On Thursday, April 21, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. the Guidance Department will be conducting Junior Information Night in the Veterans Memorial Auditorium. The purpose of this evening is to inform parents/guardians about: selecting a college/training program, college cost, the college admissions process, registration and deadlines for the SAT/ACT, general financial aid information, SmartFutures, military and job opportunities and other important information. This time in your student’s academic career is extremely significant to their life after high school. We strongly encourage you and your student to attend together.
Some letters that were mailed home had the wrong dates and information. Please see the letter below and return the attendance slip if planning on attending.
The Western Wayne Drama Club will present “Little Shop of Horrors” on Friday, April 1, and Saturday, April 2, 7 p.m.; Sunday, April 3, 2 p.m. at the Western Wayne High School Veterans Memorial Auditorium, 1970A Easton Turnpike, Lake Ariel. Tickets available at the door. Tickets cost $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors. Western Wayne students get in free with a student ID. The Western Wayne Drama Parents Club will also host a basket raffle with tickets available for purchase for all three performances with the drawings at intermission of the Sunday show. Per tradition, we will also have our musical bear as part of our raffle. This year’s bear is a little Seymour Krelborn with his very own tiny Audrey II. In addition, The Western Wayne Band Parents Association will also be selling refreshments at the show. The Drama Club has rented the Broadway-style plant props for the musical. Students have been rehearsing since December and are excited to put on the show for the community. Who’s who in the cast: Nick DeCandis as Seymour Krelborn; Joanna Regalbuto as Audrey; Robert Scramuzza as Mr. Mushnik; Colette Schmitt as the voice of Audrey II; Nathan Conway as Orin Scrivello, D.D.S.; Lilly Maros as Ronnette; Amanda David as Crystal; Julia Phillips as Chiffon; Owen Obloshny as Mr. Bernstein; Joey Regalbuto as Mrs. Luce; Gabe Treibley as Skip Snip; Alex Fullone as Patrick Martin; B. Flannery as customer; Haley Strocchia as interviewer; Becca Boots as dental patient. Ensemble cast: Stephanie Maxwell, Brenna McGlone, Luke Rusin, Bradley Miehle, Mikayla Fullone, Kenzie Kennedy, Juliana Kurent, Scott Kurent, Madison Trapanese, and Jade Wetherington. Stage Crew Members: Emily Brophy, Ash Mangieri, Luis Appollonio, Liv Benson, Jocilyn Brungard, Chad Burns, Rae Christopher, Hayley Cordero, Violet Gontkowski, Brynn Mazurick, Hunter Reichling, Darrell Schramm, Kat Shumski, Kallie Wehrmann, Jade Edwards, Izzy O’Donnell, Koda DeNunzio, Lowen Weber, Ethan Rutkowski. Details: Tickets cost $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors. Western Wayne students get in free with a student ID. Book and Lyrics by Howard Ashman with musical staging by Edie Cowan. Music by Alan Menken. Based on the film by Roger Corman. Screenplay by Charles Griffith. Originally produced by the WPA Theatre (Kyle Renick, Producing Director). Originally produced at the Orpheum Theatre, New York City, by the WPA Theatre, David Geffen, Cameron Mackintosh and the Shubert Organization. Little Shop of Horrors is presented through special arrangement with Music Thearte International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.mtishows.com
. From left: Mr. Matthew Barr, high school vice principal; David Stinson, district manager; and Mr. Paul Gregorski, high school principal.
The Western Wayne High School received a 500 dollar 2022 ExxonMobil Educational Alliance Grant to support STEM education. ExxonMobil and Onvo present these grants to various area schools each year. The check was awarded to Western Wayne recently. Western Wayne Administration and staff are excited to use these funds to better the educational experiences of their students. The District intends to use these funds to enhance students’ experiences in STEM related studies. The following picture was taken during the 2019 school year.
Western Wayne freshman Rebekah Palko recently placed second in the walk/ jog intermediate competition that was part of a regional competition hosted by the Interscholastic Equestrian Association that took place in Skippack, Pennsylvania, the weekend of March 12. Rebekah now will move on to the National Competition to be held in Harrisburg from April 28 through April 31. She will compete in her event on April 30.
Rebekah has been horseback riding since she was a young girl. She has always loved being around horses and riding them. She has been involved in the IEA program for the past three years. This is the furthest she has gotten in a competition of this nature.
