Trina was a 6x Dist. Champion at Lakeland High School. Also PIAA State champion, high jump ’04; PIAA State runner-up, high jump ’06; SX PIAA State medalist; She was 3X Lackawanna League Div. All-Star; 2X Scranton Times All-Reg. Girls’ track Performer of the Year; member of Lakeland Girls’ 4×400 relay team, running Lacka. Track Conf. All-time best time of 4:00.86 in ’05. She was a key member of Girls’ track teams, with 4 straight div. championships; 3 Jordan relay titles & 2 Dist. championships. At East Stroudsburg University, Trina was a 3X NCAA National Championship qualifier (Heptathlon/Pentathlon); Women’s track/field All-Time Cont. Championship point scorer; 2x Conf. champion; ranks top 5 All-Time @ ESU in 4 Indoor track events, and top 5 All-Time in 6 outdoor track events.
On Friday, October 10th, in celebration of the 2026 WCAA Student Art Show theme “Trees”, RDW Elementary partnered with the Wayne County Arts Alliance and the Wayne County Conservation District to plant a native Pin Oak tree. First and fifth graders helped make the day a success, with beautiful weather, art, and learning rooted in nature!
On Friday, October 10th, Robert D. Wilson Elementary School was proud to host a tree planting ceremony in cooperation with the Wayne County Arts Alliance (WCAA). First and fifth grade students participated in this special event celebrating art, nature, and community! Each year, RDW art students take part in the annual WCAA Student Art Show. The theme for the upcoming 2026 show is “Trees.” To celebrate this theme and promote the exhibit, the WCAA—along with forest specialist Trevor Tochydlowski of the Wayne County Conservation District—donated a native tree to each participating school as a lasting reminder of the art show’s message. During the ceremony, WCAA Director Debby Pollack read a poem by Sarah Coleridge and excerpts from Wishtree by Katherine Applegate, encouraging students to reflect on the importance of trees, growth, and imagination. Mr. Tochydlowski spoke about the value of planting and conserving native species and shared interesting facts about the Pin Oak. He then planted RDW’s new Pin Oak tree beside the Buddy Bench, where it will provide shade and inspiration for years to come. In preparation for the ceremony, RDW art students created tree- and nature-inspired projects. Kindergarteners made acorns and. First graders studied the art of Gustav Klimt, using his famous Tree of Life as inspiration for their own collaborative mural! The students were proud to have their mural on display during today’s ceremony!.
Fire Safety was held at EverGreen on Friday, October 10th. EverGreen Elementary hosted Hamlin Fire & Rescue, Lake Ariel Volunteer Fire Company, and Ledgedale Volunteer Fire Company where local emergency personnel presented students with life saving strategies and showed different pieces of equipment that they use. Students also were able to tour apparatus that local companies had on campus that day. The fire companies presented gloves to all students. We would like to thank these fire companies for coming to EverGreen for the presentation and helping our students understand ways to be safe.
Western Wayne School District hosted their annual Homecoming festivities the first week of October. Members of the Homecoming Court, student athletes, the marching band, and our beloved mascot, Westie, all had the chance to visit with our young Wildcats at EverGreen Elementary, R.D ,and the Western Wayne Middle School on Wednesday,Thursday, and Friday, respectively.
The high school students shared stories and laughter with the elementary students, encouraging them to become active in all of the wonderful activities we have at Western Wayne. Students were inspired to dance to the music and know that one day they, too, can be a member of our talented band!
They also made connections with our student athletes, as they enthusiastically shared their own experiences in sports and encouraged them to continue putting forth their best effort on the field and in the classroom.
Members of the Homecoming Court enjoyed talking with the students and seeing the smiles on their faces as they realized they had something in common, whether it was sports, music, or a hobby. At the conclusion of the visits, the younger students were all invited to attend the Homecoming ceremony and football game on Friday, Oct. 3.
