From left, senior Julia Phillips, who plays Sebastian and serves as Drama Club vice president and a student director for the production, and Amanda David, who plays Ariel and serves as Drama Club secretary and a student director for the production.
Western Wayne Drama Club seniors Amanda David and Julia Phillips will be promoting Western Wayne’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid on the PA Live show at 3 p.m. on Monday, April 3. Tune in to watch them live that day on channel WBRE. DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.mtishows.com Music by Alan Menken; Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Glenn Slater; Book by Doug Wright. Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker and written & directed by John Musker & Ron Clements. Originally Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions. Orchestrations by Danny Troob; Incidental Music & Vocal Arrangements by Michael Kosarin; Dance Arrangements by David Chase. Also, mark your calendar with the dates for our performances of The Little Mermaid at the Western Wayne High School’s Veterans Memorial Auditorium on Friday, April 14, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 15 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and students, and Western Wayne students are free with a student ID.
Community members who purchased tickets IN ADVANCE for our Little Mermaid Character Breakfast to be held TOMORROW, APRIL 1, at 10 a.m. in the High School Cafeteria do not need tickets to show at the door to confirm your reservation. We have a master list of everyone who reserved tickets. If you owe a balance, you may pay at the door. The entire cast is excited to greet and interact with you and your children. We encourage our little princes and princesses in attendance to dress up for the event. Any questions, email jmclau@wwsd.io From left: Colette Schmitt, Scuttle; Amanda David, Ariel; Owen Obloshny, Flounder; and Julia Phillips, Sebastian. DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.mtishows.com Music by Alan Menken; Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Glenn Slater; Book by Doug Wright. Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker and written & directed by John Musker & Ron Clements. Originally Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions. Orchestrations by Danny Troob; Incidental Music & Vocal Arrangements by Michael Kosarin; Dance Arrangements by David Chase.
The Western Wayne Guidance Department is planning a trip to Allentown to tour universities on April 13, 2023. The trip will include tours of Lafayette College, DeSales University and Moravian University. Seating is limited to 40 students, so it will be on a first come, first serve basis. The cost of the trip will be $55.00 to cover the charter bus. Please make checks payable to Western Wayne High School. Money is due by Thursday, March 30, 2023. Please check your email for more information and the permission form or click this link:
Amanda Miehle works on her mural which is composed of 68 pieces of her art. Flyer for Amanda’s exhibition which opens on Saturday, March 25.
Amanda Miehle, a student who attends New Story School and is a part of the Western Wayne School District, is a 16 year old untrained artist who has created an extensive amount of outside art for her young age. This Saturday, March 25, Amanda will open her “Fashion Passion Magic” art display at The Ruffed Grouse Gallery. It is her first gallery exhibition. Over 200 of Miehle’s color drawings showcasing her exuberant take on fashion, color, and abstraction will be presented. Amanda began creating art at age four with her first drawings of figures in what has become her signature “A” style. Through the years as her figures evolved stylistically, yet consistently retaining the “A” simplicity, she began referring to them as her fashion. In 2017, along with her “A” fashion girls, Amanda expanded her work to include her new style of abstract art. At 16 years old, Amanda has created well over 300 works of art, consisting mostly of her fashion girls and abstracts. Discovered in 2021 by Paul Plumadore and Jim Tindell, local artists and curators for the Great Wall of Honesdale, Amanda’s work was selected to be recreated as a mural to appear on The Great Wall for the year. Her art won the People’s Choice Award and was featured in several publications. This exposure caught the eye of photographer Bill Westmoreland who became her liaison into the art world. He introduced her to magazine editor Edward Gomez leading to a feature in the inaugural edition of BrutJournal, as well as to gallery owners for her first showings. Born June 5, 2006 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the doctors immediately diagnosed her as having Trisomy 21, better known as Down Syndrome. Through early therapeutic intervention and the Head Start program, along with her parents’ and brother’s dedication to helping her reach her fullest potential, Amanda thrived as a child. Throughout her childhood, Amanda has enjoyed swimming, soccer, cheerleading, karate, gymnastics, cooking, music, singing and dancing. She is also an avid ATV motorcycle rider, having learned to drive an ATV independently at age 12. She has a keen interest in fashion, hair and makeup, and dreams of being a fashion designer and stylist. She plans on designing clothes and accessories as well as owning a salon to style clients from head to toe. Her passion for fashion and beauty is illustrated throughout her artwork. Amanda is a strong, passionate, creative soul. When asked she has said she creates her art to express her fashion and make everybody happy. The unique style and joy represented in her work reflects who Amanda truly is as a person. She is a joy; she is clever; she is unique and there is no doubt that this is just the beginning of her contribution to the art world.
