MaiaLearning is a college and career readiness platform that engages students in planning your future. It lets you develop profiles, explore careers that fit those profiles, and build academic, college, and career plans. It helps you manage college applications, and build portfolios.
Students will use their Google Sign-in to get into the program. They will be able to link their Common App accounts to get transcripts, teacher and counselor recommendations, and build data.
In August 2023, Colleen Carmody, FCS Department Chair and Fashion teacher, made a monetary donation to Ann Siebecker, Wayne County Food Pantry Aging Case Aid. Monies for this donation were generated during our WW CAT WALK, and annual Spring Fashion Show, showcasing students’ yearly work and senior collections.
Guiding Good Choices – Guests Karen Thomas, PROSPER field coordinator and Margaret-Ann Gager, parent participant discusses this evidence-based program and the positive changes in has made in Margaret-Ann’s family. This interactive, skill-based program is open to families with youths ages 9 – 14. A new 5-week virtual program starts June 19th and an in-person program in the fall at the area school districts. To register or learn more contact Karen at kat1@psu.edu or call 570-878-2385.
The Class of 2023 take their seats at graduation on Friday, June 9.The Class of 2023 celebrate at the end of their graduation ceremony.President of the Class of 2023 Evan Peirce makes a speech at graduation.Western Wayne Class of 2023 Salutatorian Jenna Kwiatkowski Western Wayne Class of 2023 Valedictorian Kylie Merring
Wildcat Pride was bursting from the audience at Western Wayne’s Veterans Memorial Auditorium on the evening of Friday, June 9, for the graduation of the class of 2023. Senior Evan Peirce, president of the class of 2023, gave the welcome address. He reminded his fellow classmates how unique they are. “The 23 in 2023 is a prime number, meaning it’s a product of itself unable to be found anywhere else,” Peirce, who has joined the Navy, explained. “Always remember that each of you is a product of your own actions. I challenge you to remember where you came from, remember your definition of success, and enjoy the journey as well as the destination and, above all, once a Wildcat always a Wildcat.” Later, Evan presented the Class Mantel to Taylor Maiocco, junior class president. Following the presentation of the mantle, the class salutatorian and valedictorian gave speeches. Senior Jenna Kwiatkowski, Waymart, was named the salutatorian of the class of 2023. Jenna is the daughter of Christine and Anthony Kwiatkowski. Along with being an excellent academic student, Jenna was involved in many Western Wayne clubs and activities. She has been in FBLA for four years. She was in Nationals for FBLA last year and won States for FBLA in her junior and senior years as well as attending the state competition for four years. She also won an FBLA scholarship this year. In addition, she has been on Envirothon for three years and placed second overall this year for the region with her group as well as placing first for forestry with her group. Also, she has done the Science Olympiad Team for two years. As well for her senior year she was a part of the Western Wayne Student Ambassador Program. She was on the Scholastic Team her junior year, NHS for three years, and NHAS for her senior year. Jenna will attend Bucknell University to study cell biology and biochemistry. She aspires to be an epidemiologist and study infectious diseases. She also wishes to pursue a master’s degree. Her favorite school memory is when her beloved science teacher Ms. Masankay allowed their AP Chem class to have funerals for their class fish who died. She also, of course, values all of the academic knowledge she has gained at Western Wayne, especially from her science classes.
“Western Wayne has taught me how to persevere and keep going through the hard times,” Jenna said. “I feel very ready to move on to college to study science more intensely due to the rigor of my courses at Western Wayne especially in my advanced classes with Ms. Masankay.” In her salutatorian speech, Jenna reminded her classmates of the importance of never giving up. She quoted the poem “Keep Going” by Edgar Guest and ended her speech by saying the following. “Always pick yourself back up and keep trudging along,” Jenna told her fellow 2023 graduates encouraging them to always pursue their dreams no matter what closed doors they may face in their lives. Fellow classmate Kylie Merring, Lake Ariel, was named valedictorian of the class of 2023. Kylie is the daughter of Jacqueline and Ronald Merring. Kylie also has done numerous activities both inside and outside of the classroom at Western Wayne. She has participated in FBLA, FCCLA, NHS, Spanish Club, Scholastic Team – Vice President, STEAM Program Volunteer, Breakfast with Santa Volunteer, and was a Breakfast with the Easter Bunny Volunteer. Kylie’s favorite school memory is more than one singular moment. “I would say it is a combination of each of the valuable friendships I have formed over the years,” Kylie explained. “I have multiple friendships that have lasted numerous years and hopefully will continue after graduation. These friendships hold a special place in my heart. I am eternally grateful for the memories that have been made throughout these friendships.” She will attend The University of Scranton for a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She also has been accepted into an accelerated master’s degree program for health administration. “My time at Western Wayne has already helped me plan my future,” she said. “It has helped me discover my passion for business and mathematics, allowing me to settle on my major of business administration. I have also been greatly inspired by numerous teachers. They have taught me to always pursue my dreams no matter how many challenges I have encountered along the way. My time at Western Wayne has been extremely valuable and will continue to assist me throughout the next journeys of my life.” Kylie echoed her classmate Evan Peirce in her graduation speech saying, “We have made it this far and will continue to be successful; the Wildcat way is success nothing less.” Following the speeches, all graduates received their diplomas and were presented as the Class of 2023 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.
