Western Wayne High School hosted the Junior Leadership Northern Poconos Graduation on May 24, 2023. Karina Booths, Weston Nugent, Alexandra Rodriguez, Emily Romanowski and Hunter Smith were the Western Wayne representatives.
The Chamber of the Northern Poconos’ goal is to develop mutual understanding, respect, civic engagement, leadership and the interpersonal skills of high school juniors by proving real-world experiences. In addition to the skills learned and topics explored, the opportunities and challenges of the region are discussed as participants network with community leaders and other high school students from Forest City Regional, Wallenpaupack Area and Wayne Highlands. The students from all four districts collected items for the Wayne County Food Pantry.
From left: Emily Brophy, Lillian Morcom, Alex Wallace, Eleanor Black, Kourtney Franklin, Alice Davis, Angelina Salvatore, Eriana Figueroa, and Anjali de Leon-Bello.
Western Wayne hosted their annual spring Art Show on Saturday, May 13, for the community with a special section of pieces from Western Wayne alumni this year in honor of Western Wayne’s 50th Anniversary celebration. The show featured art from students in grades 8 through 12 and art from graduating seniors. The following list of nine seniors exhibited their portfolios at the art show: Eleanor Black, Emily Brophy, Alice Davis, Anjali de Leon-Bello, Eriana Figueroa, Kourtney Franklin, Lillian Morcom, Angelina Salvatore, and Alex Wallace. Their displays represented an accumulation of up to four years of artwork.
Senior Eleanor Black’s senior exhibit was titled “Our Past.”
“My portfolio theme centers around the concept of childhood,” Eleanor explained. “I wanted to convey senses of uneasiness and sadness within youthful and vibrant images.”
Eleanor plans to attend Vassar College and major in English.
Fellow senior Emily Brophy also had her display in the art show titled “Garden Party”.
She particularly likes drawing insects.
“I believe my specialty has become creating Greek and Roman statues as well as insects,” Emily said. “I enjoy more than just drawing insects, but also pinning and displaying them.”
Emily plans to attend Delaware Valley University to major in botany. She would like to have a future career working in environmental conservation at a local national park or for an agricultural business.
Another featured senior is Alice Davis who titled her display “Ghost Town.”
“In truth, I’ve always thought how fun it would be to be a ghost, to be so free and to not worry about the consequences of my actions, to just be able to have fun and to enjoy life to the fullest,” Alice explained. “I think I’ve shown my desire to be free and to be able to have that fun within my pieces.”
Alice plans to attend Lackawanna College this fall to study culinary arts.
Senior Anjali de Leon-Bello also had a featured display centered around the concept of “Change.”
Anjali doesn’t particularly like change and wanted to represent that concept in her senior collection.
“Change has always made me uneasy,” she said. “I don’t like surprises and I don’t like not knowing things. I’m at the part of my life where everything is a gigantic unanswered question and it drives me crazy. I wanted to represent that hardness of letting go, but keeping the constants in my life.”
Anjali will pursue a degree in art education at Kutztown University after graduation.
Fellow senior Eriana Figueroa’s senior collection was centered around animals.
“I like to explore various subject matter forms, but my favorite art is that which enhances the beauty of animals,” she explained. “I love all the details animals possess; therefore, I enjoy the challenge of trying to paint them, and it is why I chose this theme for my exhibit.”
Eriana believes her art is like a “form of medicine” which is fitting since she plans to attend Penn State in the fall to study nursing.
Senior Kourtney Franklin’s collection was titled “Enchanted Garden.”
“I enjoy doing mostly colored pencil, for I have always loved the outcome of it,” Kourtney explained. “I chose to base my portfolio around flowers and plants because the colors are beautiful and it is unique.”
Kourtney currently works as a CNA and plans to achieve a nursing degree at Penn State.
Senior Lillian Morcom also had a featured display titled “Me.”
