Wildcat Pride was bursting from the audience at Western Wayne’s Veterans Memorial Auditorium on the evening of Friday, June 6, for the graduation of the class of 2025. This is a bright class of students who have excelled in academics, athletics, and club activities having gained a total of $6,075,675 in college scholarships and grants at their recently held senior night. Student speakers at graduation gave their classmates advice for the exciting and new journey that lies ahead of them for their very bright futures.
Senior Lillian Maros, president of the class of 2025, gave the welcome address.
Lillian ended her speech in a unique way by having her class honor the many role models who have shaped their life journey thus far.
“I was once told that everyone, at least once, deserves to be on the receiving end of a round of applause,” she said. “As a theater kid myself, I couldn’t agree more, and I ask any parents, guardians, siblings, teachers, and administrators to stand, and let our class applaud you for all of the opportunities you have given us.”
Later, Lillian presented the Class Mantel to Audrey Agnello, junior class president.
Following the presentation of the mantle, the class salutatorian and valedictorian gave speeches.
Senior David Elias III, Hamlin, was named the salutatorian of the class of 2025 with a final overall GPA of 100.41.

    David is the son of Carrie and David Elias.
Along with being an excellent academic student, David was involved in Western Wayne clubs and activities including: FBLA, basketball, PBIS, and track and field.

In the future, he plans to attend Marywood University with an undecided major.

“My favorite memory from high school was attending the FBLA state conference as a freshman in Hershey,” David said. “While at Western Wayne, I’ve learned important skills such as critical thinking and time management that will help me through college and beyond.”
In his salutatorian speech, David let his classmates know it is ok to be undecided about their futures as long as they follow their inner drive.
“We have the ability to blaze our own paths different from what our parents did and what others expect of us,” he said. “As long as we follow what truly matters to us, we will get where we are supposed to go.”
David summed up the evening with a quote from LeBron James, “Education is the most important thing in life. No matter what you do, you have to be educated, and you have to learn.”
He then ended his speech with these encouraging words to his class, “We are closing a major chapter in our lives, but with the hope that we will be able to keep learning throughout whatever endeavors come next with the goal of reaching greatness.”
Fellow classmate Lia Hartman, Lake Ariel, was named valedictorian of the class of 2025 with a GPA of 100.94.
Lia is the daughter of Chad and Mayumi Hartman.
Lia also has done numerous activities both inside and outside of the classroom at Western Wayne. She has participated in NHS, Student Council, Marching Band, serving as a drum major her junior and senior years; District and Region Band, Envirothon, Science Olympiad, and FBLA.
In the future, she plans to attend The University of Scranton as a biochemistry major and then attend medical school to pursue pathology.
“My favorite moment throughout high school was seeing the smile on people’s faces after having a good field show,” Lia said. “I believe the teachers at Western Wayne have pushed me to succeed and provided me with many meaningful opportunities.”

In her valedictorian speech, Lia reminisced about how in her freshman year when she saw that she was ranked first in her class that she had a fleeting thought about what it would be like to deliver a graduation speech. At that time, all she felt was anxiety, but now faced with the reality, she said she felt nothing but honor and pride to get to deliver this speech to her class.
Her speech focused on the idea of how motivation is a key aspect in life especially when facing a milestone moment like graduation.
“Motivation is a truly powerful force,” Lia said. “It is a psychological drive and combination of our values, goals, and beliefs. It pushes us toward success.”
Lia said in preparation of her speech she asked many of her classmates to discuss with her their motivations and found them to be a variety of forces including God, drive for success in sports and academics, along with wanting to inspire others to work hard, and to make family proud.
She quoted one of her favorite books, The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, “What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well.”
She told her classmates to not lose hope if they find themselves lost in their journey after high school at times, “As long as you latch onto your own motivations, you will continue to trek forward towards the future, and you will undoubtedly find your own well.”
She then left her classmates with these words of advice, “Always remind yourself why you decided to go on this journey in the first place. Never let go of that initial spark. I encourage you to go out there and become the inspiration that gives others their sparks.”

Following the speeches, all graduates received their diplomas and were presented as the Class of 2025 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: Senior Elizabeth Washine works on one of her many art projects at Western Wayne. After graduation, she will attend Duquesne University to study secondary education English and creative writing.

Picture two: from left: David Elias, salutatorian, and Lia Hartman, valedictorian, hard at work on a project after being named “most likely to be your boss” for their high school yearbook.

Picture three: from left: Allyson Irvine and Grace Lidy taping a segment for Western Wayne Broadcast which they both worked on this year.

