The Third Annual Cat Pack Games were held on Wednesday, May 24 at Sharkey Rosetti Stadium. After a musical welcome from the Western Wayne Marching Band, student CAThletes from EverGreen, RDW, and the Middle and High Schools spent the day running, jumping, throwing, and playing! Student volunteers from the High School assisted in setting up and running the games and activities, taking photographs, and face painting. The day was a perfect highlight of some of the many talents of our students. Thank you to everyone who helped make it a great day!
The RDW PTA bought one flower for each student to take home to a parent for Mother’s Day weekend! (children had the option to purchase additional flowers if they wanted)
The RDW PTA made a buffet style “brunch for lunch” for all faculty and staff. As well as helped stock their classrooms with more snacks, cleaning supplies, and writing utensils!
R.D. Wilson’s Student Council recently created a fun and informational video for students to enjoy. Their goal is to remind students about the important PRIDE expectations on the bus/van so that they can have a safe and pleasant ride to and from school. They asked teachers to play the video for their students and use the discussion questions to further drive home the message.
The Student Council hopes everyone enjoys the video. Have a great rest of the year!
From left: Maria Shemanski, Rachel Enslin, and Hailey McCollum-Fitzpatrick, students from RDW, who competed in the 2023 Girls STEM Competition on April 15 at Valley View.From left: Molly Gifford, grade 4; Taylor Brown, grade 4; and Mia Padula, grade 4; who competed in a total of four events at the 2023 Girls STEM Competition on April 15 at Valley View .Western Wayne Middle Schooler Reyna Weaver who has been selected to attend the Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge this summer.
Western Wayne elementary students placed well in their respective competitions at the 2023 Girls STEM Competition held at Valley View High School on Saturday, April 15. RDW 5th graders, Maria Shemanski (5), Skylar Horst (5), Hailey McCollum-Fitzpatrick (5): placed 3rdoverall in the 4-6th grade age group. In addition, for our RDW students, Rachel Enslin (4) and Makayla Franckowiak (5): placed 5th overall in the 4-6th grade age group. Also, Evergreen Elementary 4th graders, Mia Padula (4), Taylor Brown (4), and Molly Gifford (4): placed 1st overall in the 4-6th grade age group in the Computer Programming event.
The fourth grade students competed in four total events: Programming using Scratch; Mathematics solving problems and puzzle;, Science where they made their own lip-gloss with a Makeup Chemist; and engineering where they had to design, build, and test a vehicle, device and ramp to achieve a common goal. There were 1st place prizes in each of the four categories awarded, and there were overall places 1st through 5th for combined scores from all four events.
Finally, WWMS current 6th grader Reyna Weaver has been selected to attend the Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge this summer before her 7th grade year. She participated in this event when she was in fifth grade and really enjoyed applying her knowledge of science.
Established in 1990, the Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge is a residential, hands-on learning experience for Appalachia’s middle and high school students, as well as high school teachers in STEM-related fields. Hosted by Oak Ridge Associated Universities in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, this program is a gateway to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in the Appalachian Region.
All participants work with award-winning scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, one of the largest U.S. Department of Energy research facilities in the United States. High school and middle school students conduct guided group science, math, and computer science technology research projects, while high school teachers work with science practitioners to develop STEM-related curriculum. The program culminates in a graduation ceremony where participants showcase their work.
Western Wayne Middle Schooler Reyna Weaver is very excited to be offered the opportunity to participate in this experience.
“I really enjoy working on STEM related projects and am excited to be offered the chance to participate in this event,” Reyna said.
“Robert D Wilson students give a huge SHOUT OUT to the Hamlin/Lake Rotary Club for the Colorado Blue Spruce. Thank you Jennifer Wargo for the delivery …we appreciate the kindness from all!”
Students in the Gifted program at Robert D. Wilson Elementary studied volcanoes! Avrianna O’Malley and Brinley Jenkins studied the various parts of volcanoes, how volcanoes are formed and how they erupt. They learned about the distinctions between active, dormant and extinct volcanoes, and between lava and magma. The girls then applied this knowledge to building their own functional model volcanoes. They each prepared a presentation to share their research with their respective regular education classroom. Their classmates enjoyed learning about volcanoes, and they especially enjoyed the volcanic eruptions!