“I want to convey to my viewers my life through all of my pieces,” Lillian said. “The theme I chose reflects the things I like and the things I enjoy. I chose my room as my display because I feel it reflects me the most. I can’t control everything in my life, but I can control how my room looks.”
Lillian plans to attend East Stroudsburg University with a major in English.
In addition, senior Angelina Salvatore had a display centered around people’s insecurities and things that people see as weird or unconventional.
Angelina has been very inspired by her family to pursue art.
“I want people to look at my art and feel it,” she said. “I want to capture emotions in my art and immortalize them.”
She plans to attend Albright University to pursue a degree for fashion and costume design.
Finally, senior Alex Wallace had a very unique senior display titled “Mind on a Permanent Vacation.”
“I chose this theme because my thoughts are literally everywhere,” he explained. “Throughout senior year, there were a lot of things going on and being able to mentally check out and work on my art provided me with an outlet. I want to convey to my viewers a sense of calmness and peace. I believe it’s okay to be busy and have a lot of things going on, but it’s important to reign it in and be proud of how far you have come.”
Alex plans to attend East Stroudsburg University in the fall with a major in integrated arts.
Many of the seniors plan to pursue art as a hobby if it is not part of their chosen career field. They are grateful for the experiences they had at Western Wayne in their art classes.
The District wishes them the best on their future endeavors and congratulates the Art Department on another successful Art Show.
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!
Emily Romanowski, Adrian Agnello, & Rhayni Carroll
Western Wayne High School students, Adrian Agnello, Rhayni Carroll and Emily Romanowski, graduated from Tomorrow’s Leaders Today on May 18, 2023.
Leadership Lackawanna’s seven-month Tomorrow’s Leaders Today program develops the leadership, interpersonal and managerial skills of high school juniors and provides real-world experiences in the areas of health care, STEAM, history and heritage, crime and corrections, financial literacy, philanthropy, non-profit organizations, and community service. Sessions are held one full weekday each month. The TLT Program accepts applications from high school sophomores who wish to improve their personal skills and impact their local community.
Western Wayne FBLA SLC students, Row 1, from left: Rhayni Carroll, Marshall Davis, Alaina Maiocco, Hailey Wasman, Olivia Gries, Maggie Kotchessa, Colette Schmitt, Allie Pauler, Emily Romanowski, Raegan Palmer, Khloe Mistishin, Lia Hartman, and Cyrah Bihler. Row 2: (sitting) Raeleigh Kromko, Maddie Vinton, Mason Rush, Tony Donnini, Nicholas Hrosovsky, and Alex Chapman. Row 3: Taylor Maiocco, Lauren Dramisino, Adrian Agnello, Angelina Correa, Logan Pauler, Alex Enslin, Mackenzie Adams, Lucius Richner, Bernie Roedel, Connor Bryant, Dustin Ferraro, Jared Goldman, Ryan Schane, Jamie Chapman, Weston Nugent, Laynee Nugent, Jade Wetherington, Julia Wehrmann, and Jenna Kwiatkowski.One of the Top 10 winners, Row 1, from left: Raeleigh Kromko, Maddie Vinton, Maggie Kotchessa, Khloe Mistishin, Allie Pauler, Raegan Palmer, and Colette Schmitt. Row 2: Jenna Kwiatkowski, Emily Romanowski, Taylor Maiocco, Rhayni Carroll, Alex Chapman, Weston Nugent, and Adrian Agnello.
Forty members of Western Wayne FBLA attended the 72nd Annual PA FBLA State Leadership Conference in Hershey April 17-April 19. At the Awards of Excellence Session held at the Giant Center the following members placed in the top 10: Adrian Agnello and Weston Nugent, 2nd place, Business Ethics; Raegan Palmer and Colette Schmitt, 8th place, Introduction to Business Presentation; Introduction to FBLA, Maggie Kotchessa, 4th place and Khloe Mistishin, 6th place; Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure, Maddie Vinton 4th place and Raeleigh Kromko, 10th place; Rhayni Carroll, Alex Chapman, Jenna Kwiatkowski, Taylor Maiocco, and Emily Romanowski, 1st place Parliamentary Procedure; Allie Pauler, 2nd place, Word Processing, and Alex Chapman, 7th place, Who’s Who in PA FBLA. Alex Chapman and Jenna Kwiatkowski each received a William Selden Scholarship award. Alex placed 7th and received $750, and Jenna was an honorable mention and received $350. Western Wayne FBLA placed 6th in Outstanding Chapter. Ten members are eligible to compete at the FBLA National Leadership Conference this summer in Atlanta, GA.