Picture four: from left: high school English teacher Amanda Jenkins, student council co-advisor; Madison Stiffler, Prom Queen; and high school Spanish teacher Sara Orloski; student council co-advisor; at the Homecoming game this past fall when Stiffler was named queen.

Picture five: from left: High School Principal Paul B. Gregorski; senior Mason Rush, Prom King, and his mom Western Wayne high school English teacher Megan Rush. Mason will attend Juniata College this fall with a merit scholarship to study criminal justice and education.

Picture six: from left: Colette Schmitt, who played Sophie; and Lillian Maros, who played Donna; in Western Wayne’s production of Mamma Mia this past spring for their senior year. Lillian has won numerous creative writing and band awards over her time in high school. She plans to start her own business upon graduation and move to Texas with her family. Colette Schmitt will serve an 18 month mission trip for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints after graduation and plans to study to become a chiropractor as her career path.

Picture seven: from left: Stephanie Maxwell, who played Rosie; and Robert Scramuzza, who played Bill in Western Wayne’s production of Mamma Mia this past spring for their senior year. Stephanie will attend The University of Alabama in the fall to study pre-law and minor in theater. Robert will attend RIT in the fall to study engineering.

Picture eight: is senior Rebekah Palko on her horse Paxil at Salem View Farms She has done competitive equestrian for many years, and Paxil was her first horse.

Picture nine: Salutatorian, David Elias III

Picture ten: Valedictorian, Lia Hartman

Picture eleven: The class of 2025 after receiving their diplomas

Picture twelve: The class of 2025 celebrating

List of 2025 Graduates

Mackenzie Jean Adams
Zoe Lorah Albitz
Thomas John Bain
Lily Barber
Jacob Alexander Barna
Alexis Barr
Vallita Princess Belinova
Aubrey Shay Bell
Jamal Lee Benedict
Kayne Michael Bihler
Theodore Robert Black
Natalia Lydia Borrelli
Lillian Grace Bronson
Matthew T. Brown
Connor Howard Bryant
Anthony Canzano
Douglas Robert Chapman
James Samuel Chapman
Stacey Christopher
Madelyn Rose Chrobak
River Collins
Nikko Condi
Angelina L. Correa
Nicholas Cotter
Andrew Crissey
Addison Grace Daniels
Evan Joseph Dean
Emily Ann Dicello
Annaliese Dickison
Hannah Lee Dockemeyer
Anthony John Donnini
Lauren Letizia Dramisino
Michael Samuel Durso
Jonathan Hunter Dwyer
Zariah Edmunds
David John Elias III
Jayla C. Fiorella
Jeffrey David Foote, Jr.
Olivia Giovanna Ford
Aiden Patrick Forney
Kalob Alejandro Franko
Jordan Frisbie
Sean James Galliford
Colton Michael Geary
Zachary Aiden Gibbs
Cedar C. Gilpin
Jared Joshua Goldman
Addison Lynn Griffin
Bryan James Guarniz
Daniel Hall
David J. Hallberg
Lia Mimi Hartman
Paige Elizabeth Haswell
Jaden Desire Headen
Chase Hobgood
MaKennah Lynn Holbert
Colton J. Hoose
Brianna Michelle Hoyer
Jak Michael Hubinger
Allyson Grace Irvine
James Ethan Jimenez
Sydney Grace Justice
Alyssa Lynn Ellis Kapalski
Jayden Kellachow
Austin D. Kenyon
Kendra May Kerylovicz
Lily Patrice Kieva
Nicole Marie Klim
Ethan Tyler Lamberton
Grace K. Langendoerfer
Frederick Frances Leonetti III
Grace H. Murphy Lidy
Travis Mark Locker
Ryleigh Niccole Mahon
Lance Maiocco, Jr.
Matvey Mamoshuk
Lillian Grace Maros
Addison Brooke Matthews
Stephanie K. Maxwell
Daymon Robert McGuire
Robert William Mildner, Jr.
Nelson Edgardo Miranda-Miranda
Seth Montijo
Bryson Moscarelli
Hayden William Mundrake
Teagan S. Murphy
Brendan Joseph Olivo
Michael Banavan Olivo
Tyler Ovens
Sean Davon Owens
Rebekah Lane Palko
Owen S. Palkovic
Raegan Alaina Palmer
Jessica Rose Palopoli
Nicholas Anthony Pane
Mercedes D. L. Pedersen
Robert F. Phillips, Jr.
Addyson Bailey Pruss
John Patrick Pyatt III
Aliyah S. Ratchford
Anthony Joseph Redmond
Hunter Baron Reichling
Jayden Michael Rivera
Karter M. Rizzi
Timothy Richard Roberts, Jr.
Noel Michael Rodriguez
Hayden Timmy Romanaskas
Evan John Ronchi
Ayden K. Rosengrant
Nikita Rud
Mason Scott Rush
Abigail Faith Sadowski
Ryan Michael Schane
Colette Ann Schmitt
Kennedy Carolyn Ortman Scott
Robert Nicholas Scramuzza
Davis M. Sheppard
Vincent Charles Silon
Kathryn E. Skirpan
Thomas Joseph Smith
Neima Marie Smith-Horst
Sienna Skye Stevens
Madison Naomi Stiffler
Dylan David Stookey
Ashley Lynn Toscano
Bella Marie Trumbull
Noah Vail
Joshua Shawn Vinton
Makayla Marie Walton
Ava Michell Ward
Landon R. Wargo
Elizabeth Blaire Washine
Logan Weaver
Julia Ross Wehrmann
Kallie May Wehrmann
Cassidy Ann Zeiler