We are honored to present this publication in celebration of 50 years of Western Wayne High School! As a tribute to a half-century of black and gold pride, this magazine showcases the memorable milestones and moments of our beloved school from the years that led to its opening in 1973 up to today. To commemorate our roots, we have made it our mission to uncover artifacts that date back decades. History is written by its victors, who tirelessly worked to lay the foundation that has created the honorable structure in which Wildcats have learned and grown for generations. From the one-room schoolhouses to the sprawling campus of Western Wayne High School, all ages of students share the memories and traditions of being a Wildcat. Students—past and present—have demonstrated PRIDE within our school by exhibiting Preparedness, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and by being Extraordinary. As Nelson Mandela famously quoted, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” This year, we appreciate and observe the great traditions that have had a longstanding place in our Alma Mater, and we also look to the future as Wildcats carry their PRIDE from these hallowed halls to the world that awaits them.
Members of the community who come out to enjoy the annual Read Across America Night at Western Wayne’s RDW Elementary School on Thursday, March, will surely leave thinking about the magic of mermaids and the sea because the Western Wayne Drama Club will treat people in attendance to a sneak peak of their spring musical. Western Wayne Middle and High School musical students will put on a performance from their upcoming spring production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid as a part of the entertainment at Read Across America Night. DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. The event will kick-off at 4:45 p.m. and is free to the public. Kids of all ages can enjoy a variety of activities in celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday. There will also be a Book Fair at the event hosted by the PTA, and attendees can meet The Cat and Hat along with Thing One and Thing Two. From 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. guests can tour the RDW building and stop in classrooms to hear stories read by RDW staff and friends. Starting at 5:30 through 6 p.m., there will be a concession stand open. Then at 6 p.m., Little Mermaid cast members will put on a performance. Seniors Amanda David and Julia Phillips return to the stage at RDW after first performing there in their 8th grade year when the Drama Club performed Annie. “It is amazing to be back on the RDW stage playing another lead role for such an exciting and well-known show,” Amanda David, who also serves as a student director and secretary of the Drama Club along with playing Ariel, said. Her fellow student director and cast mate Julia Phillips agrees. “I have always loved performing since I was very young and have had a great time in my five years working with the musical theater department at school,” Julia, who plays Sebastian, said.
The entire cast of The Little Mermaid are excited to entertain the audience at RDW. “This is my first year performing at RDW,” Nate Conway, who is the president of the Drama Club, a student director, and a four-year musical cast member, said. “I love going out into the community and sharing what we have been working to create. I can’t wait to see all of the students in attendance enjoy it.” The Western Wayne community cordially invites the public to come and enjoy Read Across America Night on Thursday, March 2, at the RDW Elementary School, a free evening of entertainment and events perfect for kids of all ages. The public can also look forward to the upcoming Little Mermaid Character Breakfast on Saturday, April 1, at 10 a.m. in the High School cafeteria. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children and senior citizens. You can reserve tickets by emailing Mrs. McLaughlin at jmclau@wwsd.io or talk to your favorite cast or crew member. In addition, you can also mark your calendar with the dates for our performances of The Little Mermaid at Western Wayne High School’s Veterans Memorial Auditorium on Friday, April 14, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 15 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and students, and Western Wayne students are free with a student ID. Pictured is some of the cast of Western Wayne Drama Club’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid at a recent Alumni Cabaret event.
Fourth and fifth grade students at RDW are excited to share an informational video to promote attendance. In a lesson with Mrs. Germani, students worked in groups to answer attendance-related questions. These answers then became the “lines” for the movie. Some of the students were even dressed up for Halloween during the recording! Click the link below to hear what they have to say and to see which of our students are on their way to becoming movie stars!
All News
Western Wayne CATS Club Donates to Project LinusMay 30, 2023The Western Wayne High School CATS Club donated 50 blankets to the Project Linus Organization. Project Linus provides blankets to children 0-18 who are seriously ill, traumatized, or in need of a handmade blanket. These fleece blankets will be completed by Project Linus blanketeers. In photo: Western Wayne senior Alyson Buchinski with the blankets she helped to prepare. [...]
Middle School Holds Spirit WeekMay 30, 2023Middle School students participate in minute-to-win-it spirit games.
Western Wayne High School students who helped during the spirit games: Robert Scramuzza, who served as master of ceremonies; Lillian Maros, who served as master of ceremonies; Kallie Wehrmann, who helped set up games; and Julia Wehrmann, who helped set up games.
Middle School students participate in spirit games.
Western Wayne Middle School Student Council officers Laila Rainford, secretary; Emma DeNunzio, vice president; Dakota Douglas, president; and Olivia Black, treasurer.
Western Wayne Middle School students couldn’t hide that Wildcat Pride during the week of May 8 through May 12. They had a variety of dress-up days such as character day and decades day to show their school spirit throughout the week ending with the school’s traditional spirit games celebration for students in grades 6 through 12. Students enjoyed playing a variety of games including dodgeball, minute-to-win-it games, and musical chairs, among others. All of the students enjoyed this bonding exercise with their classmates and look forward to the rest of their end-of-year activities. [...]
