Starting June 17, 2019, The Cooperage Project, in collaboration
with the Wayne Highlands School District, will open its doors Monday through
Friday from 11:00am to 1:00pm to kids ages 0-18 to receive FREE lunch. No
income requirements or sign ups. The program will continue Monday through
Friday through August 6, with the exception of July 4 & 5. Join in the fun
with arts and crafts, story time, music and more!
Pictured is Western Wayne Special Olympics participant Kameron Sic, fifth grade, Evergreen Elementary School, with a look of pure joy on his face as he competes.
Pictured is Western Wayne Special Olympics participant Kameron Sic, fifth grade, Evergreen Elementary School, with a look of pure joy on his face as he competes.
Pictured is Western Wayne Senior Sebastian Tomasetti crossing the finish line at one of his races at Special Olympics.
Pictured is Western Wayne High School student Misty Rodriguez running in one of her events.
Pictured is Western Wayne Senior Michael Phillips jumping at Special Olympics.
Pictured is Western Wayne Senior Marisol Henkel jumping at Special Olympics.
Pictured is Western Wayne High School student Jordan Diaz running at Special Olympics.
Pictured is Western Wayne High School student Jared Loveland running at Special Olympics.
Pictured is Evergreen Elementary student Jake Hart running at Special Olympics.
Pictured is Western Wayne High School student Caleb Burns running at Special Olympics.
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.”
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.
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
In an article featured on USAtoday.com, at least 35 people reported seizures after using electronic cigarettes over the past decade, the Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday.
FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said the agency is investigating the incidents, which primarily involved youth and young adults and were discovered in its “adverse event” reporting system.
Seizures or convulsions are known to be possible side effects of nicotine poisoning. They have reportedly occurred after users swallow vaping liquid containing nicotine.
This is like a Broadway show on a basketball court. Our team will feature tricks, music dunks, comedy, dancing, and audience participation. It is an awe-inspiring, two-hour basketball show including an autograph session! See them take on the WW Ballers (WW faculty). Benefits the WW Football program.
Pictured are some of the Western Wayne Middle School students involved in the 2019 “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?” Northeast PA Contest. From left: Trinity Foulds, Alaina Maiocco, Ella Pavlovich, Kailey Tickner, Julie Bryan, Skylar Long, and Evan Peirce. Team members not pictured: Bernie Roedel and Ivan Knecht.
Voting for the second-annual “What’s So Cool About
Manufacturing Contest?” will be open from March 27th through March
29th at https://www.whatssocool.org/contests/northeast-pa/
The public can support Western Wayne Middle School students by going on
and voting for their video submission as many times as they would like.
Western
Wayne Middle School students are part of this unique learning experience for
the second time. Created by the
Manufacturers Resource Center (MRC) in Allentown, PA in 2013, the “What’s So
cool About Manufacturing?” contests draw entries from more than 200 teams
across Pennsylvania. The teams of
students and teacher coaches receive camera equipment, software, and
professional guidance as they learn to script, record, and edit their video
stories of what it’s like to work in the manufacturing industry. Students learn
about the manufacturing career field and complete their projects at various
local manufacturing businesses.
The contest’s objective
is to change students’ perceptions about manufacturing careers by sending them
to local places where manufacturing is done to complete their submissions for
“What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?”. The
“What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?” contests are supported regionally by
their sponsors and partners.
The 2019 “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?” Contest for Northeast PA
is produced by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial
Resource Center in Hanover Township, PA. Participating schools are from
Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, and Wayne counties. Western Wayne is one of eleven schools
participating in the Northeast PA Contest.
For the second year, Western Wayne Middle
School students had the opportunity to explore Boyce Products Ltd., a
manufacturing facility located in Damascus, for their project. This winter the students toured Boyce to
learn about the manufacturing career field and gather information for their
submission.
The group of Western
Wayne students consisting of Bernie Roedel, Ella Pavlovich, Alaina Maiocco,
Skylar Long, Trinity Foulds, Evan Peirce, Ivan Knecht, Julie Bryan, and Kailey
Tickner felt rewarded and fulfilled after their experiences at Boyce and in
creating their video submission.