Mr. Starnes and Mrs. Ort direct their groups for the closing number.Mrs. Ort directs the High School Band.Mr. Starnes directs the High School Chorus
The Western Wayne High School Band and Chorus presented their annual Spring concert this past Saturday, May 13, in the high school auditorium. The chorus entertained the crowd with a variety of beautiful songs including a special song to wish the senior members well titled “Shine Like Stars.” The crowd was also treated to selections from the newly created Acapella Choir. The band also presented a variety of music to entertain the crowd including the moving piece “Into the Raging River.” To close out the show, both the band and chorus performed highlights from the Music Man. The High School Chorus is under the direction of Mr. Taber Starnes and the High School Band is under the director of Mrs. Elaine Ort.
Congratulations to the following students who presented scientific research at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science State Competition on May 15th. 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.
Kailey Tickner was awarded a 2nd place for her research in the field of Biology on the efficacy of manual vs automatic blood pressure cuff readings in adult patients. Kailey was awarded a perseverance award for her 6 years of PJAS research.
Cassidy Zeiler was awarded a 2nd place for her research in the field of Behavioral Science on the effects of yoga practice on stress level in adults.
Audrey Agnello was awarded a 2nd place for her research in the field of Microbiology on the effects of dilution of cleaners on bacterial growth.
Madelyn McClure was awarded a 2nd place for her research in the field of Zoology on the effects of energy drinks on Daphnia magna heart rate.
Gallery Opens 6:15pm Show Starts 7pm Celebrating 50 years! WW Alumni tribute Fashion Flix Catwalk 2023 / May 23 Veterans Memorial Auditorium Western Wayne High School
Proceeds donated to local food pantry. Adults $2 Students Free
Kneeling (L to R): Lizzie Washine, Emily Romanowski, Rhayni Carroll, Taylor Maiocco, Vincent Tomasetti, Ryley Box, Marcello Caminiti, Addison Purvis, Brooke Kellogg, and Frankie Leyshon. Standing (L to R): Keyura, Neve, Lily Kieva, Alison Swingle, Stephanie Mildner, Allie Pauler, Hunter Smith, Adrian Agnello, Daniel Hall, Carter Mistishin, Hayden Mundrake, Ayden Rosengrant, Madelyn Chrobak, Kayne Bihler, Trinity Graboske, Timmy Roberts, Matt Brown, Allyson Irvine, Teagan Murphy, Mackenzie Adams, Paul Lukas, Matvey Mamoshuk, Addyson Pruss, Grace Lidy, Lauren Dramisino, Dylan Stookey, David Elias, Evan Dean, and Lance Maiocco.
Western Wayne sophomores and juniors took a trip to the Lehigh Valley to tour colleges on April 13. Students were able to see Lafayette College, DeSales University, and Moravian University. Topics included admissions, financial aid, housing, athletics, activities and tours of the facilities.
The 2023 Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars Awards Ceremony took place on May 9. Western Wayne had three students selected to the 25-member team from over 20 NEPA schools. The students were selected based only on their merits/accolades by a team of individuals working in admissions at area colleges and universities. The students earned medals for their selection to the team and are pictured below from left to right: Kylie Merring, Marshall Davis, Evan Peirce, and Mr. Paul Gregorski, high school principal.
