High School

Hot Rod Club and Drama Club Car Show on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

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!

9th Graders Explore Outdoor Education at Varden Conservation Area

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.

Western Wayne Places Second and Third at State-Wide Stock Market Games

Western Wayne High School Students placed second and third out of 162 teams from all of the eastern half of Pennsylvania in the year-long Stock Market Games competition that lasted from September to April for all school students in Pennsylvania.

Western Wayne second place winners were  Bryson Moscarelli, Nikita Rud, and Natalia Borrelli; third place winners were Mercedes Pedersen, Michael Olivo, and Anthony Canzano.

Mr. Ryan Onder, high school teacher, worked with these students to help them accomplish this achievement.

The Stock Market Game is an online simulation of the global capital markets that engages students grades 4-12 in the world of economics, investing and personal finance and that has prepared nearly 20 million students for financially independent futures.  The Stock Market Game lets students build financial literacy and business skills through hands-on experience managing a virtual portfolio in a real-world market simulation.

Picture one, second place winners, from left: Mr. Paul B. Gregorski, high school principal;  Natalia Borrelli,  Nikita Rud, Bryson Moscarelli, and Mr. Ryan Onder.

Picture two, third place winners, from left: Mr. Paul B. Gregorski, high school principal;  Michael Olivo, Mercedes Pedersen, Anthony Canzano, and Mr. Ryan Onder.

Officer Thomas and Mrs. Gregorski Lead Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness Lesson

On Thursday, May 29, Western Wayne High School students in Mrs. Jessica Gregorski’s Child Development I classes (1st and 8th periods) participated in an impactful, STEM-based lesson on Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) made possible by the fully funded DonorsChoose project, “Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome: a STEM-Based Learning Experience.” This classroom project was generously supported by the SONIC Foundation, General Motors, and a private donor from Florida, and brought hands-on, real-world learning directly to our students.

In preparation for the activity, Mrs. Gregorski led in-depth classroom discussions and lessons on SBS. Students reviewed current research, watched powerful video clips of real-life interviews with survivors and families affected by SBS, and explored the emotional, physical, and legal consequences of infant abuse. Using the Ward Science Shaken Baby Syndrome Model, Mrs. Gregorski demonstrated how infant shaking causes severe brain trauma—providing a dramatic visual experience that deepened students’ understanding of this important topic.

To enhance the lesson, School Resource Officer Wayne Thomas—who brings over 25 years of experience from the Pennsylvania State Police, including extensive time working in criminal investigations—visited both classes to speak with students. He shared real-world experiences involving child abuse cases and opened the floor for student-led Q&A. Officer Thomas engaged students in meaningful dialogue about the importance of infant safety, the consequences of neglect and abuse, and how future professionals in education, healthcare, and mental health can help protect children.

This lesson made a lasting impression on students preparing for careers in early childhood education, medicine, social work, and counseling. 

“Seeing the Shaken Baby Syndrome model in person made it all feel so real. Mrs. Gregorski’s lessons already made us think deeply, but hearing actual stories and seeing how fragile babies are really opened my eyes,”  Gabby Bryant, a sophomore in Child Development I, shared. “I’ll definitely remember this in my future classroom.”

Jasmine Rodriguez, junior, who plans to get into law enforcement after high school, added,”Having Officer Thomas come in and talk to us made a big impact. His real-life experiences helped us understand how serious SBS is, and why it’s something we, as future teachers and caregivers, need to talk about more. It was one of the most powerful lessons we’ve had.”

Picture One, from left:  Olivia Gries, Gabby Bryant, Dakota Douglas, Jasmine Rodriguez, and Madison Forgione.

Picture Two:  Officer Wayne Thomas giving a presentation on Shaken Baby Syndrome to Mrs. Jessica Gregorski’s class.


Picture Three, Students from Child Development I, pictured with Officer Wayne Thomas and the Shaken Baby Syndrome model, from left: Addriana Cangas, Jasmine Ramos, Nathalie Ramos, Giuliana Velazquez, Phoebe Schmitt, Madison Forgione, Maggie Kotchessa, Jasmine Rodriguez, Gabby Bryant, Officer Thomas, Ethan Paugh, and Mrs. Jessica Gregorski.

High School Watershed Group Leads Fourth-Grade Environmental Education Program with Support from Community Grants 

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 Wins Wayne County Envirothon

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.

High School Students Explore Cutting-Edge Medical Science at Penn State College of Medicine

 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 Month

The 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.