The Western Wayne Hot Rod Club and Drama Club will host their 2025 Annual Car Show on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 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 Dakota Douglas is excited to partner with the Hot Rod Club for the Car Show. She 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,” Dakota 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 obtain 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,” club vice president, Jason Vass, 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, SEPTEMBER 6, 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. Hope to see you there!

On May 27, 2025, Western Wayne High School 9th grade students stepped outside the classroom and into nature during a day of immersive, hands-on learning at the Varden Conservation Area. This outdoor educational experience brought students face-to-face with real-world environmental science, thanks to the collaboration of expert educators from Lacawac Sanctuary, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the Wayne County Conservation District, and Trout Unlimited.
Students rotated through three engaging, station-based activities focused on local ecology. They examined macroinvertebrates in a pond ecosystem to evaluate water quality, practiced casting techniques during a fishing demonstration, and conducted chemical tests to assess stream health and pollution levels.
A highlight of the day was the release of rainbow trout as the culmination of the Pennsylvania Trout in the Classroom (PA-TIC) program. Throughout the school year, Dr. Mark Nebzydoski and his students raised trout from eggs provided by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. The release was supported by the Pike–Wayne Chapter #462 of Trout Unlimited, with assistance from Chapter President Paul Ranello and Youth Advisors Don Strathy and Pat Guinnane.
The environmental education team featured Nicole Seul, Director of Environmental Education at Lacawac Sanctuary, and Richard Arthur, Environmental Educator, who guided students through macroinvertebrate identification and their role as indicators of water quality. Theresa Black from PLEON (Pocono Lake Ecological Observatory Network) led students in chemical water testing and interpretation. DCNR Environmental Education Specialist Josh Heath, along with Trout Unlimited representatives Don Strathy and Pat Guinnane, introduced students to responsible fishing techniques and how environmental conditions influence bait and casting choices.
Leading up to the field experience, students participated in classroom lessons about water quality, groundwater, surface water, and watersheds. These preparatory activities helped connect local environmental issues to broader ecological concepts, reinforcing the importance of water as a shared natural resource.
This enriching day in nature was made possible through an Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) grant provided by the nonprofit Western Wayne Education Foundation, whose president, Christine McClure, also attended the event. Accompanying the students were Western Wayne educators Dr. Mark Nebzydoski, Maria Phillips, Helene Tscheschlog, and Christine McClure.
This collaboration between environmental organizations and local educators highlights the power of experiential learning and reinforces Western Wayne’s commitment to fostering environmental stewardship among students.
Learn more about the partners involved:
• Varden Conservation Area:
www.vardenconservationarea.com
Facebook – Friends of Varden Conservation Area
DCNR Varden Conservation Area
• Lacawac Sanctuary:
www.lacawac.org
Facebook – Lacawac Sanctuary
• PA Trout in the Classroom (PA-TIC):
www.patroutintheclassroom.org
• Pike – Wayne Chapter #462 Trout Unlimited
https://pwtu.org/

Pictures show Western Wayne ninth grade students engaged in immersive hands-on learning.

Tonight, May 29th at 7:00 PM!