Save the Date: Western Wayne to Host Annual Car ShowMay 30, 2023The Western Wayne Hot Rod Club and Drama Club will host their 2023 Car Show on Saturday, September 9, 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 Nate Conway is excited to partner with the Hot Rod Club for the fourth time for the Car Show. He 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,” Nate 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 gather 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,” senior member Robert Scramuzza, club co-vice president, 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, Sept. 9 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. Rain date is Sunday, September 10. [...]
Western Wayne Drama Club Enjoys Field TripMay 30, 2023The Western Wayne Drama Club rounded out their 2022-23 season with a field trip to The Scranton Cultural Center to see Disney’s The Little Mermaid. It was a great experience for the students because they recently put on their own production of the same show this past April. The students look forward to their next season, and the club wishes it’s seniors the best in all of their future endeavors! [...]
Middle School Chorus Students Enjoy Field TripsMay 30, 2023The Sixth Grade Middle School Chorus
The Seventh Grade Middle School Chorus
The Eighth Grade Middle School Chorus
The Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grade Middle School Chorus groups recently went on a variety of fun and educational spring field trips. All groups are under the direction of the Middle School Chorus and General Music teacher, Mrs. Joyce Covaleski. The Eighth Grade Chorus’s field trip to Knoebels Amusement Resort was a reward for three great years in Middle School Chorus. The second trip was the Sixth Grade Chorus who enjoyed some fun and sun at McDade Park after seeing Disney’s The Little Mermaid at the Scranton Cultural Center. The third trip was the Seventh Grade Chorus’s field trip to Bethel Woods to visit the field where Woodstock took place, see the 1960s Music and Art Museum, and learn about the 1960s, protest music, and visual arts. Mrs. Covaleski is proud of all of her students’ accomplishments this year and was glad they could enjoy their field trips! [...]
Junior Leadership Northern Poconos Graduation – 2023May 25, 2023Western Wayne High School hosted the Junior Leadership Northern Poconos Graduation on May 24, 2023. Karina Booths, Weston Nugent, Alexandra Rodriguez, Emily Romanowski and Hunter Smith were the Western Wayne representatives.
The Chamber of the Northern Poconos’ goal is to develop mutual understanding, respect, civic engagement, leadership and the interpersonal skills of high school juniors by proving real-world experiences. In addition to the skills learned and topics explored, the opportunities and challenges of the region are discussed as participants network with community leaders and other high school students from Forest City Regional, Wallenpaupack Area and Wayne Highlands. The students from all four districts collected items for the Wayne County Food Pantry. [...]
Western Wayne Annual Art Show a SuccessMay 25, 2023From left: Emily Brophy, Lillian Morcom, Alex Wallace, Eleanor Black, Kourtney Franklin, Alice Davis, Angelina Salvatore, Eriana Figueroa, and Anjali de Leon-Bello.
Western Wayne hosted their annual spring Art Show on Saturday, May 13, for the community with a special section of pieces from Western Wayne alumni this year in honor of Western Wayne’s 50th Anniversary celebration. The show featured art from students in grades 8 through 12 and art from graduating seniors. The following list of nine seniors exhibited their portfolios at the art show: Eleanor Black, Emily Brophy, Alice Davis, Anjali de Leon-Bello, Eriana Figueroa, Kourtney Franklin, Lillian Morcom, Angelina Salvatore, and Alex Wallace. Their displays represented an accumulation of up to four years of artwork.
Senior Eleanor Black’s senior exhibit was titled “Our Past.”
“My portfolio theme centers around the concept of childhood,” Eleanor explained. “I wanted to convey senses of uneasiness and sadness within youthful and vibrant images.”
Eleanor plans to attend Vassar College and major in English.
Fellow senior Emily Brophy also had her display in the art show titled “Garden Party”.
She particularly likes drawing insects.
“I believe my specialty has become creating Greek and Roman statues as well as insects,” Emily said. “I enjoy more than just drawing insects, but also pinning and displaying them.”
Emily plans to attend Delaware Valley University to major in botany. She would like to have a future career working in environmental conservation at a local national park or for an agricultural business.
Another featured senior is Alice Davis who titled her display “Ghost Town.”
“In truth, I’ve always thought how fun it would be to be a ghost, to be so free and to not worry about the consequences of my actions, to just be able to have fun and to enjoy life to the fullest,” Alice explained. “I think I’ve shown my desire to be free and to be able to have that fun within my pieces.”