The Western Wayne Track Foundation in conjunction with REMAX Best will be sponsoring a pole vault clinic at the Western Wayne Middle School on Saturday, March 25th from 1-4pm.
Our lead clinician for the event will be two-time Olympian and World Champion Pole Vaulter Lawrence Johnson.
Attention Juniors: The Western Wayne Guidance Department is planning a trip to Allentown to tour universities on April 13, 2023. The trip will include tours of Lafayette College, DeSales University and Moravian University. Seating is limited to 40 students, so it will be on a first come, first serve basis. The cost of the trip will be $55.00 to cover the charter bus. Please make checks payable to Western Wayne High School. Money is due by Thursday, March 30, 2023. Please check your email for more information and the permission form or click this link:
From left, standing: Aurora Morris, Keyura Neve, Leila Whitfield, Alexis Whitfield, Riley Pongracz, Madelyn Chrobak From left, kneeling: Xenia Gauvain (CAPTAIN), Vallita Belinova Not pictured: Zariah Edmunds (CAPTAIN), Cailey Fullone, Josefine Vizcaino From left, standing: William Dwyer, Stephanie Maxwell, Summer Paugh, Cassidy Zeiler, Ryleigh Mahon, Lillian Morcom, Ash Mangieri (CAPTAIN) From left, sitting: Anita Vanyo, Natalia Borrelli, Edith Sheehan, Emily Brophy, Elizabeth WasylykFrom left: Britney Wertman (CAPTAIN), Sean Soom, Charlotte Skelton, Cullen Fox, Haley McGuire, Sofie Fiorella, Alex Bernardi, Paige Barattucci, Audrey Capozzi, Haley Dougal (CAPTAIN) Not pictured: Thomas Williams.
Western Wayne Middle and High School students participated in the NEIU-19’s annual Reading Relay at the beginning of March. In preparation, students read books from issued lists consisting of 25 book choices. The students then competed virtually against teams from other local districts in 50-question rounds based on details of reading comprehension.
The middle school and high school teams consisted of 34 dedicated readers and represented Western Wayne with the best of wildcat pride. This year was competitive as Mrs. Robbins’s team was just short of top-ranking with her middle school team and Mrs. Banik’s high school team awarded medals. Mrs. Jenkins’s team went on to score in the Elite 8 and were awarded medals and swag bags.
Row 1: Colette Schmitt, Alex Chapman, and Mackenzie Adams. Row 2: Theresa Lubash, Western Wayne FBLA adviser; Addie Griffin, Hunter Smith, Ethan Lamberton, and Commissioner Brian Smith. Row 3: Brian Field, Wayne County Treasurer; and Commissioner James Shook.
Members of Western Wayne FBLA attended a Wayne County Commissioners meeting to receive an FBLA Week proclamation. At the meeting, Colette Schmitt, 2023-2024 Region 22 Secretary, Western Wayne FBLA President Alex Chapman, and Western Wayne FBLA Sophomore Vice President Mackenzie Adams spoke on behalf of Western Wayne FBLA and Region 22 FBLA.
Mackenzie Adams, Alex Chapman, Chloe Romanowski, Judge Matthew Meagher, Colette Schmitt, Ethan Lamberton, Hunter Smith, and Addie Griffin.
