.
Spott also has several ongoing development projects focused on repurposing abandoned and historic buildings across NEPA into modern, luxury condominiums.
He serves on the Board of Directors for NAMI — the National Alliance on Mental Illness — the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for millions of Americans affected by mental health conditions.
Furthermore, he is the founder of Total Game Changer (TGC) — a mindset and motivation platform that challenges people to take control of their lives and reach their potential. Through TGC, he authored his first book, Game Changer: The Seven Mindsets of Solution-Based Selling for Life-Changing Results, which explores how adopting the right mindset can transform not just how you sell, but how you live.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in Management and Marketing from The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), an MBA in Strategy and International Business from Wilkes University, and a Doctorate in Organizational Development from the University of Southern California (USC).
Above all, Spott is a husband and father first. He lives in the Scranton area with his wife, DeAnna, and their three children, Matthew, Gianni, and Sicilia.
Spott started his presentation by telling a story about a seventeen-year-old young man who one day stood on a bridge contemplating suicide because he felt that his home situation was so terrible. Spott explained how the teenager decided to flip a coin to decide his fate. He later revealed that the struggling teen was himself.
Due to his own battle with mental health issues, Spott decided to dedicate his life to helping others who also struggle and face situations that he did as a teen. He explained that at sixteen he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. After his almost suicide attempt, he coped by being a bully to others until he was 23 years old. At 25 he had to enter a program for substance abuse, and he states that the experience saved his life.
“My life has turned around,” he explained. “It wasn’t easy. When I was younger, I didn’t know how to receive love and kindness. It felt better to make someone else feel horrible.”
After going to therapy for many years, Spott better understands how to handle his anxiety and other emotions. He explained revelations he had in therapy to the students.
“Everyone needs to find coping mechanisms,” he explained. “Talking is the number one thing we can do.”
He encouraged students to find positive outlets for their emotions. Spott recognized that the modern day is an incredibly difficult time in history for teens with the age of social media. He discussed how dopamine rushes are everywhere in the form of short videos, text messages, etc.
“The biggest joy I get right now is giving back,” he explained, encouraging the students to find outlets not connected to the internet to help make their lives more meaningful as his closing remarks. “There are resources all around if you need help. Be kind to each other. It costs nothing to be nice or to just not be mean to others. Be kind to yourselves first then you can be kind to others.”
Pictured is Dr. Matthew Spott speaking to the Western Wayne Middle School student body on Thursday, November 20.
As a tradition for many years, Western Wayne administration, faculty, staff, and students joined together on Monday, Nov. 10, to celebrate veterans in the community with a special in-school event that featured music from the high school band and chorus, a presentation by a keynote speaker, and a question and answer symposium.
Many local veterans attended the presentation at Western Wayne, some of which had special connections to district faculty and students.
Western Wayne teacher and veteran Shane Grodack, USMC retired, acknowledged the Marines 250th birthday in his opening remarks and introduced the Western Wayne High School chorus and band.
One of the band’s musical selections this year featured Western Wayne senior Scott Kurent playing the role of Abraham Lincoln and reading parts of the Gettysburg address. Scott has played many roles in Western Wayne musical productions over the years and was glad to take on this new role for the Veterans Day assembly.
“I was glad to get to relive history for my classmates in this unique way,” Scott said.
After the musical performances, Grodack introduced this year’s keynote speaker, Casey Newcomer, Western Wayne Middle School principal.
Newcomer served for six years in the United States military–four years with the Army National Guard and two years on active duty. His service included an 18-month deployment as an infantry soldier in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
After returning home, Newcomer continued to serve others– this time in the field of education. He graduated from West Chester University, taught biology for several years at a large school outside of Philadelphia, and later earned his master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Immaculata University.
Seeing a need in his district, Newcomer worked to open and lead an alternative school for underserved students. After a decade of service there, he returned with his family to Wayne County where he now serves as the principal of the Western Wayne Middle School.
