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
High School Students Explore Cutting-Edge Medical Science at Penn State College of MedicineMay 20, 2025 Western Wayne High School science students embarked on an educational field trip to Penn State University College of Medicine in Hershey, PA, this past April. The visit, made possible through a partnership with the Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center (PA-AHEC) and supported by the Western Wayne Education Foundation, offered students an immersive, hands-on experience with groundbreaking medical technologies and healthcare professions. Students were accompanied by Mrs. Christine McClure, Dr. Mark Nebzydoski, Mrs. Denise Johnson, and Mr. Matthew Fitzsimmons.
Throughout the day, students engaged in an array of interactive learning experiences. In the genomics lab, they explored the role of genetic sequencing in modern medicine. At the MRI and Cryo-Electron Microscope Core Facility, they witnessed the advanced imaging tools used to visualize the molecular structures of cells and tissues with astonishing precision.
A highlight of the visit was a stop at the Technology Center, where students learned how 3D printing is revolutionizing medical education by creating lifelike organ models. They also stepped into the human body—virtually—using state-of-the-art virtual reality technology to take a guided tour through major organ systems and diseases that affect those systems.
The experience extended beyond the lab as students participated in a professional panel featuring a nursing student and a public health doctoral candidate who gave students an insight into their journey from high school to healthcare and encouraged students to keep moving forward to follow their dreams. Students also had the opportunity to learn about child life services at Penn State Health’s Children’s Hospital and mental health services provided through Penn State Children’s Hospital’s Child Psychiatry and Behavioral Health department. These experts shared their career journeys, provided insights into their fields, and answered questions about working in healthcare today.
Another exciting moment came during the tour of the Life Lion medical helicopter. Students met with the flight crew—including the flight nurse, paramedics, and pilot—who explained how rapid-response care and critical patient transport services are conducted across the region.
“This trip opened our students’ eyes to the wide array of opportunities in healthcare and science,” said Christine McClure, who coordinated the trip. “The level of engagement, from both the professionals and our students, was truly inspiring.”
The field trip was coordinated in partnership with PSU College of Medicine’s liaison through PA-AHEC, whose mission is to strengthen the healthcare workforce in underserved areas by connecting students to academic and professional opportunities. Additional funding from the Western Wayne Education Foundation helped ensure that students had access to this enriching experience.
For more information about education through PA-AHEC or to support future science initiatives, please visit https://www.paahec.org/.
Kneeling, from left: Maggie Kotchessa, Raegan Fox, Audrey Agnello, Abigail Washine, Madelyn McClure, and Abigail Bell.
Row one, from left: Mrs. Denise Johnson, Alana Swingle, Laylah Epstein, Roxanne Dugan, Jade Wetherington, Beja Marcel, Grace Moser, Sydney Sosa, and Grady Farley.
Row two, from left : Mrs. Christine McClure, Norman Phillips, Jason Vass, Jasmine Rodriguez, Hayley Cordero, Cedar Gilpin, Emaan Tanveer, Scott Kurent, Madelyn Vinton, Mia Arcadipane, Hayden Mundrake, Madison Trapanese, Logan Vinton, Logan Pauler, Mr. Matt Fitzsimmons, Khloe Mistishin, Alicia Wertman, and Dr. Mark Nebzydoski. [...]
High School April Students of the MonthMay 20, 2025The following students were recognized by the Student Council as students of the month for April. 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, Sadie Booths is our selected freshman. Sadie is a dedicated triple-sport athlete participating in track, soccer, and wrestling. In addition, Sadie is part of Science Olympiad and Envirothon. Her favorite subject is math. She aspires to get her teaching degree and come back to Western Wayne as a math teacher who also assists with sports.
“One of my inspirations is my middle school math teacher Mr. Hodorawis,” Sadie said, because he teaches math and coaches at the district.
Next, Emaan Tanveer is our chosen sophomore this month. Emaan has become highly involved in the district this year after moving here from New Jersey. She participates in wrestling, FBLA, NAHS, Spanish Club, and CATS Club. In addition, she takes a boxing class once a week in New Jersey to help enhance her athleticism for wrestling. Her favorite class is English, in which she especially enjoys writing fiction such as short stories and poetry. She also loves to draw with her preferred mediums of pencil and paper and paint.
Emaan wishes to be an entrepreneur when she gets older or to be a part of the FBI. She wants to attend either Boston University or Princeton University.
“I believe the stamina and discipline that I am learning through, especially my sports, is preparing me for my future dreams,” Emaan said.
In addition, Ian Ensley is this month’s featured junior. Ian is a member of the Chess Club and History Club. He greatly enjoys studying history and wishes to become a history teacher, welder or both when he is older.
“I really like to soak up details about the past, and I want to teach them to others one day,” Ian said.
Finally, Noah Vail is our senior spotlight this month. Noah has a variety of interests including music and cooking. He takes the advanced cooking class at Western Wayne this year. In addition, he is a member of both the Volleyball Team and Chess Club. He has played piano for six years and has been accepted to Marywood University to study musical therapy after graduation.
“I love to learn about mental health,” Noah explained. “I want to help people struggling with situations that I have faced. I want the knowledge I learn in college to guide me in helping others struggling with their mental health through music therapy.”
The Western Wayne School District congratulates these April students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.
From left: Mr. Paul B. Gregorski, high school principal; Sadie Booths, Emaan Tanveer, Ian Ensley, and Noah Vail. [...]