Western Wayne FBLA members recently had an opportunity to tour the Wayne County Courthouse and sit in on sentencings in President Judge Janine Edwards courtroom. Attorney Chole Romanowski, Wayne County Court Law Clerk, gave the members a of tour of the courtrooms and explained the responsibilities of some of the various jobs that are part of the court system, include tipstaff, court stenographer, and chief clerk. Attorney Romanowski also spoke about how the court system in Pennsylvania works. During a break afterwards, President Judge Janine Edwards spoke with the members about the sentences that were imposed to individuals in her courtroom. In addition, members also met with Judge Matthew Meagher in his chambers and in his courtroom. Judge Meagher explained his role and the types of cases he typically hears in his courtroom.
ALL NEWS
Students Present Research at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science State MeetingMay 28, 2026The following Western Wayne High School and Middle School students presented scientific research at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Regional Competition on May 18. These students investigated a scientific question, carried out controlled scientific research, and presented their findings to a panel of professionals in STEM fields. Students engaged in the engineering design process to develop these projects. 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.
High School:
Audrey Agnello- 2nd award for her research in the field of Behavioral Science. Audrey studied Gender Differences in Deceptive Efficiency. Audrey was awarded a perseverance award for her success at the state competition.
Madelyn McClure -1st award for her research in the field of Zoology. Madelyn studied the Thermal Effects of Exercise on Equine Lower Limbs. Madelyn focused on how protective boots may increase tendon damage due to heat retention using a thermal camera and horses that are in training. Madelyn was awarded a perseverance award for her success at the state competition.
Christopher Pane- 2nd award for his research in the field of Biology. Christopher studied How cells are protected from Stress by Antioxidants. Chris’s work is related to cancer development in cells and how antioxidants prevent damage and protect cells.
Ava Karabuber- 2nd award for her research in the field of Botany. Ava studied the Effects of Salt on Plant Germination. Ava focused on how road salt runoff is impacting germination in plants.
Charlie Vinton- 2nd award for his research in Microbiology. Charlie studied the Bacterial Content of Manufactured Snow. Charlie’s work examined the bacterial load in snow that is manufactured at ski resorts compared to natural snow.
Middle School:
Timothy McClure- 1st award for his research in Physics. TJ conducted an Experimental Analysis of Projectile Velocity Consistency. TJ examined how ballistics rounds vary in velocity throughout a lot and between brands as fired through a chronograph. TJ was awarded a perfect score and the State Directors’ Award of Excellence for Junior High Physics as well as a monetary award.
Harper Bell- 2nd award for her research in Physics. Harper studied the effects of softball bat type on ball distance. Harper’s interest in softball drove her research to determine which bat is most effective.
Sophia Shehadi- 2nd award for her research in Microbiology. Sophia studied the Effects of Straw Type on Bacterial Content. Her work involved determining the bacteria that build up in straw materials during use.
Club advisors are high school science teachers Christine McClure and Maria Masankay.
Photo one, from left: Madelyn McClure and Audrey Agnello received perseverance awards for their success at the state competition.Photo two, from left: Christopher Pane, Madelyn McClure, Sophia Shehadi, Harper Bell, Audrey Agnello, Ava Karabuber, Charles Vinton, and Timothy McClurePhoto three: Timothy McClure received the State Directors’ Award of Excellence for Junior High Physics. [...]
Western Wayne Car Show and Lead Motorcycle Run on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 May 19, 2026The Western Wayne Hot Rod Club and Drama Club will host their 2026 Annual Car Show on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 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.
The Drama Club will also host a Lead Motorcycle Run the same day starting at BAER Sports Center, Honesdale, with the finish at the Western Wayne High School. Registration for Motorcycle Run from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The ride begins at 10:30 a.m. Cost is $20 per driver and $15 per passenger. Register day of event at BAER Sports Center. Receive a food voucher and basket raffle ticket for Western Wayne Car Show with Lead Motorcycle Run registration.
In addition, the Drama group will sell a variety of concessions at the car show. 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. 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 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19. The rain date is Saturday, September 26. [...]