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Junior Leadership Northern Poconos Graduation – 2023May 25, 2023Western Wayne High School hosted the Junior Leadership Northern Poconos Graduation on May 24, 2023. Karina Booths, Weston Nugent, Alexandra Rodriguez, Emily Romanowski and Hunter Smith were the Western Wayne representatives.
The Chamber of the Northern Poconos’ goal is to develop mutual understanding, respect, civic engagement, leadership and the interpersonal skills of high school juniors by proving real-world experiences. In addition to the skills learned and topics explored, the opportunities and challenges of the region are discussed as participants network with community leaders and other high school students from Forest City Regional, Wallenpaupack Area and Wayne Highlands. The students from all four districts collected items for the Wayne County Food Pantry. [...]
Western Wayne Annual Art Show a SuccessMay 25, 2023From left: Emily Brophy, Lillian Morcom, Alex Wallace, Eleanor Black, Kourtney Franklin, Alice Davis, Angelina Salvatore, Eriana Figueroa, and Anjali de Leon-Bello.
Western Wayne hosted their annual spring Art Show on Saturday, May 13, for the community with a special section of pieces from Western Wayne alumni this year in honor of Western Wayne’s 50th Anniversary celebration. The show featured art from students in grades 8 through 12 and art from graduating seniors. The following list of nine seniors exhibited their portfolios at the art show: Eleanor Black, Emily Brophy, Alice Davis, Anjali de Leon-Bello, Eriana Figueroa, Kourtney Franklin, Lillian Morcom, Angelina Salvatore, and Alex Wallace. Their displays represented an accumulation of up to four years of artwork.
Senior Eleanor Black’s senior exhibit was titled “Our Past.”
“My portfolio theme centers around the concept of childhood,” Eleanor explained. “I wanted to convey senses of uneasiness and sadness within youthful and vibrant images.”
Eleanor plans to attend Vassar College and major in English.
Fellow senior Emily Brophy also had her display in the art show titled “Garden Party”.
She particularly likes drawing insects.
“I believe my specialty has become creating Greek and Roman statues as well as insects,” Emily said. “I enjoy more than just drawing insects, but also pinning and displaying them.”
Emily plans to attend Delaware Valley University to major in botany. She would like to have a future career working in environmental conservation at a local national park or for an agricultural business.
Another featured senior is Alice Davis who titled her display “Ghost Town.”
“In truth, I’ve always thought how fun it would be to be a ghost, to be so free and to not worry about the consequences of my actions, to just be able to have fun and to enjoy life to the fullest,” Alice explained. “I think I’ve shown my desire to be free and to be able to have that fun within my pieces.”
Alice plans to attend Lackawanna College this fall to study culinary arts.
Senior Anjali de Leon-Bello also had a featured display centered around the concept of “Change.”
Anjali doesn’t particularly like change and wanted to represent that concept in her senior collection.
“Change has always made me uneasy,” she said. “I don’t like surprises and I don’t like not knowing things. I’m at the part of my life where everything is a gigantic unanswered question and it drives me crazy. I wanted to represent that hardness of letting go, but keeping the constants in my life.”
Anjali will pursue a degree in art education at Kutztown University after graduation.
Fellow senior Eriana Figueroa’s senior collection was centered around animals.
“I like to explore various subject matter forms, but my favorite art is that which enhances the beauty of animals,” she explained. “I love all the details animals possess; therefore, I enjoy the challenge of trying to paint them, and it is why I chose this theme for my exhibit.”
Eriana believes her art is like a “form of medicine” which is fitting since she plans to attend Penn State in the fall to study nursing.
Senior Kourtney Franklin’s collection was titled “Enchanted Garden.”
“I enjoy doing mostly colored pencil, for I have always loved the outcome of it,” Kourtney explained. “I chose to base my portfolio around flowers and plants because the colors are beautiful and it is unique.”
Kourtney currently works as a CNA and plans to achieve a nursing degree at Penn State.
Senior Lillian Morcom also had a featured display titled “Me.”
