On May 6, 2025, students from Western Wayne High School proudly presented their student-led environmental education project at the Community Connections to Our Watershed banquet, held at Montage Mountain. Their project—a hands-on ecology field trip to Varden Conservation Area for Western Wayne’s 4th grade students—was designed, researched, and organized entirely by the high school team.

This presentation was the culmination of months of work as part of the Community Connections to Our Watershed program, a regional environmental initiative that began over 20 years ago. Each year, groups of five students and one teacher from schools across Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties participate in the program, which is coordinated by the education teams at Lackawanna and Nescopeck State Parks. The goal is to engage students in meaningful learning about watershed science and conservation through outdoor field experiences and professional mentorship.

Western Wayne students applied their knowledge by creating an original educational experience for younger learners. They began by researching costs for transportation and supplies, identifying local agencies that could provide environmental programming, and crafting a detailed plan for the trip. The students collaborated with representatives from Lacawac Sanctuary, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the National Park Service, and the Wayne County Conservation District to develop engaging, standards-based ecology activities. They then proposed the idea to their principal and worked with school administrators to schedule the trip, which will take place later this month.

To fund the initiative, the students successfully applied for a mini grant from the Wayne County Community Foundation. Their proposal was approved by the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) and presented to the Foundation’s Board for final approval. The grant provides funding for transportation and program costs to make the field trip possible for all 4th grade students at Western Wayne Elementary.

During their presentation at the banquet, the Western Wayne team shared how their participation in field trips to Keystone College, Lackawanna State Park, the Old Forge borehole, Alliance Landfill, the University of Scranton, Pennsylvania American Water Treatment and Sewage Treatment Facilities, and the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail shaped their understanding of watershed science. They explained how those experiences informed their vision for teaching younger students about local water ecosystems.

This year’s Community Connections to Our Watershed program included schools from across the region: Carbondale, Forest City, Lakeland, Mountain View, Old Forge, Riverside, Western Wayne, and Wayne Highlands in Lackawanna County; and Crestwood, Hanover, HAAS, HACC, Hazleton, Northwest, Tunkhannock, and Wyoming Area in Luzerne County.

The program is made possible with the support of Pennsylvania American Water Company, DCNR, and the DCNR Watershed Education Program.

To learn more and view highlights from the 2023–2024 program, visit: https://tinyurl.com/CCTW2025

From left:    Mark Nebzydoski Ph.D. advisor; Jerrah-Ann DeBree, Kyleigh Turner, Aliyah Gregory, Dakota Douglas, and Giuliana Velazquez.

On Saturday, April 12, 2025, during the annual Wayne Pike Trout Unlimited Banquet and Fundraiser, Dr. Mark Nebzydoski—a science teacher at Western Wayne High School and passionate participant in the Trout in the Classroom (TIC) program—was honored with the 2025 Charlie Bright Award.
Presented by the members of the Wayne Pike Trout Unlimited Chapter, the Charlie Bright Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedicated service, and meaningful contributions to cold-water conservation. The award is named in honor of Charlie Bright, a beloved long-time Trout Unlimited member and owner of the Charlie Bright Fly Fishing Shop in Rowland, located on the banks of the Lackawaxen River, which he operated for more than 40 years.
“It was truly a humbling experience to be recognized for my work in watershed education and cold-water conservation,” Dr. Nebzydoski said. “I am deeply grateful for this kind gesture.”
Dr. Nebzydoski leads the Trout in the Classroom (TIC) program at Western Wayne High School, where students raise rainbow trout from eggs provided by the Pennsylvania Fish Commission. Throughout the school year, students care for the trout and learn about aquatic ecosystems, biology, and the importance of clean, cold water for trout survival. The program culminates in a spring field trip to the Varden Conservation Area, where the trout—now fingerlings—are released into the wild. Wayne Pike Trout Unlimited proudly partners in this annual release, helping to connect students directly with conservation in action.
This recognition highlights Dr. Nebzydoski’s commitment not only to science education but also to fostering environmental stewardship in the next generation.

Picture Caption: (Left to Right: Vice President Wayne Pike TU – Tony Capitano; President Wayne Pike TU- Paul Ranello; Western Wayne Science Teacher, Dr. Mark Nebzydoski; Wayne Pike TU Youth Advisor – Don Strathy)

Western Wayne junior Connor Buchinski is in The Independent Order of Odd Fellows Freedom Lodge #88 in Honesdale.  Connor has been a part of this organization for about a year now.  Membership in The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is somewhat of a legacy in his family with his grandfather Dennis Buchinski being a member along with his father Doug Buchinski and other family members.

One of the community outreach efforts of Freedom Lodge #88 is collecting soft plastic.  There is even a collection bin in the office of the Western Wayne High School.   Once 1,000 lbs. of plastic is gathered the organization recycles with the Trex Bench program and donates a Bench to a non-profit organization.   It was Connor’s idea to donate one of the benches this year to Western Wayne High School.  

“I thought students would enjoy it during their lunch periods,” Connor said.  “I really like working with this organization because of the new people I get to meet and the members of the community that I get to help.”

On Monday April 14th Freedom Lodge #88 members donated the Trex Bench to Western Wayne High School.   