“Competing has really helped me to grow,” Rebekah explained. “It has helped me to build confidence in myself as both a rider and person. I have more skills in riding and in life about opening up and not being afraid to take on new challenges.”
Rebekah works with local trainer Charlotte Walsh. Walsh helped to get Rebekah involved in the IEA competitions. Rebekah discussed how she really enjoys learning from Walsh, because each week they work on new skills to help her develop as a rider.
“Learning new skills helps me be prepared for what I could face when I ride in competition on any given day,” Rebekah explained. “I always feel prepared but am never totally sure what’ll happen in the moment due to the nature of riding an animal.” Rebekah is looking forward to the upcoming IEA National Competition. She aspires to work hard at her riding for the duration of her high school career in the hopes of earning a college scholarship for her equestrian work. Any other local middle and high school riders can join IEA. Students do not need to own a horse in order to be a part of a team. The link for more information is https://www.rideiea.org/
March is nationally recognized as Music in Our Schools Month: a month where schools around the country celebrate the importance of music programs in children’s lives. Please enjoy a performance by the Western Wayne High School Chorus celebrating the value of music in our community!
From left, Row 1: Theresa Lubash, Gabby Tetreault, PA FBLA State Parliamentarian; and Morgan Coccodrilli, PA FBLA State Reporter. From left, Row 2: Jocelyn Cramer, Wayne County Commissioner; Brian Field, Wayne County Treasurer; Brian Smith, Wayne County Commissioner; and Joe Adams, Wayne County Commissioner.
Western Wayne FBLA members recently attended a recent Wayne County Commissioners meeting. At the meeting, Western Wayne FBLA officers Gabby Tetreault and Morgan Coccodrilli spoke about FBLA and accepted a proclamation declaring the week of February 13-19, 2022, FBLA Week in Wayne County.
Robert “Marty” Robbins didn’t spend a lot of time playing sports as a kid. However, he was definitely a fan and really enjoyed listening to the announcers on TV and radio.
As a result, Marty began dabbling in a bit of PA work whenever the opportunity arose. Mostly though, he was just having a bit of fun amusing himself and those around him.
“I started fooling around calling the games from the stands when my children played,” Marty said. “Eventually, I began announcing Little League Baseball and then became the voice of Stingers Football.”
Marty’s efforts were well-received. His sense of humor, unique style and dedication to the job made him a fan favorite all over Wayne County.
Then, just a few years ago, Marty landed a job at Western Wayne as a member of the district’s very first School Police Force.
One day he was asked to act as emcee at a pep rally, a gig that led to an invitation to call boys varsity basketball games. Before long, Marty was behind the mike for girls basketball and football too.
“Besides working with the kids in the classrooms and hallways I get my most joy from announcing,” Marty said. “I try to make it fun for all the spectators.”
And while Marty is undoubtedly one of the most popular public address announcers in the Lackawanna League, he’s more than that … so much more.
Setting the Stage
Marty is the son of Alberta and the late Robert Robbins, Honesdale.
He attended Wayne Highlands schools, graduating from HHS in the spring of 1985. Marty was very active in extracurricular activities during his high school years, participating in everything from rifle club and cheerleading to chorus and theatre.
After graduation, Marty enlisted in the US Army where he became a light wheel vehicle mechanic, serving with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
When Marty’s hitch was up, he returned to Honesdale and pondered his next move. He worked as an orderly at Wayne Memorial Hospital and seriously considered a career in nursing. However, he eventually decided to become a Pennsylvania State Trooper, entering the Academy in January 1990.
Six months later, Marty graduated and was assigned to the Bethlehem area where he served the citizens of at Dublin and Trevose.
In 1993, he was transferred to Dunmore. After that, there were stints in Susquehanna, Pike and Wayne counties.
Marty was promoted to corporal in 1999 and retired in 2013 after serving a total of 23 years. It’s at this point in the story that Marty arrives on the scene at Western Wayne.
“I joined the newly-formed school district police working with three fellow retired troopers: Paul Semler, Danny Martin, and Wayne Thomas,” he said.
“We all take the safety of our students, faculty and staff very seriously. Each of us brings a different aspect to the table, so to speak, connecting with different students.”
On a typical day, Marty and his fellow officers patrol the parking lot, bus drop and cafeteria. They’re also a constant presence in the hallways and all over the the grounds, working hard to ensure that students, faculty and staff all remain safe.