“I want to convey to my viewers my life through all of my pieces,” Lillian said. “The theme I chose reflects the things I like and the things I enjoy. I chose my room as my display because I feel it reflects me the most. I can’t control everything in my life, but I can control how my room looks.”
Lillian plans to attend East Stroudsburg University with a major in English.
In addition, senior Angelina Salvatore had a display centered around people’s insecurities and things that people see as weird or unconventional.
Angelina has been very inspired by her family to pursue art.
“I want people to look at my art and feel it,” she said. “I want to capture emotions in my art and immortalize them.”
She plans to attend Albright University to pursue a degree for fashion and costume design.
Finally, senior Alex Wallace had a very unique senior display titled “Mind on a Permanent Vacation.”
“I chose this theme because my thoughts are literally everywhere,” he explained. “Throughout senior year, there were a lot of things going on and being able to mentally check out and work on my art provided me with an outlet. I want to convey to my viewers a sense of calmness and peace. I believe it’s okay to be busy and have a lot of things going on, but it’s important to reign it in and be proud of how far you have come.”
Alex plans to attend East Stroudsburg University in the fall with a major in integrated arts.
Many of the seniors plan to pursue art as a hobby if it is not part of their chosen career field. They are grateful for the experiences they had at Western Wayne in their art classes.
The District wishes them the best on their future endeavors and congratulates the Art Department on another successful Art Show. [...]
Third Annual Cat Pack Games held at Sharkey Rosetti StadiumMay 25, 2023The Third Annual Cat Pack Games were held on Wednesday, May 24 at Sharkey Rosetti Stadium. After a musical welcome from the Western Wayne Marching Band, student CAThletes from EverGreen, RDW, and the Middle and High Schools spent the day running, jumping, throwing, and playing! Student volunteers from the High School assisted in setting up and running the games and activities, taking photographs, and face painting. The day was a perfect highlight of some of the many talents of our students. Thank you to everyone who helped make it a great day! [...]
EverGreen Elementary’s First Grade welcomed Dr. Tickner!May 23, 2023EverGreen Elementary’s First Grade welcomed Dr. Tickner to share his knowledge about bees. After learning and writing about bees this past month, students got to see firsthand what all the buzz is about.He even brought in one of his active hives for the students to check out. Lots of curiosity was in the air and questions were asked and answered! Thank you Dr. Tickner!!! [...]
Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Graduation 2023May 22, 2023Emily Romanowski, Adrian Agnello, & Rhayni Carroll
Western Wayne High School students, Adrian Agnello, Rhayni Carroll and Emily Romanowski, graduated from Tomorrow’s Leaders Today on May 18, 2023.
Leadership Lackawanna’s seven-month Tomorrow’s Leaders Today program develops the leadership, interpersonal and managerial skills of high school juniors and provides real-world experiences in the areas of health care, STEAM, history and heritage, crime and corrections, financial literacy, philanthropy, non-profit organizations, and community service. Sessions are held one full weekday each month. The TLT Program accepts applications from high school sophomores who wish to improve their personal skills and impact their local community. [...]
EverGreen First Graders visit Wilkes Barre/Scranton AirportMay 22, 2023EverGreen First Graders had the opportunity to explore the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Airport for their field trip. They visited and learned about the parts of the airport and were even able to visit the airport firehouse. They were guided through their day by a retired pilot. He showed them all the many airport job opportunities that are available and challenged everyone to dream BIG! [...]
Pre-Kindergarten students at EverGreen participated in bus safety programMay 18, 2023On Wednesday, May 17th, the Pre-Kindergarten students at EverGreen Elementary participated in a bus safety program. They learned many important safety tips and were able to take a ride around the school grounds. Thank you to Mr. Henwood, Mr. Peet, and Officer Maldonado! [...]
