Western Wayne Special Olympians in the elementary, middle, and high schools had another successful year at the 13th Annual Track and Field Area P Special Olympics that took place on May 8 at the Delaware Valley High School stadium.
“It’s an incredible experience for our students,” special education teacher Mrs. Sarah Rickert explained. “They all take it very seriously. There is something magical about seeing the wheelchairs lined up and ready to go for some of the races.”
One such student who had the chance to participate in races at Special Olympics with his wheelchair was Western Wayne senior Sebastian Tomasetti. He competed in the 25 meter speed and 50 meter speed.
“I had fun,” Sebastian said.
Rickert explained that a lot of the other students had really nice wheelchairs in the race this year and that Sebastian was racing with a new chair as well.
Sebastian’s classmate ninth grader Michael Phillips participated in a variety of Special Olympics events including: shot put, 100M dash, and the long jump.
“I liked seeing old friends at the event,” Michael said.
Rickert explained that one highlight of Special Olympics for the students is to reconnect with former classmates who have since graduated from Western Wayne.
“Outside agencies bring people to the event, so it is nice to see the students have a reunion of sorts,” Rickert said.
A student who enjoyed reuniting with former classmates was senior Marisol Henkel. Along with having fun with friends that were both former and current classmates, Marisol participated in the softball throw, long jump, and 100M dash.
Rickert described the Special Olympics as having an open format in which parents can move about freely to support their children. Sebastian, Michael, and Marisol had parents in attendance.
Along with the support of parents, friends, and teachers, the students were treated to the support of the Delaware Valley Marching Band who came out to play some music for all to enjoy.
Rickert said her students really enjoyed the music along with the support of Delaware Valley Elementary students who spent some time in the stands cheering on all of the Special Olympians.
A great day was had by all involved. Western Wayne participated along with students from Wayne Highlands, Wallenpaupack, and Delaware Valley among other schools and local agencies.
This year, as a special treat, the Western Wayne students wore bright yellow t-shirts to show their Wildcat pride and pride for themselves as unique individuals.
“The shirts had the word ‘disability’ on them with the ‘dis’ crossed out,” Rickert explained. “I think the message was powerful.”
Annual Art Exhibit Spring Concert
May 18, 2019
Exhibit at 1 p.m. in the high school’s gym
Concert at 3 p.m. in the Veterans Memorial Auditorium
Western Wayne School District hosted the Annual NEIU Reading Competition on Wednesday, May 8. Numerous area schools competed in both the high school and middle school divisions of the competition. Hundreds of students participated in the event that celebrates a love for reading. A team from North Pocono placed first for the high school division and a team from Forest City placed first for the middle school division. Congratulations to all involved! Pictured are some Western Wayne Middle School students who participated. From left standing: Kylie Merring, Elizabeth Wasylyk, Anna Mangieri, Chaz Smith, and Ella Merring. From left kneeling: Alyson Buchinski, Emily Brophy, Ashley Small Bermudez, and Adam Kellogg.
The link below is the official press release from the American School Counselor Association regarding the 2018-2019 RAMP-certified schools. R.D. Wilson is one of only 71 schools across the country who were awarded this designation this year.
“ASCA officially announces the 2019 RAMP Schools.
71 schools across the U.S. obtained RAMP designation for the 2018-19 SY. The RAMP designation, awarded for aligning with the criteria in the ASCA National Model, recognizes schools committed to delivering a comprehensive, data-informed school counseling program and an exemplary educational environment. Since the program’s inception, nearly 900 schools have been designated as RAMP recipients.”
The Harlem Wizards will host an event in the Western Wayne High School gym on Tuesday, April 30 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. They will wow the crowd with their basketball tricks on the court along with playing a team of Western Wayne faculty and staff. Proceeds from the event will support the Western Wayne football program. Advance ticket sales: $10 for students; $15 general admission; $25 court-side plus (online only). Court-side plus includes: meet and greet, free photo, reserve seat and $10 off a jersey—Only 60 court-side seats available. At the door: $12 students; $17 general admission. Tickets are available in all Western Wayne School offices or online at www. Harlemwizards.com
Recently Western Wayne students at Robert D. Wilson Elementary, Evergreen Elementary and the Middle and High Schools were treated to a visit from David Paul of the Harlem Wizards. He gave them a preview of the event along with teaching basketball moves to student volunteers and talking to students about showing respect for elders. All Western Wayne students, faculty, and staff from Kindergarten through 12th grade are excited for this unique event happening at their district and invite the public to come and join them for an evening of fun.