Left to Right: Western Wayne High School, Dr. Mark Nebzydoski, Doug Posten, Lacawac Sanctuary instructors Jamie Reeger, Environmental Educational Manager and Natalie Wasilchek, Environmental Educator, Wayne Chapter #462 Trout Unlimited, Youth Advisor, Don Stathy, Lacawac Sanctuary instructor Jamie Bryan, Environmental Educator and Western Wayne Alumni.
On May 31, 2023, Western Wayne 9th grade High School Students visited the Varden Conservation Area and participated in ecology activities presented by Lacawac Sanctuary. Students participated in three different activities, which involved the topics of macroinvertebrates in a pond environment, a fishing demonstration with practice casting, and chemical water testing and pollution. Students also released rainbow trout as a conclusion of the Pennsylvania Trout in the classroom (PA-TIC) program. The Pennsylvania Fish Commission provided rainbow trout eggs that were hatched and raised by Dr. Mark Nebzydoski and his classes this school year. The trout release was assisted by the Pike – Wayne Chapter #462 Trout Unlimited, President, Paul Ranello and Youth Advisor, Don Stathy. Lacawac Sanctuary instructors included Jamie Reeger, Environmental Educational Manager, who explained water quality health through identification of macroinvertebrates found at the pond. Natalie Wasilchek, Environmental Educator, explained fishing techniques which included casting a rod and bait type based on the environmental conditions. Jamie Bryan, Environmental Educator, explained chemical testing and water quality at the stream. Prior to the field trip students engaged in a classroom presentation on water quality and the environment. Students participated in activities that model groundwater and surface water and how they fit into a concept of a watershed. These activities lead to discussions about the local area and incorporate the concept of a water table and common water resources shared by all. Funding for the Varden classroom education as well the field trip was provided through an Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) grant from the nonprofit Western Wayne Education Foundation. Christine McClure, President, 1970C Easton Turnpike, Western Wayne School District, Lake Ariel, PA 18436 Accompanying the students were instructors Dr. Mark Nebzydoski and Doug Posten, Helene Tscheschlog, and Michael Bershefsky. For more information on Varden Conservation area http://www.vardenconservationarea.com/ https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofVCA/ http://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/VardenConservationArea/Pages/default.aspx
4th-6th grade parents and caregivers. Attend this FREE VIRTUAL five-session program to help your youth navigate the pressures and expectations of life during their teen years to succeed and achieve a brighter future.
The Western Wayne High School CATS Club donated 50 blankets to the Project Linus Organization. Project Linus provides blankets to children 0-18 who are seriously ill, traumatized, or in need of a handmade blanket. These fleece blankets will be completed by Project Linus blanketeers. In photo: Western Wayne senior Alyson Buchinski with the blankets she helped to prepare.
The Western Wayne Hot Rod Club and Drama Club will host their 2023 Car Show on Saturday, September 9, 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 Nate Conway is excited to partner with the Hot Rod Club for the fourth time for the Car Show. He 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,” Nate 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 gather 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,” senior member Robert Scramuzza, club co-vice president, 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, Sept. 9 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. Rain date is Sunday, September 10.
The Western Wayne Drama Club rounded out their 2022-23 season with a field trip to The Scranton Cultural Center to see Disney’s The Little Mermaid. It was a great experience for the students because they recently put on their own production of the same show this past April. The students look forward to their next season, and the club wishes it’s seniors the best in all of their future endeavors!
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Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Graduation – 2025May 2, 2025Congratulations go out to our two Tomorrow’s Leaders Today graduates… Audrey Agnello and Khloe Mistishin.
Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Program:
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.
Each year, a class of approximately 60 students, representing various geographic areas and schools, is selected to participate. The program runs from October through May. Sessions are held one full weekday each month from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. A graduation ceremony is held in the Spring. Upon completion of the program, participants will have the necessary skills to become concerned and committed citizens who participate and invest in our community. Tomorrow’s Leaders Today turns aspiring teens into future adult leaders. [...]
Scholarships & Career Opportunities – May EditionMay 1, 2025The May edition of Scholarships & Career Opportunities is now available. All grades should read this document to get information on college, careers, important dates, SAT/ACT exams and of course…scholarships!
Click here: https://ww3.westernwayne.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Scholarships-and-Career-Opportunities-May-2025.pdf [...]
Dr. Mark Nebzydoski Receives Prestigious Charlie Bright Award from Wayne Pike Trout UnlimitedApril 15, 2025On 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) [...]
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.