Pictured is the Prom 2021 Court, from left Madison McGlone (Sr), Cassidy Asinski (Sr), Jada Siino (Queen), Matt Henneforth (King), Allison McCarthy (Jr), and Sarah Collins (Jr).
Western Wayne High School celebrated their Prom the evening of Saturday, May 1, at the Anthracite Hotel in Carbondale outside under a tent. The students were thrilled to have the opportunity to celebrate their Prom and followed COVID guidelines for the event.
Western Wayne junior Ashton Fitzsimmons graduated from the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today 2020-2021 program this past May. He was one of several local students who had this experience. Ashton feels grateful for the opportunity he had through Leadership Lackawanna’s Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.
“My experience with Leadership Lackawanna was very interesting. Normally everything is in person, you get to visit all these different places and do all these activities with people from all around; however, because of COVID everything was virtual,” Ashton explained. “Although that is a big curveball in the program, it did not stop the fun even a little bit. Everyone was able to participate and make new friends with a lot of people while learning what it takes to be a leader. In my opinion, the experiments we would do was the best part of each session. For example, the members learned how to make a self-drawing machine with some wires, a battery, foam and colored pencils, and you got to draw different pictures and show everyone in the Zoom meet.”
Ashton has been highly involved in high school activities. He is a member of the varsity soccer and basketball teams, along with Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, and the Youth Advisory Committee. Notably for soccer, he is on the First Team All-Star Roster. In FBLA, he placed 1st at States his freshman year, and 4th at States last year. He especially enjoyed going to Hershey with FBLA and spending time with his friends in the club.
After high school, Ashton plans to attend West Chester University and earn his teaching degree.
“Western Wayne has prepared me for my plans after high school in many ways. The school offers so many opportunities with clubs inside and outside of school that give different outlooks on how the real world works,” Ashton explained. “ These opportunities not only prepare me for the future, but they also better me as a person. TLT is the perfect example. Currently, we are helping out different nonprofit organizations like Keystone Mission, which is a homeless shelter around Wilkes-Barre and Scranton.”
More than 7,400 students in six area school districts received a treat with a message this month: snack packs with two lifesaver candies, resource cards listing organizations offering help for mental health issues, and a note that said “Be a lifesaver, let someone know help is within reach.”
The packs, distributed for Mental Health Awareness Month by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Wayne/Pike Northeast Suicide Prevention Initiative (NSPI), went to students in grades 7 through 12 in Wayne Highlands, Western Wayne, Wallenpaupack Area, Delaware Valley, Forest City Regional and East Stroudsburg school districts.
Western Wayne students received their snack packs the week of May 24. The students were glad to get their treat and this important information.
“This past year we saw so many changes in our daily lives, it was hard for everyone, but especially for young people,” said Carol Kneier, MS, RD, LDN, CDE, manager Wayne Memorial Community Health, a member of NSPI.
According to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, between April and October 2020, at the height of the pandemic, hospital emergency departments saw visits from children for mental health needs rise sharply from the year before – up 24% for children aged 5-11 and 31% for young people 12-17.
“Our goal is to increase awareness about mental health and let students know that they are not alone and help is always available. The resource cards were designed to be handy – to fit in pockets and wallets—and to be conveniently accessed if and when needed.”
From left: Mrs. Jennifer Bradley, Western Wayne Middle School principal; Jean Tuttle, assistant to manager Wayne Memorial Community Health; Carol Kneier, manager Wayne Memorial Community Health; and Mr. Paul Gregorski, Western Wayne High School principal.
NSPI groups involved in the effort also included the Wayne County Office of Behavioral and Developmental Programs and Early Intervention and Carbon-Monroe-Pike Mental Health and Developmental Services.
Kneier reiterated the national message of NAMI, “Together, we can realize our shared vision of a nation where anyone affected by mental illness can get the appropriate support and quality of care to live healthy, fulfilling lives — a nation where no one feels alone in their struggle.”
Western Wayne High School came together on Saturday, May 8th, in an exhibition of the arts. The chorus concert took place in the Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium and the band concert followed in the high school gym.
The concerts showcased the groups’ musical abilities honed after months of hard work. Both the band and choir have faced challenges from a school year rife with uncertainty, but even through the difficulties of rehearsing in a pandemic the ensembles pressed onward and were proud to present a spring concert.
As chorus member and band drum major Rhonda Fenkner puts it, “Generally in the music program we’ve had our struggles, but thanks to the work of administration and teachers we were able to put on a show and persevere.”
The choir, directed by Mr. Taber Starnes, performed “Gratias Deo”, “We Believe in Music”, “Bully in the Alley”, and “Shenandoah”, as well as “Here’s to Us” featuring 12th grade students and “Wade in the Water” featuring PMEA District Chorus students. The band, directed by Mrs. Elaine Ort, presented their performance From Mozart to Modern with the songs “Overture to the Marriage of Figaro”, “Irish Tune from County Derry”, “The Wrong Note Rag”, “Sunchaser”, and “Fate of the Gods”.