Lake Ariel, PA — Western Wayne High School’s Watershed Group is proud to announce the successful completion of a student-led environmental education initiative originally planned as a field trip to the Varden Conservation Area. This spring, thanks to grant funding and outstanding community partnerships, fourth-grade students at RDW and Evergreen Elementary Schools experienced a day filled with hands-on watershed education, led by professionals and high school mentors.
This project is part of the long-standing Community Connections to Our Watershed program, which for over 20 years has connected students in northeastern Pennsylvania with local environmental experts and conservation educators. Each year, students explore watersheds, learn about clean water initiatives, and participate in forums alongside professionals from agencies committed to preserving Pennsylvania’s natural resources. More information about the program can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/CCTW2025
This year’s participating schools include:
• Lackawanna County Teams: Carbondale, Forest City, Lackawanna Trail, Lakeland, Mountain View, Old Forge, Riverside, Western Wayne, and Wayne Highlands
• Luzerne County Teams: Crestwood, Hanover, HAAS, HACC, Hazleton, Northwest, Tunkhannock, and Wyoming Area
Western Wayne High School students participated in several preparatory field trips, including visits to Lackawanna State Park, Keystone College, the Old Forge borehole, and the Alliance Landfill, the University of Scranton, Pennsylvania American Water Treatment and Sewage Treatment Facilities, and the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. These experiences helped students learn how to assess watershed health and explore solutions to protect local water resources. Support for these programs was provided by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Pennsylvania American Water Company, and the DCNR Watershed Education Program.
The culminating event was presented at a student showcase held at Montage Mountain on May 6, 2025, where Western Wayne students unveiled their vision: an interactive field trip experience for all district fourth-grade students. They designed original ecology-based activities and coordinated programming with outside agencies to bring their vision to life.
Originally planned for the Varden Conservation Area, the field day was quickly relocated indoors due to cold, wet weather. Thanks to the flexibility and determination of teachers, administrators, and partners, the program was successfully delivered on-site at both elementary schools—retaining all core educational experiences.
Participating Agencies and Presenters
The program featured presentations and hands-on stations from a wide range of environmental organizations, including:
• Lacawac Education Department: Nichole Seul
• Lacawac Sanctuary PLEON Department: Theresa Black
• Promised Land DCNR Environmental Education Specialist: Joshua Heath
• Trout Unlimited: Don Strathy, Paul Guinnane
• Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (National Park Service): Anna Grismer
o All participating 4th graders received a free National Parks pass good for unlimited admission for them and their families during their 4th-grade year
• Wayne County Conservation District: Olivia D’Amore
• Delaware Highlands Conservancy: Rachel Morrow
• Western Wayne High School Science Faculty: Mark Nebzydoski Ph.D.
• Community Connections to Our Watershed High School Student Leaders: Dakota Douglas, Aliyah Gregory, Giuliana Velazquez
High school students acted as presenters, group leaders, and support staff, working closely with fourth graders during each 45-minute station rotation. Activities included a watershed model demonstration, casting skills with Backyard Bass, and a water chemistry/biology interactive lesson.
Funding and Community Support
Funding for the program was made possible through two generous sources:
• A mini-grant from the Wayne County Community Foundation (WCCF), reviewed and awarded by the Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee, which supported transportation and programming costs.
• Additional funding for both the Varden classroom education and the in-school field trip was provided through an Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) grant from the Western Wayne Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting innovation and opportunity in the district.
o For more information, contact Christine McClure, President, at 1970C Easton Turnpike, Western Wayne School District, Lake Ariel, PA 18436.
Both the Wayne County Community Foundation and the Western Wayne Education Foundation play a crucial role in building long-term educational opportunities for students in the region.
A Day of Fun, Learning, and Resilience
Despite the weather challenges, the program delivered an enriching experience filled with environmental discovery, hands-on activities, and expert instruction. Students were engaged, enthusiastic, and inspired by what they learned—and most importantly, they had fun doing it.
Western Wayne High School extends its sincere thanks to all agency partners, grant providers, faculty, and students who made this unique educational day possible. The project is a testament to the power of youth leadership, collaboration, and environmental stewardship.

Picture One: Fourth grade students at EverGreen engaged in hands-on watershed education.

Picture Two: Fourth grade students at RDW engaged in hands on watershed education.

Western Wayne High School students recently  won The Wayne County Envirothon.  These students include: Paul Borowski, Aiden Matthews, Logan Pauler, Robert Carrelle, and Phoebe Schmitt.

Envirothon is a hands-on environmental education and competition program for high school students, focusing on natural resource conservation and problem-solving. It involves students working in teams to demonstrate their knowledge of aquatic ecology, forestry, soils and land use, wildlife, and a current environmental issue. Back row, from left:  Aiden Matthews, Paul Borowski, and Robert Carrelle. Front row, from left:  Logan Pauler and Phoebe Schmitt.

 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.