Wayne High School May Students of the MonthMay 20, 2025The 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, Tori Walton is our selected freshman. Tori especially loves music. She is a proud member of the High School Marching Band. Her instrument is the baritone. She started with the marching band her eighth grade year by participating in color guard. Her favorite thing to do is play her instrument, and she aspires to be a high school band teacher one day like her band director at Western Wayne, Mrs. Elaine Ort.“Playing music helps me forget things I am feeling stressed about,” Tori explained.Next, Aiden Korea is our chosen sophomore this month. Aiden is in both Spanish Club and Envirothon. He is also a member of the National Honor Society. His favorite class is chemistry. His dad and other members of his family have pursued careers in pharmacy, and Aiden wishes to follow in their footsteps.“I really enjoy studying science,” Aiden said. “I think my advanced classes at Western Wayne have really taught me how to study and prepare for the intensity of college studies.”In addition, Aiden Burry is this month’s featured junior. Aiden and his family just moved to the district from Elk Lake this school year. He plays both basketball and soccer. His favorite academic subject is chemistry, and he aspires to pursue a pre-med track in college. In addition, he is a member of National Honor Society and volunteers at his church Nativity BVM in Waymart.“I want to pursue being a doctor, because I like helping others,” Aiden said. “I feel that my time on the soccer team is teaching me what it takes to step up to the plate and do my best work to achieve my future goals.”Finally, Lillian Bronson is our senior spotlight this month. Lillian came to Western Wayne when she started high school. She is involved in soccer, National Honor Society, and CATS Club where she holds the office of treasurer. Her favorite class is Spanish, because she enjoys the challenge of learning a new language. She has been accepted to Cedar Crest College for the fall and will major in environmental conservation. She absolutely loves nature and the outdoors and wants to be a conservationist as her career path.The Western Wayne School District congratulates these May students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.From left: Mr. Paul B. Gregorski, high school principal; Tori Walton, Aiden Korea, Aiden Burry, and Lillian Bronson. [...]
High School May Students of the MonthMay 20, 2025The 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, Tori Walton is our selected freshman. Tori especially loves music. She is a proud member of the High School Marching Band. Her instrument is the baritone. She started with the marching band her eighth grade year by participating in color guard. Her favorite thing to do is play her instrument, and she aspires to be a high school band teacher one day like her band director at Western Wayne, Mrs. Elaine Ort.
“Playing music helps me forget things I am feeling stressed about,” Tori explained.
Next, Aiden Korea is our chosen sophomore this month. Aiden is in both Spanish Club and Envirothon. He is also a member of the National Honor Society. His favorite class is chemistry. His dad and other members of his family have pursued careers in pharmacy, and Aiden wishes to follow in their footsteps.
“I really enjoy studying science,” Aiden said. “I think my advanced classes at Western Wayne have really taught me how to study and prepare for the intensity of college studies.”
In addition, Aiden Burry is this month’s featured junior. Aiden and his family just moved to the district from Elk Lake this school year. He plays both basketball and soccer. His favorite academic subject is chemistry, and he aspires to pursue a pre-med track in college. In addition, he is a member of National Honor Society and volunteers at his church Nativity BVM in Waymart.
“I want to pursue being a doctor, because I like helping others,” Aiden said. “I feel that my time on the soccer team is teaching me what it takes to step up to the plate and do my best work to achieve my future goals.”
Finally, Lillian Bronson is our senior spotlight this month. Lillian came to Western Wayne when she started high school. She is involved in soccer, National Honor Society, and CATS Club where she holds the office of treasurer. Her favorite class is Spanish, because she enjoys the challenge of learning a new language. She has been accepted to Cedar Crest College for the fall and will major in environmental conservation. She absolutely loves nature and the outdoors and wants to be a conservationist as her career path.
The Western Wayne School District congratulates these May students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.
From left: Mr. Paul B. Gregorski, high school principal; Tori Walton, Aiden Korea, Aiden Burry, and Lillian Bronson. [...]
Students Present Research @ Pennsylvania Junior Academy of ScienceMay 20, 2025Western Wayne High School and Middle School students presented scientific research at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science State Competition on May 19 at Penn State University Main Campus. These students investigated a scientific question, carried out controlled scientific research, and presented their findings to a panel of professionals in the scientific fields. The Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) is a statewide organization of middle and high school students designed to stimulate and promote interest in science among its members through the development of research projects and investigations. Western Wayne PJAS advisors are Christine McClure and Maria Masankay.The following students won awards in various areas.
High School:
Madelyn McClure- 1st award for her research in the field of Biology in her research on Quantifying Impact Resistance: An Experimental Analysis of Force Distribution on Equestrian Helmets Under Simulated Weight Drop Conditions.
Cassidy Zeiler- 2nd award with a perfect score for her research in the field of Biology as she studied the Effects of Statins on Tendon Elasticity.
Mackenzie Adams- 2nd award for her research in Behavioral Science as she studied the Effects of Sports Injuries on Mental Health in High School Students.
Audrey Agnello- 2nd award with a perfect score for her research in Behavioral Science, studying the Effects of Posture Reminders on Improving Posture in Students. Audrey was also named as a PSTS Talent Search Award Nominee.
Middle School:
Andraye Agnello- 1st award for his research in Microbiology as he studied the Bacterial Load found on Artificial Turf.
Charlie Vinton- 1st award for his research in Ecology as he studied the Effects of Tree Species on Heat Production.
Ryder Glasner- 1st award for her research in Zoology as she studied the Effects of Soft Drinks on Daphnia magna Heart Rate.
TJ McClure- 1st award for his research in Chemistry as he studied the Effects of Corrosion Protectors on Preventing Oxidation.
From left: Mackenzie Adams, Cassidy Zeiler, Madelyn McClure, Audrey Agnello, Andraye Agnello, TJ McClure, Charlie Vinton, and Ryder Glasner. [...]
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.