In his speech, Newcomer called the Western Wayne High School and Middle School study body to action.
“Real strength isn’t about what you achieve yourself, but what you give of yourself to others,” he explained.
Newcomer described a time in his service where he provided food and other necessary goods to a family in need in a developing country. That moment was an eye-opening experience for him in which he realized just how powerful the work of the military is for others in need and what a military presence means in the lives of those struggling in countries greatly affected by war.
“Veterans are living examples of service, sacrifice, and something bigger than themselves,” he said.
In his speech, he challenged the students to live like soldiers no matter what path they choose to take in their lives.
“Choose respect over disrespect. Stand up for what is right,” he encouraged the students. “Your life has purpose when you live it for others.”
Following Newcomer’s address, the annual Veterans symposium took place on stage. The following veterans took part in this year’s panel: Shane Grodack, USMC retired; Gary Sereno, sergeant Army; Robert Smerdon, United States Air Force; Josh Harrison, United States Army; the late George Schaffer, Air Force; Clay Cole, United States Air Force; John Gaudenzi, Sergeant First Class Army, 39-year educator of the Western Wayne School District, who originated the Veterans Day festivities at Western Wayne in 1982 with fellow teacher Marie Casper; Michael Urban, Army CSM retired; Casey Newcomer, Army National Guard; and Kent Swartz, United States Air Force.
Questions were read by Grodack and created by Western Wayne High School history class students.
The veterans discussed how difficult it is to leave family and friends behind to serve along with discussing the many highs and lows of their experiences in various branches of the military.
One of the final questions asked was if the veterans would advise students in the audience to join the service.
Michael Urban, Army CSM retired and father of Western Wayne foreign language teacher Melissa Urban, commented, “The military is a good career, but you really have to prepare yourself mentally and physically for it.”
“There are a lot of advantages to being in the military like seeing and doing things other people would only read about in books,” Urban continued. “ It is a decision you have to make in your heart. Your heart is going to be the key to your success.”
Picture one, kneeling, from left: Mia Arcadipane, Ella Kieva, Kaelyn Chearney, Kamila Rivera, and Bella Kolp. Standing, from left: Shane Grodack, Western Wayne history teacher, USMC retired; Cameron Press, Madison Trapanese, Sydney Sosa, Olivia McGlone, Leah Reeger, Audrey McHugh, Makenzie Chearney, Meghan Rath, Alicia Wertman, Emma Spewak, and Casey Newcomer, Western Wayne Middle School principal, Army National Guard. All students pictured as members of Western Wayne’s Student Ambassador Program who help to serve the community at events such as the Veterans Day Assembly.
Picture two, from left: Shane Grodack, USMC retired; Gary Sereno, sergeant Army; Robert Smerdon, United States Air Force; Josh Harrison, United States Army; the late George Schaffer, Air Force; Clay Cole, United States Air Force; John Gaudenzi, Sergeant First Class Army; Michael Urban, Army CSM retired; Casey Newcomer, Army National Guard; and Kent Swartz, United States Air Force.
Picture Three: Scott Kurent, senior, reads the part of Abraham Lincoln.
Picture Four: Senior Antonio Fisichella plays “Taps” to close out the assembly with junior Jason Vass, not pictured.
Learning rhythms, beats, steps, and choreography isn’t just work for the Rockettes and Broadway stars, Western Wayne High School foreign language students have a yearly tradition of learning Spanish dancing as a part of their curriculum each fall.
Local dance instructor and studio owner Vince Brust works with the Western Wayne students to teach a variety of traditional Spanish dances such as tango, merengue, mambo, and salsa among others. Brust does this as a part of the Artist in Residence Program through NEIU-19.
The students have a few weeks of sessions with Mr. Brust in the fall leading up to a performance for the community this Thursday, November 20, at 7 p.m. in the Western Wayne High School Veterans Memorial Auditorium. Admission is FREE for everyone.
The high school students were thrilled to learn how to dance and get to meet and work more closely with their fellow classmates in the process.