Alice plans to attend Lackawanna College this fall to study culinary arts.
Senior Anjali de Leon-Bello also had a featured display centered around the concept of “Change.”
Anjali doesn’t particularly like change and wanted to represent that concept in her senior collection.
“Change has always made me uneasy,” she said. “I don’t like surprises and I don’t like not knowing things. I’m at the part of my life where everything is a gigantic unanswered question and it drives me crazy. I wanted to represent that hardness of letting go, but keeping the constants in my life.”
Anjali will pursue a degree in art education at Kutztown University after graduation.
Fellow senior Eriana Figueroa’s senior collection was centered around animals.
“I like to explore various subject matter forms, but my favorite art is that which enhances the beauty of animals,” she explained. “I love all the details animals possess; therefore, I enjoy the challenge of trying to paint them, and it is why I chose this theme for my exhibit.”
Eriana believes her art is like a “form of medicine” which is fitting since she plans to attend Penn State in the fall to study nursing.
Senior Kourtney Franklin’s collection was titled “Enchanted Garden.”
“I enjoy doing mostly colored pencil, for I have always loved the outcome of it,” Kourtney explained. “I chose to base my portfolio around flowers and plants because the colors are beautiful and it is unique.”
Kourtney currently works as a CNA and plans to achieve a nursing degree at Penn State.
Senior Lillian Morcom also had a featured display titled “Me.”
“I want to convey to my viewers my life through all of my pieces,” Lillian said. “The theme I chose reflects the things I like and the things I enjoy. I chose my room as my display because I feel it reflects me the most. I can’t control everything in my life, but I can control how my room looks.”
Lillian plans to attend East Stroudsburg University with a major in English.
In addition, senior Angelina Salvatore had a display centered around people’s insecurities and things that people see as weird or unconventional.
Angelina has been very inspired by her family to pursue art.
“I want people to look at my art and feel it,” she said. “I want to capture emotions in my art and immortalize them.”
She plans to attend Albright University to pursue a degree for fashion and costume design.
Finally, senior Alex Wallace had a very unique senior display titled “Mind on a Permanent Vacation.”
“I chose this theme because my thoughts are literally everywhere,” he explained. “Throughout senior year, there were a lot of things going on and being able to mentally check out and work on my art provided me with an outlet. I want to convey to my viewers a sense of calmness and peace. I believe it’s okay to be busy and have a lot of things going on, but it’s important to reign it in and be proud of how far you have come.”
Alex plans to attend East Stroudsburg University in the fall with a major in integrated arts.
Many of the seniors plan to pursue art as a hobby if it is not part of their chosen career field. They are grateful for the experiences they had at Western Wayne in their art classes.
The District wishes them the best on their future endeavors and congratulates the Art Department on another successful Art Show. [...]
Third Annual Cat Pack Games held at Sharkey Rosetti StadiumMay 25, 2023The Third Annual Cat Pack Games were held on Wednesday, May 24 at Sharkey Rosetti Stadium. After a musical welcome from the Western Wayne Marching Band, student CAThletes from EverGreen, RDW, and the Middle and High Schools spent the day running, jumping, throwing, and playing! Student volunteers from the High School assisted in setting up and running the games and activities, taking photographs, and face painting. The day was a perfect highlight of some of the many talents of our students. Thank you to everyone who helped make it a great day! [...]
EverGreen Elementary’s First Grade welcomed Dr. Tickner!May 23, 2023EverGreen Elementary’s First Grade welcomed Dr. Tickner to share his knowledge about bees. After learning and writing about bees this past month, students got to see firsthand what all the buzz is about.He even brought in one of his active hives for the students to check out. Lots of curiosity was in the air and questions were asked and answered! Thank you Dr. Tickner!!! [...]
Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Graduation 2023May 22, 2023Emily Romanowski, Adrian Agnello, & Rhayni Carroll
Western Wayne High School students, Adrian Agnello, Rhayni Carroll and Emily Romanowski, graduated from Tomorrow’s Leaders Today on May 18, 2023.
Leadership Lackawanna’s seven-month Tomorrow’s Leaders Today program develops the leadership, interpersonal and managerial skills of high school juniors and provides real-world experiences in the areas of health care, STEAM, history and heritage, crime and corrections, financial literacy, philanthropy, non-profit organizations, and community service. Sessions are held one full weekday each month. The TLT Program accepts applications from high school sophomores who wish to improve their personal skills and impact their local community. [...]
SAFE2SAY
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.
SAP is designed to assist in identifying issues including alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, and mental health issues which pose a barrier to a student’s success.