The students were
surprised to learn that Boyce makes a variety of products used in the national
spotlight. For example, the students
learned Boyce creates set pieces for CNN News, the tables used for interviews
in the NFL, along with different props used in popular movies, and the call
boxes used in New York City subways.
“It was neat to see how
much work goes into each piece they create,” Evan Peirce, 8th grader
from Western Wayne, said.
Evan’s fellow classmate
Julie Bryan said she was excited to see the different equipment in use at
Boyce.
“We got to see laser
cutters going through metal,” Julie explained.
After their trip, the
students worked on creating their video submission about their experience. Eighth grader Bernie Roedel acted as a
student leader for this effort. The film
is now finalized and can be viewed on the Western Wayne website at http://ww3.westernwayne.org/western-wayne-manufacturing-video-submission/
The Western Wayne School
Community invites the public to vote for Western Wayne Middle School’s video
submission to “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?” at https://www.whatssocool.org/contests/northeast-pa/
The students have the chance to win for a variety of categories. Your vote can help them win the Northeast PA
Viewer’s Choice Award.
ALL NEWS
Western Wayne High School Hosts Graduation for Class of 2026June 8, 2026
Wildcat Pride was bursting from the audience at Western Wayne’s Sharkey Rosetti football stadium on the evening of Friday, June 5, for the graduation of the class of 2026. This is a bright class of students who have excelled in academics, athletics, and club activities having gained a total of $3,047,128 on stage at senior night in college scholarships and grants, with an inclusive total for senior night of $3,133,553 earned by our students.
Student speakers at graduation focussed their speeches on the importance of kindness and doing right by others. Senior Audrey Agnello, president of the class of 2026, who will attend The University of Scranton in pursuit of a career as a labor and delivery nurse, gave the welcome address along with presenting the Class Mantel to Madelyn McClure, junior class president.
Agnello told her classmates, the audience, and the future senior class what she finds to be the most valuable lessons that they can take with them.
“While graduation is often seen as an ending, I believe that it is really a celebration of everything we have learned,” Agnello said.
Agnello chose to discuss the novel Wonder by R. J. Palacio to help get her point across about life lessons.
“Everyone is fighting battles of their own that are unknown to others,” Agnello said, reflecting on the plot of the book. “When given the choice of being right and being kind, choose kind.”
Agnello also quoted song lyrics by Noah Kahan, “You’re gonna go far.”
She reminded everyone that in going far one should remember to take with them kindness, compassion, and empathy.
“I hope you never underestimate the power of a single act of kindness,” Agnello said.
Following Agnello’s words, the class salutatorian and valedictorian were introduced and gave speeches.
Senior Grace Moser, Waymart, was named the salutatorian of the class of 2026 with a final overall GPA of 101.72 .
Moser is the daughter of Lydia Talarico and Kurt Moser.
Along with being an excellent academic student, Moser was involved in Western Wayne clubs and activities including: FBLA, National Honor Society, Student Council, Envirothon, Aevidum, Student Ambassador, and Inclusion Club.
In the future, she plans to attend Lebanon Valley College to obtain a master’s degree in speech-language pathology.
“My favorite high school memory is being involved in spirit games each year and enjoying that special time spent with all of my friends, ” she said. “While at Western Wayne, the experience that has most prepared me for my future plans is being a member of many clubs and activities in school and taking on leadership roles. Through these experiences, I have learned the true meaning of leadership and its impact on others.”
In her salutatorian speech, Moser focussed on thanking her family and classmates for making her who she is today.
She especially thanked her mom for being a constant source of strength and love calling her a “built-in best friend” who has taught her so much and helped her become who she is today.
In addition, along with thanking a number of her other classmates, Moser thanked the valedictorian Paul Borowski, her good friend, and supporter throughout her time in school from elementary grades through to her high school years.
She described Borowski as, “someone who pushed me to become better every day. Thank you for challenging me, encouraging me, and growing alongside me through it all.”
Moser also noted the kindness that she and so many other faculty have seen in the class of 2026.