“I am so excited that our students can continue this tradition of sharing their experience of learning Spanish dancing with the community,” Elizabeth Sandrowicz, Western Wayne Spanish teacher said.
There will be about 30 students participating in the Spanish Dance Performance for the local community at 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, in the High School Veterans Memorial Auditorium. Again, admission is FREE for all.
The students and staff involved hope to see you there for what will be about an hour of performance fun.
The Western Wayne Education Association and Western Wayne Administration will be providing a bag filled with supplemental meals & snacks for the winter break.
If your family would benefit from these supplemental meals, please sign up via the QR code below.
Deadline for submission is December 3, 2025.
Distribution will take place at the Western Wayne Middle School main office entrance on Monday, December 22nd from 3:30pm-6:30pm.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Helene Tscheschlog at tscheschlog@westernwayne.org
As an annual Creative Writing 1 tradition at Western Wayne High School in Mrs. Amanda Jenkins’s class, student writers in the elective course competed to give Mrs. Jessica Fullwood’s readers in Multicultural Literature a “strange” thrill by composing a 100-word saga.
This year’s winners were all members of the freshman class! Honorable mention went to Ayden Warner’s “The School” and Tori Dougherty’s “Piercing Eyes.”
Audrey Fitzmorris took the first place “boo-bucket” prize for her eerie saga “Lucky Blood.”
Writers in the course have opted to submit their sagas to a national level competition via the 2025 Young Writers “Stranger Saga” contest with a chance to be accepted for publication.
Winners (pictured left to right): Tori Dougherty, Audrey Fitzmorris, and Ayden Warner.
Members of the Western Wayne High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter recently attended the Pennsylvania FBLA State Leadership Workshop held at Kalahari Resort in the Poconos. The three-day event brought together hundreds of student leaders from across the state for a weekend of professional development, networking, and leadership training.
Western Wayne FBLA members participated in a variety of interactive sessions focused on communication, teamwork, business ethics, and goal setting. Students also had the opportunity to meet with state officers, attend keynote presentations, and collaborate with peers from other chapters to strengthen their leadership skills.
FBLA adviser Mrs. Christine McClure said, “The workshop is a great experience for students to grow as leaders and prepare for success in future business and career opportunities.”
The Western Wayne FBLA chapter looks forward to applying what they learned as they prepare for upcoming regional and state competitions later this school year.
Front row, kneeling, from left: Robbie Carrelle, Grace Moser, Khloe Mistishin, Clare Coccodrilli, and Olivia Gries. Second row, from left: Paul Borowski, Christopher Pane, Vinny Baldini, Kyle Matthews, Graysen Valinski, Aiden Matthews, Madelyn McClure, Maggie Kotchessa, Phoebe Schmitt, Avery Ullner, and Abby Bell.
The Western Wayne High School Marching Band took their show on the road for Halloween festivities on Thursday, Oct. 30.
First, the students gave a performance to elementary students in the district at the R.D. Wilson School and on the same day, they performed in the community at the Julia Ribaudo Nursing Home. They also included in their day a performance for the Western Wayne Middle School, Western Wayne District Office, and Evergreen Elementary School as well.
The band students were thrilled to be able to perform for these very special audiences. All of the students and nursing home residents who got to see the performances felt a lot of Halloween spirit.
“I am so grateful to be able to go out and perform in the community,” senior Kayelin Martin, color guard captain said. “It adds another layer to our performances, and we get to have such fun experiences with new audiences.”
Fellow senior color guard captain student Emma DeNunzio agreed.
“It was so wonderful to be able to go out into the community for our Halloween performances,” Emma said. “I really enjoy performing for various audiences.”
Pictured is the Western Wayne Marching Band and Color Guard with director Elaine Ort and assistant director Maria Arneil posing after their performance in the Western Wayne District Office.