“When I’m stuck with a day that’s gray and lonely / I just stick up my chin and grin and say the sun will come out tomorrow,” Annie sings this throughout the classic musical named after its leading lady.
The curtain will rise for Western Wayne Drama Club’s production, of Annie, a show that will surely brighten up anyone’s day, at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 26, at the high school in the Veterans Memorial Auditorium. Additional performances will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 27; and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 28. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens. Western Wayne students are free with a student ID.
This production will leave audiences humming many of the classic songs from the show such as “Maybe,” “Easy Street,” and, of course, “Tomorrow.” Audiences will even be treated to seeing Annie’s special guest star, local dog Daisy Press who will play Annie’s dog Sandy.
Daisy’s owner is Mrs. Christine Press, treasurer of the Western Wayne Drama Parent Club, who is excited for her pup to make her acting debut on the Western Wayne stage. Daisy attended the Drama Club’s character breakfast, which was sponsored and run by the Western Wayne Drama Parent Club, earlier this month and was a hit with kids of all ages.
The Drama Parent Club will have a table of show memorabilia for sale at this weekend’s performances with all of the proceeds benefiting Western Wayne Drama Club students. They will also sell raffle tickets throughout the weekend for a special Annie-themed teddy bear dressed like Annie.
This bear was modeled after teddy bears auctioned off on Broadway in New York City. Tickets for the bear will be sold all weekend with the drawing taking place on Sunday. You do not have to be present at the Sunday show to win the prize.
In addition, the Western Wayne Band Parents will also have refreshments available for purchase at the show will all proceeds benefiting Western Wayne Band students.
Many band, chorus, and a variety of other students are involved in the production. Western Wayne Drama Club students in grades 8 through 12 have been hard at work on the musical since December. Students are involved in a variety of facets from playing roles on stage, to building and moving sets as stage crew members, to playing musical instruments in the pit band.
This is a very special production for all involved especially for some senior cast members. One such student is R.J. Clemens who has performed on stage with Western Wayne musical productions since his 8th grade year when he played a Wicksham Brother in Seussical. He moved on to playing lead roles for the rest of his high school career including taking on the roles of Shrek in Shrek, Albert Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie, Jimmy Winters in Nice Work if You Can Get It, and now Oliver Warbucks in Annie.
“It’s always a lot of fun to work on productions like these,” R.J. said. “I get to make a lot of new friends and create many memories.”
R.J. has enjoyed all of his roles in Western Wayne musicals. He names the “100 Ways Ballet,” which was a fantasy dance sequence from Bye Bye Birdie in which his love interest imagines different ways to end his life, as one of his favorites because of its uniqueness along with the musical number “I Don’t Need Anything But You” from this year’s production.
“I really think the audience will enjoy this piece because it’s when Annie and Warbucks’ relationship as father and daughter is solidified,” R.J. explained. “We get to share a special song and dance together in front of the entire mansion staff, who have been hoping for this happy moment since first meeting Annie’s character.”
Eighth grader Amanda David makes her Western Wayne musical debut in the title role. This is Amanda’s first leading role in a production, and she is thrilled to share what she and the rest of the cast have been working on with the community this weekend.
“I saw Annie on Broadway when I was younger,” Amanda explained. “This is a role I have always wanted to play, and I can’t wait to do it for an audience.”
Amanda is delighted to share the stage with some of her eighth grade classmates who play orphans including: Larissa Ellsworth who plays Tessie; Jenna Frable who plays Pepper; and Julia Phillips who plays Kate.
“My favorite part about playing Kate is when she has lines annoying Miss Hannigan,” Julia explained. “I also really enjoy the musical number ‘Little Girls’ because of how different it is.”
In “Little Girls,” Hannigan sings about her never-ending frustrations of having to be around the girls in the orphanage. During it, all of the orphans do a contemporary-style dance in which they move like puppets being manipulated by Hannigan.