“Our class has genuine friendships and so much love and a sense of support that people spend their whole lives searching for,” Moser said.
She closed her speech by focussing on a discussion of growth and change.
“Growth and change has been quietly happening alongside us all along,” she said. “The truth is every meaningful part of our lives have come from change. It allows us to become who we were meant to be.”
Fellow classmate Paul Borowski, Waymart, was named valedictorian of the class of 2026 with a GPA of 102.14.
Paul is the son of Paul and Andrea Borowski.
Paul also has done numerous activities at Western Wayne. He has participated in football, track and field, wrestling, National Honor Society, Envirothon, Robotics, Inclusion Club, Science Olympia, and FBLA
In the future, he plans to attend Penn State University for a four year degree in engineering.
“My favorite high school memory is when everyone would hang out at Lori’s after school events,” Borowski said. “My experience that has most prepared me for my future is balancing school with sports and outside activities. Taking many high level courses, while being a triple-sport athlete, has taught me valuable life lessons about time management.”
In his valedictorian speech, Borowski also took the time to thank some of his friends individually and to thank his parents and sister for shaping him into the person he is today.
He also thanked fellow classmate and life-long friend Grace Moser for pushing him to be a better version of himself.
He recognized his dad for teaching him hard life lessons and his mom for always believing in him through good and bad times.
He then focussed his speech on how he wanted the class to reflect on the person in their lives that believes in them the most.
“Everyone here has their own version of that person who believes in them,” Borowski said. “Success isn’t measured by our grades and achievements. It is measured by growth.”
Borowski believes that a lot of the growth made by individuals can be attributed to the belief their loved ones had in them that helped push them forward to find success.
As Borowski brought his speech to a close he said, “Most importantly never forget the people who believed in you before you believed in yourself.”
Following the speeches, all graduates received their diplomas and were presented as the Class of 2026 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: Salutatorian Grace Moser gives her speech to the Western Wayne class of 2026.
Picture Two: The Western Wayne class of 2026 celebrate at the end of the graduation ceremony.
2026 GRADUATE LIST – FINAL
Audrey Gayle Agnello
Loucynthia Jean Allen
Luis Peter Appollonio
Mia Criselle Arcadipane
Vincent Joseph Baldini
Luckus Patrick Balmer
Lauren Renee Beamer
Paul John Borowski III
Jake R. Brown
Connor Edward Buchinski
Lylah Rae Bucksbee
Chad Zachary Burns
Aiden John Burry
Ayla Rose Butrim
Robert James Carrelle III
Connor Jeffrey Clark
Hayley Star Cordero
Anastasia Maria Correa
Alexzander Jayson DeCandis
Dominic Anthony DeSiato
Hannah Elisabeth DeStefano
Julian Leonard Dobrzyn
Sonora Rose Dockemeyer
Roxanne Michelle Dugan
Riley John Dunn
Kera Mae Edwards
Katherina Karma Elston
Ian Carmine Ensley
Ty Matthew Enslin
Laylah Rose Epstein
Brody Estock
Chance Fahnestock
Antonio Mwaura Fisichella
Nicholas Gathama Fisichella
Abigail Anna Fox
Mikayla Skye Fullone
John Galati
Justin Thomas Garcia
Thomas Robert Rickard Garrison
Veronike Zoe Gauvain
Mia Grace Gifford
Ethan J. Gillott
Xavier Travis Graham
Olivia Mae Gries
Charlianne Rose Hachikian
Cristina M. Haire
Kellyann Marie Hallberg
Kendra L. Harper
LO’shai Harris
Isabella Louise Hayden
Tyler Gregory Hedge
Summer Rose Heenan
Violet Abigail Heflin
Ema-Jade Grace Heller
Kiernan Herlihy
Christopher Thomas Hopkins
Gideon Isaac Jezorwski
Zachary Mitchell Jordan
Ciarra Carolyn Kidder
Joseph Kieva
Jayden Dennis Knittle
Briana Alena Konan
Maggie Grace Kotchessa
Raeleigh Ann Kromko
Scott Alan Kurent, Jr.