Western Wayne Attends 2023 FBLA State Leadership ConferenceMay 17, 2023Western Wayne FBLA SLC students, Row 1, from left: Rhayni Carroll, Marshall Davis, Alaina Maiocco, Hailey Wasman, Olivia Gries, Maggie Kotchessa, Colette Schmitt, Allie Pauler, Emily Romanowski, Raegan Palmer, Khloe Mistishin, Lia Hartman, and Cyrah Bihler.Row 2: (sitting) Raeleigh Kromko, Maddie Vinton, Mason Rush, Tony Donnini, Nicholas Hrosovsky, and Alex Chapman.Row 3: Taylor Maiocco, Lauren Dramisino, Adrian Agnello, Angelina Correa, Logan Pauler, Alex Enslin, Mackenzie Adams, Lucius Richner, Bernie Roedel, Connor Bryant, Dustin Ferraro, Jared Goldman, Ryan Schane, Jamie Chapman, Weston Nugent, Laynee Nugent, Jade Wetherington, Julia Wehrmann, and Jenna Kwiatkowski.
One of the Top 10 winners, Row 1, from left: Raeleigh Kromko, Maddie Vinton, Maggie Kotchessa, Khloe Mistishin, Allie Pauler, Raegan Palmer, and Colette Schmitt.Row 2: Jenna Kwiatkowski, Emily Romanowski, Taylor Maiocco, Rhayni Carroll, Alex Chapman, Weston Nugent, and Adrian Agnello.
Forty members of Western Wayne FBLA attended the 72nd Annual PA FBLA State Leadership Conference in Hershey April 17-April 19.At the Awards of Excellence Session held at the Giant Center the following members placed in the top 10: Adrian Agnello and Weston Nugent, 2nd place, Business Ethics; Raegan Palmer and Colette Schmitt, 8th place, Introduction to Business Presentation; Introduction to FBLA, Maggie Kotchessa, 4th place and Khloe Mistishin, 6th place; Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure, Maddie Vinton 4th place and Raeleigh Kromko, 10th place; Rhayni Carroll, Alex Chapman, Jenna Kwiatkowski, Taylor Maiocco, and Emily Romanowski, 1st place Parliamentary Procedure; Allie Pauler, 2nd place, Word Processing, and Alex Chapman, 7th place, Who’s Who in PA FBLA.Alex Chapman and Jenna Kwiatkowski each received a William Selden Scholarship award. Alex placed 7th and received $750, and Jenna was an honorable mention and received $350.Western Wayne FBLA placed 6th in Outstanding Chapter.Ten members are eligible to compete at the FBLA National Leadership Conference this summer in Atlanta, GA. [...]
Middle School Chorus Students Present ConcertsMay 17, 2023Western Wayne 7th Grade Chorus students.
Western Wayne 8th Grade Chorus students.
Western Wayne Middle School Chorus concerts for grades 7 and 8 took place this spring for the community to enjoy. The 8th Grade Chorus recently performed rock classics in their concert. Also, the 7th Grade Chorus recently performed folk songs from around the world in their concert. The Western Wayne Middle School Chorus for both 7th and 8th grade is under the direction of Mrs. Joyce Covaleski. [...]
High School Spring Concerts Enjoyed by CommunityMay 17, 2023Mr. Starnes and Mrs. Ort direct their groups for the closing number.
Mrs. Ort directs the High School Band.
Mr. Starnes directs the High School Chorus
The Western Wayne High School Band and Chorus presented their annual Spring concert this past Saturday, May 13, in the high school auditorium. The chorus entertained the crowd with a variety of beautiful songs including a special song to wish the senior members well titled “Shine Like Stars.” The crowd was also treated to selections from the newly created Acapella Choir. The band also presented a variety of music to entertain the crowd including the moving piece “Into the Raging River.” To close out the show, both the band and chorus performed highlights from the Music Man. The High School Chorus is under the direction of Mr. Taber Starnes and the High School Band is under the director of Mrs. Elaine Ort. [...]
SAFE2SAY
Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” BEFORE it is too late.
SAP is designed to assist in identifying issues including alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, and mental health issues which pose a barrier to a student’s success.