The members of the band and chorus were pleased to have this opportunity to share their music with the community. Attendees of the event had preassigned tickets, and all COVID safety measures were in place for the performances.
A recording of the chorus concert can be found at the following link: https://youtu.be/e62QpzTlZ-w. As the school year ends, the Middle School chorus and band programs will also have concerts presented in much the same way as the High School music events. As they become available links to these performances will be posted on the Western Wayne web page https://ww3.westernwayne.org/
This is a fundraiser to benefit the Western Wayne sophomore class of 2023. If you have any questions please contact Trina Collins (tcarito@westernwayne.org), or Helene Tscheschlog (htscheschlog@westernwayne.org). ***PLEASE NOTE*** – This survey is being used to gather interest. – Order forms will be available in each of the building main offices, and monies collected by building secretaries. – Orders and payment must be in by May 14th. – Ticket books will be available for pick up during the week of May 21st.
The National Business Honor Society is designed to recognize FBLA members who truly excel in academic preparation and will pursue an eventual career in the business world. Pennsylvania FBLA recognizes that to succeed as a true business leader, members need to be well prepared in terms of their academics, career skills, and leadership development. Nominees must have an overall cumulative GPA of at least 3.5, an overall cumulative GPA of 3.5 in a minimum of two completed business courses, demonstrated leadership, and have clearly defined career objective. This year, two members of Western Wayne FBLA have been inducted into the National Business Honor Society. Lacey Falloon and Lenny Maiocco were recognized at the PA FBLA Virtual State Leadership Conference in April. Both received a membership certificate, an honor society pin, and honor cords to be worn at graduation. From left: Lacey Falloon and Lenny Maiocco.
Elaine Ort, band director for Western Wayne High School, will join band directors from across the country next January 1st in the annual Pasadena Tournament of Roses® Rose Parade. A custom-designed animated float will lead a “marching band of band directors” up to 300 strong from across the country. The Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation, based in Pickerington, Ohio, is the sponsoring organization behind the project. The foundation was created to recognize and carry on the work of the late Mike Sewell, who dedicated his life to the school and community music programs in Pickerington and the Central Ohio area for more than 38 years. The parade entry will convey the theme, “We teach music. We teach life.” The extraordinary dedication and accomplishments of band directors are well known to their students, to parents and to school teachers and administrators. No matter where they teach and work—public and private schools, colleges and universities, the military, community bands—dedicated music educators and leaders work long hours to not only teach and direct music, but to teach life itself. Students’ lives in particular are positively changed by a motivational leader who taught, inspired and mentored them. “I am thrilled to have this opportunity to march in the parade,” Ort said. “It is an honor to represent Western Wayne.” Elaine Ort has devoted much of her life to the study and performance of music. A native of New England and graduate of Marywood University, Elaine is a member of the Scranton Brass Orchestra, the Providence Brass, the Schützengiggles Oompah Band, the Marywood University Wind Symphony, and performs often in musical pit orchestras throughout the region. As an educator, Elaine serves as the director of instrumental activities in the Western Wayne School District since 2014. At Western Wayne, her teaching responsibilities include sixth grade brass instruction, eighth grade band instruction, and the Pride of Western Wayne, the Wildcat High School Band. Under her direction and guidance the school continues to invest heavily in its music program, and was recently named a KHS America Academic Alliance Platinum school for its investment in instrumental education. It is the only school in Pennsylvania, and one of only 39 in the United States to have received that honor. Complete details on the project are available on the Saluting America’s Band Directors website, BandDirectorSalute.org.
Western Wayne’s CTC cosmetology junior Madison Bower won the Gold Medal in the CTC District Cosmetology Competition and then went on to place third in the State Competition. Both competitions took place this past spring virtually.
At the district level, Madison competed in the nail competition. This is a notable accomplishment as she is one of very few juniors to participate and only Gold Medalists are invited to compete at the state level. At the state level, Madison also did the nail competition and placed third. At first, Madison did not realize how prestigious the competitions she was a part of were. “After winning gold in the district competition is when I found out how big this competition actually was. I googled SkillsUSA and saw all the opportunities I had with this type of competition. That’s when I started getting really nervous,” Madison explained. “I did nails every free second I had. My house smelled like a nail salon 24/7. I focused mainly on the nail art. But the state competition required much more. It wasn’t as simple as gluing on tips and a quick acrylic layer. We had to do a gel overlay as well as sculpted acrylics which is where you sculpt the nail itself with no tip. I also had to know all the nail health and nail care for the interview questions. Then the nail art for five nails with a theme.” Madison’s hard work and preparations paid off with her third place win at the state competition.