Braden Christopher Laity
Aedan Joseph Lampman
Jacob Owen Lawlor
Kayla Marie Leahy
Samantha Nichole Lee
Cassidy Marie Levens
McKayleigh Marie Lokuta
Beja Marie Marcel
Kayelin Rae Martin
Aiden Manuel Matthews
Lance A. McAndrew
Jordan R. McDonald, Jr.
Karina Elizabeth McLeod
Brendan C. Mistishin
Khloe S. Mistishin
Grace Marie Moser
Makayla Claire Moser
Matthew Moyer
Carly Lynn Muniz
Kiera Murphy
Trista Aileen Murphy
Katelyn Marie Nunez
Jake Joseph Obloshny
Owen Chase Obloshny
Francis Pane
Ethan T. Paugh
Logan Michael Pauler
Norman Zachary Phillips
Michael Pongracz
Liza Elaine Pontosky
Matthew Pontosky
Isaac Francis Quiros
Nathalie Ramos
Hazel Ratliff
Shauna Ann Rodger
Jasmine M. Rodriguez
Katherine Melissa Roedel
Landon W. Romanaskas
Ronnie Ronnow
Joseph Christopher Roses
Gianna Ryelin Rosetti
Ethan Rutkowski
Phoebe Elizabeth Schmitt
Katarina Elizabeth Shumski
Kameron Bishop Sic
Christiana Catherine Smith
Sydney Rae Sosa
Ismael Sosa II
Ryan Matthew Sparks
Ryan Richard Stokesberry
Ashan D. Stookey
Judah Strocchia
Calvin H. Supanek
Brenden Patrick Thomas
Carin Ambrose Thomas
Joseph S. Tickner
Annette Lucille Torres
Ashley Lynn Toscano
Daniel Michael Toscano
Madison Elyse Trapanese
Graysen Edward Valinski
Omar Vargas, Jr.
Giuliana Velazquez
Logan James Vinton
Madelyn Lois Vinton
Landon Visceglia
Ryan Jacob Walton
Hailey Marie Wasman
Alexis Anna Weist
Jacob Remington Wells
Jade Wetherington
Zachary J. Wilbur
Anthony Ernest Zoppi [...]
Middle School Holds Annual 8th Grade Moving-Up CeremonyJune 4, 2026At the annual 8th Grade Moving-Up Ceremony, held at the Sharkey Rosetti football stadium on Tuesday, June 2, Western Wayne Middle School Principal Casey Newcomer talked to students and families in attendance about the importance of hard work and determination in the face of obstacles and setbacks, a term he called “grit.”
“Education is about growth,” Newcomer, who is in his second year at the district, said. “We have a group of students here today that represent a woven tapestry of skills.”
He told the crowd about how students excel in a variety of ways, some in the classroom and some in activities outside of it.
“No matter what you are trying to excel at,” he explained. “The one characteristic that will continue to stand above all others is called grit. Grit is the determination to keep going when quitting is the easier option. Grit is the voice in your head telling you to keep going.”
Newcomer encouraged students to continue to listen to that voice as they head into their high school years.
“Be ready; dig in; hold tight,” he told the students. “You got this.”
Mrs. Joyce Covaleski, middle school chorus teacher, then had select 8th grade chorus singers perform the National Anthem and alma mater. Makayla Franckowiak and Maria Shemanski sang the National Anthem; and Patience Strocchia sang the alma mater. All three girls love to sing and are highly involved in the Middle School Chorus.
Makayla is looking forward to high school where she plans to continue participation in basketball and softball. She also plans to play volleyball in her freshman year. She aspires to be an aerospace technologist, because she has always had a fascination with studying space. She also enjoys working with technology in her free time and has created robots as a hobby.
Her fellow classmate Maria aspires possibly to be a teacher when she is older, and she is also interested in exploring the idea of pursuing the military as a part of the Marines. She will play basketball next year and possibly volleyball and softball.
Finally, Patience, who greatly excels in her ELA class with her strong writing skills, is excited to join the track team for her freshman year.