“It was really fun to interact with the younger students and promote Homecoming,” Xavier Graham, homecoming court member, said.
Prior to the ceremony and football game, high school students gathered in the afternoon for a Pep Rally and an after-school tailgate, where they were provided with free food, ice cream, and a chance to vote for their favorite chili in the administrator/faculty/staff annual Chili Cook-Off!
Students enjoyed music, games, and time with their friends, teachers, administrators, faculty and staff members before going to the stadium to see our Homecoming King and Homecoming Queen crowned!
The winners were Vinny Baldini and Audrey Agnello, both of Waymart. High school students culminated the week’s fun festivities with a Homecoming Dance on Saturday evening!
Photos courtesy of Madelyn McClure.
Picture one, Homecoming Court on Friday, Oct. 3, at the Homecoming Game vs. West Scranton, from left: Xavier Graham, Logan Vinton, Paul Borowski, Robbie Carrelle, Vinny Baldini, homecoming king; Audrey Agnello, homecoming queen; Madison Trapanese, Hannah DeStefano, Khloe Mistishin, and Maggie Kotchessa.
Picture two, Homecoming Court during their Western Wayne Middle School visit, from left: Xavier Graham, Audrey Agnello, Logan Vinton, Madison Trapanese, Khloe Mistishin, Paul Borowski, Robbie Carrelle, Maggie Kotchessa, and Hannah DeStefano. Missing from photo: Vinny Baldini.
Photo three, EverGreen Elementary students with Westie the Wildcat, from left: Hattie Williams, Amelia Kosciuk, Avery Orloski, Henry Williams, Nathan Kloss, and Jack Shehadi.
Photo four, Western Wayne High School students promote Homecoming at EverGreen Elementary School, from left: Adam Erb, Nicholas Fisichella, Gideon Jezorwski, Antonio Fisichella, Maggie Kotchessa, Audrey Agnello, Khloe Mistishin, Hannah DeStefano, Madison Trapanese, Logan Vinton, Robbie Carrelle, Vinny Baldini, Paul Borowski, Xavier Graham, Kaitlin Wargo, Lola Vertalics, Mackenzie Warnock, Laila Rainford, Lucky Balmer, Bella Hayden, and Lylah Bucksbee. From left, seated: Charlotte Nutt, Alex DeCandis, Judah Strocchia, Braden Laity, Ciarra Kidder, Phoebe Schmitt, Cassidy Levens, Joey Tickner, Olivia Haines, and Tori Walton.
Photo five, Western Wayne High School students promote Homecoming at RDW, standing, row four: Lucky Balmer, Zachary Wilbur, Noah Sandifer, and Mackenzie Warnock. From left, standing, row three: Evan Davitt, Jacob Wells, Graysen Valinski, Aiden Matthews, Michael Kaminsky, Adam Erb, Gideon Jezorwski, and Bella Hayden.
From left, seated, row two: Roxie Dugan, Makayla Moser, Jason Vass, Joseph Roses, Tori Walton, Madie Kizer, Makenzie Chearney, and Kera Edwards. From left, seated, row one: Xavier Graham, Robbie Carrelle, Paul Borowski, Vinny Baldini, Hannah DeStefano, Khloe Mistishin, Maggie Kotchessa, Madison Trapanese, and Audrey Agnello.
Western Wayne hosted their fall bi-anual cavalcade this past Oct. 1 to a near sold out stadium. Nine local high school marching bands performed their field shows for each other and the community. It was a beautiful night to celebrate music with this group of talented students.
The following bands performed: North Pocono, Dunmore, Greater Nanticoke Area, Abington Heights, Valley View, Honesdale, Delaware Valley, and Riverside. To close the evening, Western Wayne had the honor of performing their 2025 Monsters themed field show featuring the following songs: Beetlejuice, Godzilla, Devil Went Down to Georgia, and Frankenstein .