ALL NEWS
Junior Information Night – May 13th – 6:00 PMApril 30, 2026On Thursday, May 13th, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. the Guidance Department will be conducting JuniorInformation Night in the LGI. The purpose of this evening is to inform parents/guardians about:selecting a college/trade school/training program, college cost, the college admissions process,registration and deadlines for the SAT/ACT, general financial aid information, Maia, SmartFutures,military and job opportunities and other important information.
https://ww3.westernwayne.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Junior-Information-Night-letter-to-parents-2026.pdf [...]
Student Council Attend Pennsylvania Association of Student Council Regional ConferenceApril 23, 2026Members of Western Wayne High School Student Council attended the Pennsylvania Association of Student Council Region H’s Annual Conference on Friday, April 17, hosted by Wyoming Valley West. There were hundreds of middle and high school students from area schools in the region in attendance.
Mr. Mason Wooldridge gave a presentation. Wooldridge encouraged students to remember that “things don’t happen to you; they happen for you” and encouraged them to take on challenges in life and know that everything is an opportunity for learning and growth.
In addition, Pennsylvania State Representative Mr. Alec Ryncavage, who represents the 119th Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, serving parts of Luzerne County, also gave a presentation. He was a WVW graduate who spoke about feeling called to public service at a young age and the responsibility he holds for representing 65k residents and encouraged students to follow their calling.
Another part of the experience involved students attending three different workshops of their choice. The workshops all focused on student leadership, teamwork, mental health, fundraising, and making connections with a fun twist. For example, they were able to make slime, friendship bracelets, and participate in breakout rooms.
Finally, there was a College/Vendor Fair that had 44 tables at the event.
Front row, from left: Evan Davitt, Ava Fiorella, Layla Persaud, Leah Reeger, Raelyn Simpson, and Meghan Rath. Back row, from left: Haley McGuire, Lillian Gilchrist, Olivia McGlone, Jailah McRae, Mackenzie Wehrmann, and Alexis Gill. [...]
High School March Students of the MonthApril 23, 2026The following students were recognized by the Student Council as students of the month for March. 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, is our selected freshman Xavier James. He’s a hard worker who actively participates in class and is extremely polite and respectful. He always strives to push himself to be his best. He is described as respectful, polite, hardworking, and all-around great young man, strong athlete with a commitment to his academics, kind, gets along well with both classmates and teachers, and diligent. It is also noted that he works hard to stay on top of his sports and classes.
Next, Leah Reeger is our chosen sophomore this month. She always participates during class, does her own work, and wants to learn. She is described as polite, hardworking, dependable, a stand-out amongst her peers, helps others, kind, a role model, and has integrity. In addition, it is noted that she is creative, insightful, dedicated, mature, hard-working, and courteous.
In addition, Makenzie Chearney is this month’s featured junior. She is noted as hard-working, completes all assignments on time, helps her peers, intelligent, friendly, determined and caring.
Finally, Katarina Shumski is our senior spotlight this month. Katarina’s teachers say she quietly goes about her business and is impeccable with her organization, school work, and time management. In addition, they note she is hard-working, dependable, considerate, reliable, and dependable because she is always on task.
The Western Wayne School District congratulates these March students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.
From left: Katarina Shumski, Leah Reeger, Makenzie Chearney, and Xavier James. [...]
FBLA Students Shine at PA State Leadership Conference in HersheyApril 23, 2026HERSHEY, PA — Students from Western Wayne High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter demonstrated outstanding achievement, leadership, and professionalism at the Pennsylvania FBLA State Leadership Conference held this week in Hershey.
Throughout the multi-day conference, students participated in a wide range of enriching experiences designed to build career readiness and leadership skills. Attendees engaged in competitive events, attended dynamic leadership workshops, explored career pathways at the expo, and collaborated with peers from across the state. These sessions provided students with opportunities to strengthen their communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, hallmarks of FBLA’s mission to prepare students for success in business and beyond.