The featured event of the Moving-Up Ceremony was many of the 8th grade students receiving awards in various categories for excellence in all academic and unified arts classes. In addition, students received awards for Wildcat Pride, for students who go above and beyond in showing school spirit and being kind aned upstanding school community citizens; Grit, for students who showed outstanding qualities of hard work in the face of adversity and hardships; and for a variety of high academic achievements such as making the honor roll for 11 quarters in middle school from 6th through 8th grade.
In addition, a new award called The Inclusion Award was given this year by special education teacher Ms. Gillian Groom, who was assisted in presenting the award by her student Daisy Diehl. Groom explained how the award recognizes students who go above and beyond to create a welcoming, supportive, and respectful environment for peers with special needs. This award honors students who demonstrate kindness, patience, empathy, and leadership by including all classmates in activities, friendships, and everyday school experiences. Recipients of this award model acceptance and understanding, helping others feel valued, supported, and connected within the school community.
“The recipients of this award see and treat my students as friends,” Groom said.
Then Daisy used her communication device to announce award winners who included: Alexandra Churmblo, Eli Gragnano, Julia Kosciuk, and Machaela McGrady.
Another honor given out at the ceremony was an award and gift presentation by National Junior Honor Society advisor Nichole Musewicz, middle school science teacher. Last year, Principal Newcomer worked to establish a National Junior Honor Society Chapter at Western Wayne along with dedicated faculty and high-achieving students.
Therefore, since this Moving Up Ceremony marked the inaugural ceremony with NJHS students present, Newcomer and Musewicz wanted to recognize the three eighth grade NJHS officers who helped to establish the program among the students in the school community: Harper Bell, president; Kendall DiPierro, vice president; and Keira Hauenstein, secretary.
All three young women felt honored to be acknowledged at the ceremony and have strong goals and aspirations for their bright futures. First, Harper will continue to play softball, travel softball, and basketball in high school. She aspires to either pursue a degree path in occupational therapy or speech pathology. Next, Kendall is dedicated to playing basketball in high school. She aspires to be an emergency room nurse. Finally, Keira does competitive gymnastics along with soccer and track which she plans to continue in her high school career. She wishes to be a future elementary school teacher.
It is also a Western Wayne Middle School tradition for many years that two outstanding students, one male and one female, are recognized for their patriotism and leadership among other qualities. The local chapters of the American Legion and the Daughters of the American Revolution present these awards.
This year before the presentation of these prestigious awards, Newcomer took time to recognize and honor Middle School guidance counselor Mr. Joseph Totsky. This year marks Totsky’s 34th year of service.
Newcomer noted how Totsky has been a mentor to him for the past two years and noted Totsky’s strong qualities of honesty, sincerity, and hard work as being the pillars his career has been built upon.
“Countless students and staff are better because Joe was here,” Newcomer said. “You will forever be a part of the foundation of the Western Wayne community.”
After the special recognition of Totsky, Bill Gillette, Post 889 Waymart, presented the American Legion Award to 8th grader Benjamin Reifler.
Ben received this annual award for being an outstanding student in the 8th grade class who exhibits the qualities of honor, scholarship, Americanism, leadership, and courage.
Then the Daughters of the American Revolution Award was presented to 8th grader Sophia Shehadi.
Sophpia received the good citizenship medal from the Daughters of the American Revolution for being an outstanding student in the 8th grade class who exhibits the qualities of honor, honesty, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism.
Both Ben and Sophia felt extremely honored to receive their respective awards. They also both, at first, felt shocked to learn the American Legion and the Daughters of the American Revolution had chosen them for these high honors.
Ben, an honor roll student and member of NJHS, is a student very dedicated to academic excellence. He also has a passion for automotives and studying trains and their history. He aspires to run commercial trucks one day and is greatly looking forward to his auto shop classes in high school.
“I really enjoy working with my hands,” he said. “I want to use what I have learned about trains and other automotives in a real world setting in my future career.”