The Western Wayne School District thanks the schools who attended this event and the community for their support as well.
The Western Wayne Marching Band is under the direction of Mrs. Elaine Ort. Western Wayne drum majors this year are Isabella Hayden and Antonio Fisichella; color guard captains Kayelin Martin and Emma DeNunzio.
“A home cavalcade performance always feels exceptionally special when the audience gets on their feet for our closing performance,” Kayelin, five-year member and three-year captain said. “We are all so grateful for their support. I am glad to have had the opportunity to participate in a home cavalcade as part of my senior year.”
Pictured are student leadership from all nine schools in attendance from left Mrs. Elaine Ort, Western Wayne band director, Western Wayne, North Pocono, Delaware Valley, Greater Nanticoke Area, Riverside, Valley View, Dunmore, Honesdale, and Abington Heights.
The October edition of Scholarships & Career Opportunities is now available. All grades should read this document to get information on college, careers, important dates, SAT/ACT exams and of course…scholarships!
Pictured are members of the 2025 Western Wayne Homecoming Court, front row, from left: Maggie Kotchessa and Xavier Graham. Second row, from left: Paul Borowski, Khloe Mistishin, Audrey Agnello, and Vinny Baldini. Third row, from left: Robbie Carrelle, Hannah DeStefano, Logan Vinton, and Madison Trapanese.
The Western Wayne School District invites the community to attend its annual homecoming game this coming Friday, Oct. 3 vs. West Scranton. The public is encouraged to bring a donation for our Food Drive to the game and will gain free admission for doing so. The donation truck will be near the gate of the Sharkey Rosetti Stadium.
The Western Wayne Homecoming Court presentation will begin about 6:30 p.m.. The ten seniors on this year’s court feel extremely honored and excited to be a part of this ensemble.
Members of the court include: Hannah DeStefano, Xavier Graham, Audrey Agnello, Maggie Kotchessa, Khloe Mistishin, Robbie Carrelle, Vinny Baldini, Paul Borowski, Madison Trapanese, and Logan Vinton.
All of our senior court members have been highly involved during their time at Western Wayne in a variety of clubs, sports, and other activities.
First, Hanah DeStefano, South Canaan, has participated in four years of softball and volleyball; three years of basketball; four years of Student Council, and three years of Future Business Leaders of America, FBLA.
Upon graduation, she plans to play softball at a four-year university and major in medical sonography. She has thoroughly enjoyed her science classes at Western Wayne with some of her favorite times being in those classrooms.
“Some of my favorite high school memories were spending all of my free time in Ms. Masankay’s room,” she said.
Next, Xavier Graham, Lake Ariel, has been involved in four years of Drama Club, Marching Band, and Ultimate Frisbee; three years of Stage Crew; two years of Chess Club; and one year of Anime Club.
For his future plans, he wishes to attend Marywood University to major in arts and performance.
One of his most memorable moments in high school involved one of his favorite teachers.
“I will always remember dancing to ‘Soda Pop’ with Mrs. Ort in the band room,” he said.
Another featured member of our court is Audrey Agnello, Waymart, who has participated in numerous activities including: ten years of competitive swimming; six years of Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science, PJAS; fours years of track and field, cross country, Youth Advisory Committee, high school swimming, FBLA, Student Ambassador group, and CATS Club; three years of National Honor Society, NHS; and one year of Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.
In addition, she has held the following leadership positions: current vice president of CATS Club, four years as Student Council class president, and current president of NHS.
She plans to use all of her leadership experience to help her pursue her career goal of becoming a labor and delivery nurse. Audrey has always been a person who has worked to overcome any obstacles in path to excellence.
“I will always remember returning to school after my spinal fusion,” she said. “I walked into the gym and was surrounded by a warm welcome of friends and teachers that made me feel so loved.”
Another featured court member is Maggie Kotchessa, Lake Ariel, who has also been involved in many activities including: four years of volleyball, basketball, FBLA, and Student Council; three years of NHS; and two years of softball.