“The Western Wayne school district is truly a second family,” he said. “Everyone here is involved and invested in the students’ lives. I enjoy being proactive and helping kids in their career development and avoiding trouble.”
Marty and his colleagues are frequently invited into the classroom to speak on a wide range of topics.
Last week, Officer Robbins accepted just such an invitation. This one was extended by RD Wilson Elementary School Counselor Erica Germani, who asked him to come and talk to a large group of students.
Marty happily complied, drawing from his experience as a sports announcer to win over a gym filled with first and fourth graders.
“Officer Robbins had a meaningful discussion with students about his career journey,” Erica said. “He surprised many by saying he got into the profession because he wanted to help people.
“Overall, I feel like he transformed students’ perception of the law enforcement field. He even spoke one-on-one with a student who was upset.”
Marty has a genuine way with children. It’s nothing less than a gift. When he speaks, he’s able to gain their trust, make them relax, and also communicate truly important information.
These traits proved crucial in helping students deal with the disruption caused by COVID.
“Kids in general are very resilient,” he said. “Especially our younger students seem to have adapted well to all the challenging circumstances of the past two years.
“They’re happy just to be back to in-person learning. Judging from the excitement I see, I don’t believe that events of the past two years have slowed them down any.”
Rave Reviews
Matt Fitzsimmons has been a fixture at Western Wayne for 23 years now.
He grew up in Forest City, but has played many roles during his tenure at Western Wayne including teacher, coach and guidance counselor. It’s in his capacity as a counselor that he helped arrange Officer Robbins’ visit with the RD Wilson students.
“Marty is fully part of the Western Wayne community,” Matt said. “He identifies with the students and they know he truly cares about them. Plus, his announcing at sporting events is the best!”
Paul Gregorski concurs.
Western Wayne’s High School Principal has nothing but praise for Marty’s role in the district.
“Officer Marty Robbins is an integral member of our school community,” Paul said. “He is caring and compassionate individual who truly cares about students.
“He’s also the best PA announcer in the area. We appreciate Officer Robbins everyday, and we thank him for his ongoing service to the students and staff at Western Wayne.”
2022 Yearbooks can be purchased in Mrs. Piconi-Augelli’s room 105 for $65 using cash or a check made payable to WWHS Yearbook. Yearbooks can be purchased online by visiting www.yearbookordercenter.com and entering our school code: 15118 There is an additional $4.99 fee to pay with a credit card and purchase online.
On November 23rd Western Wayne High School Students in grade 9 experienced the THINK! ENERGY Innovation Program. This program is an interactive, hands-on presentation with a take home energy efficiency kit for each participating student and teacher. The program teaches the importance of energy, natural resources and environmental resources, and gives each participating student’s family energy-efficient technologies to install at home. Students and Staff in the high school received innovation kits on November 22nd. The kits included pipe insulation, weather stripping, outlet gaskets, a furnace filter whistle, a water conserving shower head as well an advanced smart energy power strip. 214 innovation kits were distributed overall. This comes to 4,632 new LED bulbs distributed to the Western Wayne School District since the program’s launch in 2015. This program will also result in a number of mini grants for the teachers in the high school as well. The Think Energy Innovation Program has been brought to the schools by the National Energy Foundation, PPL Electric Utilities and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. For more information or questions, please contact National Energy Foundation at 1-855-494-2942 or email stephanie.dorman@nef1.org From left: Gene Shultz of PPL and Dr. Nebzydoski, Western Wayne science teacher
ALL NEWS
Student Council Homecoming Food DriveNovember 13, 2024Western Wayne High School Student Council recently delivered donations to the food pantry volunteers in Waymart as run by the Calvary United Methodist Church.
During Homecoming week, the Western Wayne High School Student Council collected nonperishable food items from the school and community to help stock local food pantries, including items donated as admission into the Varsity football game.
The donations were made to the food pantries at Calvary United Methodist Church in Waymart and St. Thomas More Food Pantry in Lake Ariel.
If interested in these resources or to make donations, please contact the United Methodist Church in Waymart via Donna LaBar at 570-470-3763 and the Thomas More Food Pantry via Jen Cruciani at office@stthomas-stmary.com
From left: Becky Leljedal, Mrs. Jenkins, and Donna LaBar. [...]