Freedom Lodge #88  also donated a history book to the Western Wayne High School Library on the Pennsylvania history of The Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Connor plans to work to collect more plastic and donate another bench to the Western Wayne High School before his senior year is over.

From left, standing:  Sarah Rickert, high school teacher; Dennis Hiller, Lodge #88; Mr. Paul B. Gregorski, high school principal; Dennis Buchinski, Lodge #88 member; Maria Phillips, high school teacher; and Forrest Goodenough, Lodge #88 member.  From left, seated:  Doug Buchinski, Lodge #88 member; and Connor Buchinski, Lodge #88 member and Western Wayne junior.

A group of ninth-grade students from Western Wayne High School earned a prestigious Honorable Mention in PPL Electric Utilities’ THINK! ENERGY Innovation Challenge—a competition that challenged students to create interactive presentations on energy conservation, natural resources, and environmental issues.
Aidyn Graci and Mitchell Ferraro, students in Dr. Mark Nebzydoski’s General Science class, took home the Honorable Mention award for their creative and engaging video on energy efficiency. Their project, which can be viewed on the Western Wayne website, used humor and storytelling to highlight the importance of saving energy. Throughout the video, the students repeatedly urged their teacher with the catchphrase, “Come on, Mr. Nebz!”, reminding him to be mindful of energy consumption in the classroom. https://youtu.be/EDmCGFHw4Lk
“I really enjoyed making the video and getting to boss Mr. Nebz around a little!” said Mitchell Ferraro, who aspires to become a social studies teacher. Fellow creator Aidyn Graci, who hopes to pursue a career in business, added, “It was a relief to see our hard work pay off.”
As part of the competition, Dr. Nebzydoski registered all Western Wayne students for free energy conservation kits, which included compact fluorescent light bulbs, a smart energy power strip, a shower timer, a faucet aerator, and a water-saving showerhead. Students installed the devices in their homes and measured their energy savings—applying science in a real-world, hands-on way.
“The creativity and enthusiasm in these projects were incredible,” said Dr. Nebzydoski. “Seeing students learn about energy efficiency and apply it to their daily lives is exactly what education should be about. These high school students are tomorrow’s homeowners, so reinforcing energy conservation now is essential.”
For their outstanding work, Aidyn and Mitchell were each awarded Beats wireless earbuds, and Dr. Nebzydoski received $250 for classroom supplies.
PPL Electric Utilities, in partnership with the National Energy Foundation (NEF) and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), sponsors the THINK! ENERGY program to promote energy education among students. This initiative provides free resources to help young people develop a deeper understanding of energy conservation and efficiency.
For more information on the THINK! ENERGY Innovation Challenge, visit THINK! ENERGY. https://thinkenergy.org/ppl-innovation/teachers/
Caption: (LtoR) Mike Touey, PPL Electricity; Paul Gregorski, High School Principal; Aidyn Graci, Student; Mitchell Ferraro, Student; and Dr. Mark Nebzydoski, Science Teacher.

The following students were recognized by the Student Council as students of the month for March. 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, Archer Long is our selected freshman. Archer is an all-around excellent student who is also a triple-sport athlete who plays baseball, football, and basketball. He particularly enjoys his math class and aspires to work in the engineering field. He is most interested in environmental engineering. “I love to spend time outside,” Archer said. “Some of my favorite hobbies are hunting and fishing.”
Next, Raegan Fox is our chosen sophomore this month. Raegan is an extremely excellent academic student who tries her best in all things. She is involved in the following sports, clubs, and school activities: Student Council, PJAS, CATS Club, Envirothon, Science Olympiad, Volleyball, and Unified Bocce. Raegan is also an honor roll student and member of National Honor Society.
Her favorite class is English. She particularly enjoyed a project this year where she got to write about Woodstock, because she also enjoys history and music.
“I really enjoy creative projects and think they can help me prepare for my future college studies,” Raegan said.
Raegan plans to go to medical school and become a dermatologist.
In addition, Vincent Baldini is this month’s featured junior. He is another triple sport athlete who participates in football, baseball, and track and field. In addition, he is involved in Student Council, FBLA, and Prom Committee. Also, he is a member of the National Honor Society. He likes his physics class best this year and aspires to study sports management in college to become an athletic director.
“I think that all of the teamwork skills I am learning in my sports experiences at Western Wayne are preparing me for my future career path,” he said.
Finally, Elizabeth Washine is our senior spotlight this month. Elizabeth is an exceptional academic student and a published author. In school, she holds a variety of leadership positions in her activities. She is captain of both the football and basketball cheerleading teams. In addition, she serves as chief editor for three different school organizations which include: the literary magazine, newspaper, and local history club. Her other activities include: Student Council, CATS Club, secretary; National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, treasurer; and yearbook.
After graduation, she will attend Duquesne University to study secondary education English and creative writing.
“I love kids and want to inspire them,” she said about her future career choice.
She also has published two poetry books which are available for purchase on Amazon under her pen name Elizabeth Witt. The books are titled Directions from a Broken Heart and i think they call this love.
The Western Wayne School District congratulates these March students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.

From left: Archer Long, Raegan Fox, Mr. Paul B. Gregorski, high school principal; Vincent Baldini, and Elizabeth Washine.