Upon graduation, she wants to attend a four-year university to become a special education teacher.
She has always valued friendship and helping others during her time at Western Wayne.
“Some of my best times in school were walking with my friend Anthony between classes,” she said.
Next, Khloe Mistishin, Lake Ariel, is another member of our court who has been highly involved during her time in school with the following activities: four years of varsity soccer, basketball, softball, FBLA and Student Council; and three years of NHS.
Her future plans are to attend college with a major in speech pathology. She has enjoyed her time with both her guidance counselor and best friend the most in her high school years.
“I will always remember hanging out in Mrs. Gribble’s office with Grace,” she said.
Next, featured gentleman on our court is Robbie Carrelle, Sterling, another highly involved student who has participated in the following: four years of indoor and outdoor track and soccer; and three years of FBLA, NHS, and Envirothon.
Upon graduation, he wishes to pursue track in college and aspires to become a financial advisor.
Robbie has always enjoyed using humor to brighten his classmates and teachers’ days. One such moment like this led to his favorite memory.
“I will always remember when I told my friend Logan he couldn’t fit under the bus, and Ms. Masankay sent us to the guidance,” he said.
In addition, Vinny Baldini, Waymart, an accomplished Western Wayne athlete is also a member of this year’s court having been involved in the following: four years of varsity football and baseball; two years of varsity track and field; and three years of FBLA and Student Council. Also, he is the current student body president.
For his future plans, Vinny wishes to attend a four-year college to play football and major in education.
Vinny has always enjoyed spending time with his friends in school.
“I especially enjoyed the moments I spent with my friends throughout my junior year,” he said.
Next, Paul Borowski, Waymart, is another accomplished Western Wayne student, who has participated in the following sports and activities: four years of football and wrestling; three years of FBLA and NHS; and two years of track and field and Envirothon.
Upon graduation, he plans to attend a four-year college and major in civil engineering.
He has many favorite memories with the best ones involving sports travel.
“I will always remember staying overnight at the hotels during wrestling tournaments,” he said.
Our final featured young lady on the court is Madison Trapanese, Lake Ariel, who has also done many activities throughout her school years including: FBLA, Envirothon, 339 group, Avedium, Student Council, Student Ambassador group, NHS, Yearbook, Junior Leadership Northern Poconos, and National Honor Society of High School Scholars. In addition, she also notes going to the gym and helping with her family businesses as important parts of her high school years.
Upon graduation, she wishes to either attend Lackawanna College to earn an associate’s degree in ultrasound or to attend St. Joseph’s University to earn an associate’s degree in nuclear medicine technology.
As is the theme with many of our Homecoming Court students, her favorite memory also included beloved teacher Ms. Masankay.
“I will always remember her Honors Chemistry class,” she said.
Finally, Logan Vinton, Waymart, is a featured gentleman on our court who is highly involved in sports and school clubs including: four years of Hot Rod Club; three years of NHS and soccer, and one year of baseball. In addition, he is an Aevidum member.
For his future plans, he wishes to attend college at Lackawanna for petroleum and natural gas.
He will always remember his time with his teammates in school.
“My favorite memory is hanging out with my friends on the way to soccer games,” he said.
All of the members of our homecoming court look forward to bonding with each other and making memories during homecoming at Friday’s game. The court along with the rest of the Western Wayne community invite the public to join them on Friday, Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m. for the homecoming festivities followed by the game.
Pictured are members of the 2025 Western Wayne Homecoming Court, front row, from left: Maggie Kotchessa and Xavier Graham. Second row, from left: Paul Borowski, Khloe Mistishin, Audrey Agnello, and Vinny Baldini. Third row, from left: Robbie Carrelle, Hannah DeStefano, Logan Vinton, and Madison Trapanese.
Seniors, You are invited to the Class of 2026 Senior Sunrise on your last 1st day of school. Please check your email to RSVP.