Creative Writing Students Compete in “Fright Club” ContestNovember 11, 2024During October’s spooky season, WWHS students in the Creative Writing elective competed to give senior class readers the biggest “fright” by composing a 100-word or less mini saga. Students could opt to submit their sagas to a national level competition via the Young Writers 2024 “Fright Club” contest.
Runners up were senior Anthony Donnini’s “Monster,” junior Makayla Fullone’s “Performance is a Promise to be Kept ,” and senior Vallita Belinova’s “Rite Aid.”
Senior Lillian Maros took the first place “boo-basket” prize for her chilling poetic saga, “Black Sheep.”
Winners (left to right):Anthony Donnini , Lillian Maros, Makayla Fullone, and Vallita Belinova (not pictured). [...]
Students Recognized Nationally for PSAT ScoresNovember 7, 2024Five Western Wayne High School students have been recognized nationally for their PSAT scores this year. They include: Mia Arcadipane, Lillian Bronson, David Elias, Antonio Fisichella, and Hailey Wasman.
The students feel honored for this recognition and look forward to attending college to study a variety of subjects to further their future careers.
First, Mia Arcadipane, junior, is involved in the following school activities: cross county, track, wrestling, FBLA, NHS, Cats Club, and Student Ambassador Program. Mia is excited to study veterinary medicine after graduation.
“I have always loved science and biology and am excited to learn about these subjects,” she said.
Another nationally recognized student is Lillian Bronson, senior.
She participates in the following activities: Envirothon, soccer, NHS, and Cats Club, where she serves as treasurer.
Lillian plans to pursue a career path involving conservation and wants to study related areas in college.
“I grew up constantly being outside and hunting,” she explained. “I like our environment and want to protect it.”
Next, David Elias, senior, participates in basketball, track, FBLA, and PBIS committee.
He wishes to study mathematics further after graduation through a major in mechanical engineering.
“My favorite subjects are calculus and physics, and they go hand in hand in the field I wish to pursue,” David said.
Another high-achieving PSAT student is Antonio Fisichella, junior. Anotonio is involved in a variety of sports and activities including: Envirothon, Science Olympiad, political science club, outdoor and indoor track, cross country, and student council. In addition, he has been highly involved in the school’s band for the past four years playing percussion in the marching and concert band and participating in both the pit and pep bands.
Antonio greatly values his faith and looks forward to pursuing the study of neurology in college.
“God is good,” he said when reflecting on his recognition for his test score and his future plans.
Finally, Hailey Wasman, junior, is an accomplished member of her local 4H club. She has been showing animals since she was four years old. Some animals she has shown include: goats, lamb, dairy, beef, etc. In addition, she is a member of the Wayne County Livestock Judging Team and is a member of NHS at school.
Her path in 4-H and her strong achievements in academics have led her to pursue a career as a large animal veterinarian with a speciality in reproduction. She wants to study this particular field in college.
“This field of study will help me and others to build strength in our animals,” she explained. “I will learn how to do this by studying different aspects of genealogy in my future coursework.”
The Western Wayne School District wishes these nationally recognized students the best in their future studies at Western Wayne and their respective colleges upon graduation.
From left: Antonio Fisichella, Hailey Wasman, Lillian Bronson, Mr. Paul Gregorski, high school principal; David Elias, and Mia Arcadipane. [...]
Drama Club to Host Holiday Murder Mystery Dinner on Dec. 6November 6, 2024The Western Wayne Drama Club is now accepting reservations for our HOLIDAY MURDER MYSTERY DINNER on Friday, December 6, from 6 to 8 pm in the High School Cafeteria.
This event is for adults and students grades 8 and up ONLY. Adult ticket cost $25 dollars; students and senior citizens for $20 dollars. Cost includes: appetizers, soda and water, buffet dinner catered by RPlace, and live show. More information in ticket link.
Reservations accepted now through Nov. 22. PUBLIC IS ENCOURAGED TO DRESS IN 1920s ATTIRE. There will be audience prizes for best costume! We hope you join us for this unique night out hosted by our Drama Club students this holiday season! Questions, email jmclau@wwsd.io
See order link for more details below. Paper order form attached, if preferred.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_2TJjhZqD8u9LolAyFEkoBj1UDIBQhLF7twGyKXJGl4/edit#response=ACYDBNjB1v5pHKuPdYtYBAIQTz4g3JBZuuA8K5HOUNAMe6dEqiym1ckR1-4EAAj8ScB2w2A
Happy early holiday season from the Western Wayne Drama Club! [...]
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.