Fellow classmate Sophia, an honor roll student and member of NJHS, is also a very diligent student who loves working hard in all subject areas and aspires to be a labor and delivery nurse when she grows up.
“I look forward to trying my best in high school and what comes after,” Sophia said.
To close the ceremony, Newcomer reminded the parents not to miss a moment of their students’ upcoming high school experience.
“The next time they will be in these seats will be in four years,” he said. “Don’t blink, because you don’t want to miss a minute of what is to come for your students.”
Western Wayne faculty, administration, and staff wish the class of 2030 the best on their new journey to the high school.
Picture one, from left: Bill Gillette, who presented the American Legion Award, Post 889 Waymart; Benjamin Reifler, winner of the American Legion Award; Sophia Shehadi, winner of The Daughters of the American Revolution Award; and Casey Newcomer, middle school principal.
Picture two, from left: Bill Gillette and Benjamin Reifler.
Picture three, from left, NJHS officers: Harper Bell, president; Keira Hauenstein, secretary; and Kendall DiPierro, vice president.
Picture four, from left: Patience Strocchia, who sang the Alma Mauter; and Maria Shemanski, and Makayla Franckowiak, who both sang the National Anthem.
Picture five: the Western Wayne Class of 2030 stands before their family, friends, and community at the annual Moving Up Ceremony before they embark on their high school journey. [...]
HOBY Leadership Seminar Representatives – Maha Tanveer & Abigail WashineJune 2, 2026Maha Tanveer and Abigail Washine were Western Wayne High School’s HOBY representatives for the 2026-27 school year. They recently attended the HOBY Leadership Seminar at Millersville University.
PA HOBY Leadership provides a 4-day seminar for high school sophomores. Each school in PA is invited to select one student who demonstrates outstanding leadership skill and potential to serve as their school’s ambassador. During the seminar, students participate in panel discussions featuring speakers who are leaders in the fields of government, education, media, and social issues. They spend “a day in the life of a state representative” debating bills on the house floor at the PA Capitol. They spend a half day learning about small and large businesses in PA, then serve for the afternoon at various volunteer sites. Throughout this weekend are many cheers, a dance, a talent show, new friendships, many challenges, and a life-changing experience.
At HOBY, leadership development programs ensure that students gain awareness of themselves and others, practice and apply newly learned skills, and leave feeling empowered to make a positive impact on the world around them. With authenticity, connection, and growth at the core of the programming, student ambassadors learn what it means to be an aware and engaged community member. [...]
High School May Students of the MonthJune 1, 2026The following students were recognized by the Student Council as students of the month for May. 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 Reyna Weaver. She is described as a creative thinker, hard worker, having a positive attitude, and is always engaged. Reyna is always willing to go the extra mile in class with her attentive, mature, and respectful attitude. In addition, it is noted she always has a smile and is kind and polite to all she meets.
Next, Archer Long is our chosen sophomore this month. He has excelled in golf this year along with having other accomplishments in art where he placed at the Western Wayne High School Art Show with many pieces and has been chosen to have his artwork on display at a local community exhibition to be announced later this spring. In addition, he has worked hard this year in his academic classes and has done quality work in English. It is noted by his teachers that he is resilient and always assists everyone with needed academic tasks in class.
In addition, Dylan Caracciola is this month’s featured junior. His teachers note him to be courteous, extremely helpful, polite, and respectful. In addition, he is a great student who puts quality work and effort into all he does. He also embodies the quality of humility and has a great sense of humor as well. He is a very well-rounded young man.
Finally, Daniel Toscano is our senior spotlight this month. He is noted to be a hard worker, funny, resilient, kind, and focused on his goals. In addition, it is noted by his teachers that he is extremely helpful and gets along with everyone. He is also very polite, respectful, and humble– truly a person who does what is needed with sincerity in all tasks.
Dan has dedicated himself to self-improvement through his work with school services this year. He is continuing to strive for more and working to provide himself with a good quality life for his very bright future.
The Western Wayne School District congratulates these May students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.
From left: Archer Long, Daniel Toscano, and Reyna Weaver. Absent from photo: Dylan Caracciola. [...]
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.