ALL NEWS
Scholarships & Career Opportunities – May EditionMay 4, 2026The May edition of Scholarships & Career Opportunities is now available. All grades should read this document to get information on college, careers, important dates, SAT/ACT exams and of course…scholarships!
Click here: https://ww3.westernwayne.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Scholarships-and-Career-Opportunities-May-2026.pdf [...]
Western Wayne Annual Art Exhibit & Spring Concerts on May 9May 4, 2026Western Wayne’s annual art exhibit and spring concerts will take place on Saturday, May 9.
The art exhibit will run in the high school gymnasium from 2 to 5 p.m. It will mainly feature high school artwork with special displays by our seniors. In addition, a select sample of middle and elementary student artwork will be on display.
The concert schedule is as follows: the sixth-grade concert will begin at 11 a.m.; the seventh- grade concert will begin at 1 p.m., the eighth- grade concert will begin at 3 p.m.; and the high school concert will begin at 5 p.m. with all concerts in the Veterans Memorial Auditorium at the high school.
There will be concessions for sale in the high school cafeteria throughout the day. All events are free of charge. Please join us in the celebrating the arts in our school. [...]
Two Western Wayne Students Place at All-State BandMay 4, 2026 Western Wayne senior percussionists Antonio Fisichella and Nicholas Fisichella placed second and third respectively at PMEA’s All-State Band event this past weekend of April 24. It is a great accomplishment to place at All-State Band, which is very competitive. The district congratulates these students and their director, Mrs. Elaine Ort.
Picture one, from left: Antonio Fisichella and Nicholas Fisichella. Picture two, from left: Nicholas Fisichella, Mrs. Elaine Ort, and Antonio Fisichella. [...]
Western Wayne Represented at Scholar-Athlete BreakfastMay 4, 2026 Western Wayne seniors Khloe Mistishin and Paul Borowski recently represented Western Wayne at the annual Ann Marie Simons Scholar-Athlete Breakfast this spring. The annual Ann Marie Simons Scholar-Athlete Breakfast, hosted by the Lackawanna Interscholastic Athletic Association (LIAA) at Montdale Country Club, honors top senior student-athletes from a variety of districts for academic and athletic excellence. The event commemorates Ann Marie Simons, a former teacher and pioneering female athletic director at Wallenpaupack Area. From left: Khloe Mistishin and Paul Borowski. [...]
National Speech-Language-Hearing Month at EverGreenMay 4, 2026May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, a time to raise awareness of communication and hearing disorders and to highlight the important role communication skills play in student success.
Speech and language disorders are among the most common disabilities, with over 1 million school-aged children in the United States receiving school-based speech and language services each year (ASHA, 2026). School-based Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) support students in grades K-12, as well as children ages 3 to 5 years, in developing and improving communication skills to promote success in school.
Teachers are at higher risk for voice disorders due to frequent speaking and projecting over classroom noise. Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to protect vocal health. In recognition of the month, EverGreen’s school-aged SLP, Alyssa Wesley, and Early Intervention SLP, Julie Conklin, provided teachers with water and mints to encourage hydration and healthy voice habits.
Hearing is an important part of learning. Even temporary hearing loss from colds, allergies, or ear infections can impact a student’s ability to follow directions, participate in class, and engage in instruction. Mild hearing loss may also affect comprehension, speech clarity, language development, the ability to distinguish speech sounds, and overall academic progress.
Sarah Taylor, one of Western Wayne’s Teachers of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, created an ASL Nook at EverGreen, made possible through a Youth Advisory Committee Mini-Grant from the Wayne County Community Foundation. The ASL Nook is a mobile cart that includes sign language books, flashcards, games, and a rotating “ASL Challenge”. The goal is to allow students to explore American Sign Language in a fun, hands-on way while also building awareness of Deaf culture and encouraging inclusive communication. [...]
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.