The rest of the orphans are played by Natasha Orehek as Molly, Haley Strocchia as July, and Ava Compton as Duffy.
“It’s awesome to work with so many talented students in each scene,” Amanda said.
Another one of these talented students is none other than Miss Hannigan herself played by junior Sydney Peet.
Sydney has been a part of the ensemble for previous Western Wayne productions with this being her first year playing a leading role.
“I really enjoy playing a character that has sides to her personality that are different from how I usually act,” Sydney explained. “It’s fun to play Hannigan when she is flirtatious or creating conflict with other characters.”
One such moment is during Act One when Hannigan and Grace Farrell, Oliver Warbucks’ secretary played by junior Andie Solimine, have an argument about how long Annie should stay with Warbucks while pulling back and forth on one of the orphan’s dolls.
Sydney also shares the stage with two other cast mates who have many comical moments in the show. Junior John Nichols plays Rooster Hannigan and sophomore Lily Visceglia plays his girlfriend Lily St. Regis. The two conspire with Hannigan to get the money Warbucks eventually offers to find Annie’s parents. The three sing about their big plans for living a life of luxury in the musical number “Easy Street.”
Another character in Annie who actually wants to help Oliver Warbucks in his quest to find Annie’s real parents is none other than President Roosevelt played by sophomore Alex Taylor. Roosevelt, also, has many funny moments throughout Act Two, especially when he leads his Cabinet in a rendition of “Tomorrow” in hopes of rising their spirits to help him come up with the idea of the historically infamous “New Deal.”
“One of my favorite parts is when I get to sing my solo in the Cabinet scene,” Alex said. “It’s really neat to get to play a character as iconic as Roosevelt for my first role in a musical production. This is my first year in chorus and after seeing last year’s musical I knew that I really wanted to get involved with it and experience what it’s like to be on stage.” Alex takes the stage with all of the other students involved in Western Wayne Drama Club’s production of Annie on Friday night at 7 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium at the high school. Everyone involved invites the community to come out and see these talented students shine in the telling of this classic musical perfect for all ages.
Parents and Community members, please take a moment to add your input into this critical survey. Thank you!
Wayne Memorial Hospital, Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers and community leadership throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania are conducting our 2019 study on health care needs and priorities, which will guide the development of new or expanded programming and services in the Wayne/Pike/Carbondale/Forest City area. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete by accessing https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CHNA19
The Western Wayne Drama Club will present the classic musical Annie. Annie is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com. Performances by Western Wayne students will take place Friday, April 26 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 27 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 28 at 3 p.m. in the Western Wayne Veterans Memorial Auditorium located at 1970A Easton Turnpike, Lake Ariel, PA 18436. Students and senior citizens $3 dollars for tickets and adults $5 for tickets. Western Wayne students’ admission free with a student ID.
BOOK A SESSION NOW! Senior portraits will be taken July 9th, 10th, and 11th.June 30, 2025We are excited to announce that Upstate Images has been chosen as the official senior photographer for the Class of 2026.
Senior portraits will be taken at the Western Wayne High School July 9th, 10th, and 11th. The location is tbd due to construction in the school. Scheduling a portrait session with Upstate Images is essential to ensure your child’s inclusion in the yearbook.
To book a portrait session, scan the QR code or visit the Upstate Images website: https://www.upstate-images.com/seniors. Select the Binghamton Southern Tier when booking your appointment.Yearbook Portrait Requirements: ● Select your favorite CAP AND GOWN photo by 11/20/25. ● Any images that do not follow these specs or are not selected by this deadline will be picked by the WWHS Yearbook team.
Sitting Options and Fees: (Sitting fees are prepaid online when the session is booked.)
● Platinum: $40 sitting fee includes 25-30 images (traditional yearbook attire, cap and gown, three casual outfits, multiple backgrounds)● Gold: $30 sitting fee includes up to 20 images (traditional yearbook attire, cap and gown, two casual outfits, multiple backgrounds)● Silver: $15 sitting fee includes up to 15 images (traditional yearbook attire, cap and gown, one casual outfit, multiple backgrounds)● Yearbook Only: Free session for those who need it. This includes four images in yearbook attire only.
Call 1-855-773-3321 to book this session. [...]
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! [...]