9th Graders Explore Outdoor Education at Varden Conservation AreaMay 14, 2026On May 4, 2026, Western Wayne High School 9th grade students stepped outside the classroom and into nature for a day of immersive, hands-on learning at the Varden Conservation Area. This unique outdoor educational experience brought students face-to-face with real-world environmental science through a collaborative effort involving educators from Lacawac Sanctuary, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the Wayne County Conservation District, the Delaware Highlands Conservancy, and Trout Unlimited.
Students rotated through a series of engaging, station-based activities focused on local ecology. These included examining macroinvertebrates in a pond ecosystem to evaluate water quality, practicing fishing and casting techniques, identifying local plants and trees, and conducting chemical testing to assess stream health and pollution levels.
A highlight of the day was the release of rainbow trout, marking the culmination of the Pennsylvania Trout in the Classroom (PA-TIC) program. Throughout the school year, students in Dr. Mark Nebzydoski’s classes 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 Don Strathy and Conservation Chair and Past President Paul Ranello.
The environmental education team included Sue Cosgrove, Director of Environmental Education at Lacawac Sanctuary, Richard Arthur, Environmental Educator, Lydia Freethy of the Delaware Highlands Conservancy and Jen Campbell of the Delaware Highlands Conservancy, who guided students in macroinvertebrate identification and explained their importance as indicators of water quality. Theresa Black of the Pocono Lake Ecological Observatory Network (PLEON) led students in chemical water testing and analysis. DCNR Environmental Education Specialist Josh Heath, along with Trout Unlimited representatives Don Strathy and Paul Ranello, introduced students to responsible fishing techniques and how environmental conditions influence bait and casting choices. Rachael Marques and Alicia Utegg from the Wayne County Conservation District led a nature walk focused on plant and tree identification, highlighting key characteristics and environmental adaptations.
Prior to the field trip, students participated in classroom lessons focused on water quality, groundwater, surface water, and watershed dynamics. These preparatory activities helped students connect local environmental issues to broader ecological concepts and reinforced the importance of protecting shared water resources.
This enriching educational experience was made possible through an Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) grant provided by the nonprofit Western Wayne Education Foundation. Foundation President Christine McClure was also in attendance. Additional Western Wayne staff supporting the trip included Maria Phillips, Helene Tscheschlog, Anthony Zoppi, and Sara Orloski.
This strong collaboration between local environmental organizations and educators highlights the power of experiential learning and reflects Western Wayne’s ongoing commitment to fostering environmental awareness and stewardship among its students.
The event also received coverage from WNEP-TV, where reporter Emily Kress highlighted the day’s activities.
The news story can be viewed here:https://www.wnep.com/video/news/local/wayne-county/science-meets-nature-students-release-trout-at-varden-conservation-area/523-3cf2ef49-624d-4f00-95cd-f2573064bf60
Learn more about the partner organizations:• Varden Conservation Area: www.vardenconservationarea.com• Lacawac Sanctuary: www.lacawac.org• Pennsylvania Trout in the Classroom (PA-TIC): www.patroutintheclassroom.org• Pike–Wayne Chapter #462 Trout Unlimited: https://pwtu.org/
Picture one, from left: Josh Heath DCNR; Caspian Davis, Ryan Geisheimer, Troy Gregorski, Christopher Wright, Daisy Gravell, Addison Bartholomew, Rachel Warnock, and Madalyn Warrick.
Picture two, from left: Haley McGuire, Raelyn Simpson, Aiden Manning, Remmy Fedoryk, and Charlie Vinton. [...]
Paul Borowski & Jade Wetherington – NEIU 19 Scholar of the Year & Performing Artist of the Year – Western Wayne High SchoolMay 12, 2026Congratulations go out to Paul Borowski for being name the NEIU 19 Scholar of the Year for Western Wayne High School for the 2025-26 school year. Paul was recognized, with 23 other students from the NEIU 19 Region, at a ceremony at Lackawanna Trail High School.
Congratulations also go out to Jade Wetherington for being name the NEIU 19 Performing Artist of the Year for the 2025-26 school year. Jade was the lone recipient of the award, being chosen over other students from the entire NEIU 19 Region. [...]
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.