Western Wayne proudly celebrates Grady Farley, who earned an impressive 4th-place finish in the event of Agribusiness, qualifying him for the FBLA National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas, in June. This exceptional accomplishment reflects his dedication and expertise.
The chapter also congratulates Kaelyn Chearney for her 10th-place finish in Introduction to FBLA, showcasing her strong foundational knowledge and competitive spirit.
In the Business Ethics event, the team of Khloe Mistishin, Maggie Kotchessa, and Grace Moser advanced to the final round, demonstrating excellence in ethical reasoning, teamwork, and presentation skills at a highly competitive level.
Western Wayne FBLA members competed across a wide range of events, including:
Abigail Bell – Member at Large/Voting Delegate
Eli Bilski – Human Resource Management
Paul Borowski – Banking and Financial Systems
Julia Burry – Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure
Robert Carrelle – Banking and Financial Systems
Kaelyn Chearney – Introduction to FBLA
Makenzie Chearney – Journalism
Roxanne Dugan – Healthcare Administration
Paityn Duprey – Business Communication
Grady Farley – Agribusiness
Madison Forgione – Future Business Educator
Raegan Fox – Member at Large/Voting Delegate
Lillian Gilchrist – Introduction to Supply Chain Management
Charlianne Hachikian – Business Law
Justin Jimenez – Real Estate
Madison Kizer – Advertising
Kaitlyn Kloss – Introduction to FBLA
Maggie Kotchessa – Business Ethics
Raeleigh Kromko- Computer Applications
Kelsey Lokuta – Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure
Aiden Matthews – Banking and Financial Systems
Kyle Matthews – Introduction to Information Technology
Madelyn McClure – Organizational Leadership
Khloe Mistishin – Business Ethics
Grace Moser – Business Ethics
Madison Trapanese – Hospitality and Event Management
Graysen Valinski – Networking Infrastructure
Avery Vinton – Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure
Bryn Vinton – Business Communication
Madelyn Vinton – Computer Applications
Annie Williams – Job Interview
In addition to competitive success, several students were recognized for their leadership contributions at the regional level. Madelyn McClure was honored for her service as the 2025–2026 Region 22 Treasurer and was officially welcomed into her new role as the 2026–2027 Region 22 President, a testament to her leadership and commitment to FBLA.
The chapter also recognizes Raegan Fox and Abigail Bell, who served as Members-at-Large and voting delegates, representing Western Wayne in important conference decisions and leadership proceedings.
The State Leadership Conference is an incredible opportunity for our students to grow as leaders, connect with peers, and apply their skills in real-world scenarios. As their adviser, I am extremely proud of their hard work, accomplishments, and the way they represented Western Wayne. Students were also accompanied by Mrs. Megan Rush and Mr. Tim McClure, who are themselves WW FBLA Alumni.
The Western Wayne FBLA chapter looks forward to continuing its tradition of excellence and wishes Grady Farley the best of luck as he prepares to compete on the national stage this summer.
Picture one, front row, from left: Lillian Gilchrist, Madison Kizer, Kaelyn Chearney, Madison Trapanese, Khloe Mistishin, Grace Moser, and Maggie Kotchessa. Second row, from left: Madison Forgione, Madelyn McClure, Makenzie Chearney, Bryn Vinton, Annie Williams, Paityn Duprey, Madelyn Vinton, Julia Burry, Kaitlyn Kloss, and Avery Vinton. Third row, from left: Raegan Fox, Grady Farley, Abigail Bell, Eli Bilski, Kyle Matthews, Paul Borowski, Graysen Valinski, Robbie Carrelle, and Aiden Matthews.
Picture two, from left: Kaelyn Chearney, 10th-place finish in Introduction to FBLA; and Grady Farley, 4th-place finish in the event of Agribusiness. [...]
JA Inspire – Career Exploration Experience – 2026April 15, 2026JA Inspire – Career Exploration Experience – 2026 Western Wayne Juniors were able to attend Junior Achievement’s interactive career fair with over 80 different presenting organizations! [...]
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.