“ I can’t wait for next year and the chance at coming back to a SkillsUSA competition either in the nail care or cosmetology (hair) part of the competition,” Madison explained. She is excited to compete in a variety of areas and demonstrate her skills. Madison has been interested in the cosmetology field for many years. She discussed what first got her hooked. “When I was probably 12 years old, I went swimming and my hair turned bright green,” Madison described. “No matter what we did the green wouldn’t come out, so my mom let me dye my hair, and it escalated from there. My hair has been every color you can think of. After that I started really getting into make up. I was always watching YouTube and trying out all types of makeup techniques. When I found out about CTC and that they had a cosmetology program, I knew when I was a freshman that I would apply to CTC for the program and see if this was the right field for me. I absolutely love it and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.” Madison feels passionately about all aspects of cosmetology. “ I love almost everything to do with cosmetology,” she explained. “I think my favorite part is just being able to be creative whether it’s with nail art, hair coloring, up-dos. I just love trying new things and see how it turns out.” Madison plans to pursue the cosmetology field after graduation next year. “My future goals are to attend college for a business degree as well as cheer in college and to work in a salon while earning my degree,” she explained. “ I’d also have to keep up on continuing education for cosmetology. Once out of school, I would love to open my own salon and possibly my own competitive cheer team. I have two loves, cosmetology and cheerleading.” Pictured is Western Wayne junior Madison Bower with her gold medal and some of her cosmetology tools.
Pictured is Caitlyn Burdick, Western Wayne FCCLA president, who won the Western Wayne FCCLA Chapter Member of the Year Award at a recent virtual Eastern Region FCCLA conference.
From left Western Wayne students Zoey Goldman and Kennedy Mistishin who were recognized as Silver Medal Recipients at a recent virtual Eastern Region FCCLA conference for the Community Service Project event.
Pictured is Western Wayne student Adelaide Treibley who was also recognized as a Silver Medal Recipient at a recent virtual Eastern Region FCCLA conference for her work in the Professional Presentation event.
Western Wayne Family Career & Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) recently were recognized for being Silver Medal Recipients at a virtual Eastern Region FCCLA conference. These students are now part of the Star Events National Team and will compete this summer at the virtual national conference.
FCCLA President Caitlyn Burdick, senior, won the Western Wayne FCCLA Chapter Member of the Year Award. Caitlyn serves as president of the club and has worked on many projects this school year.
“I most enjoyed my work this year planning our community events such as our Breakfast with Santa Drive-through,” Caitlyn, who plans to attend Marywood University upon graduation with a major in early childhood education, said. “We did our best to work with COVID guidelines for such programs. It was really worth it to see the smiles on little kids faces when they saw Santa at our event.”
Another winner at the conference was junior Adelaide Treibley. She competed in the Professional Presentation event. She had to present a ten-minute speech on the topic of her choice which was unemployment.
Adelaide feels passionately about her topic. She discussed how she thinks a solution to the unemployment problem is to have more funding for higher education. Therefore, more people would be trained for specialized jobs. Adelaide became interested in this topic during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She explained how she had to dress professionally for her presentation and deliver her message in a strong and academic manner.
Adelaide placed second in this STAR Event. She will compete virtually in the National FCCLA competition.
In addition, Western Wayne juniors Kennedy Mistishin and Zoey Goldman placed second for their Community Service Project event. The girls were co-chairs of Western Wayne’s Drive-Through Breakfast with Santa this past December. For the competition, they had to create a display board and give a ten-minute speech about their experiences creating, preparing, and running the event.
The girls explained how they created a board with many pictures of their successful event along with how they illustrated their budget.
“I discussed how we were thrilled to get people out for our event, yet still keep them at a safe distance,” Kennedy explained.
Zoey added, “It was such a good event during a year where our community has struggled so much. I think we really helped the community.”
Both Kennedy and Zoey look forward to moving on to the National level of competition for their service project. The girls also feel excited for their senior year in FCCLA where they hope to do even more good for the community.
ALL NEWS
Scholarships & Career Opportunities – April EditionApril 1, 2025The April 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/2025/04/Scholarships-and-Career-Opportunities-April-2025.pdf [...]
Kindness is keyMarch 31, 2025The kindness club at R.D. Wilson aims to spread kindness for both students and staff. The winter kindness club completed two important projects. First was the Coffee Cart which provided staff members with free coffee and hot cocoa. Each cup had an uplifting message written on it. Next, they designed a bulletin board in the cafeteria. Their goal was to motivate kids to be friends and include others. The kindness club members hope their projects made a lasting impact.
Kindness Club Members (Bulletin board photo, left to right): Elisabeth Burry, Keagan Quinn, Mrs. Germani, Veronica Miller, Ben Vinton, and Colby Doud [...]
Western Wayne 9th Graders Dive into Trout Conservation with FUDRMarch 31, 2025Western Wayne High School’s 9th-grade students recently had a unique opportunity to learn about trout, stream ecology, and watershed conservation through an engaging presentation by Taline Almasian and Ciara Gunderson, outreach coordinators for the Friends of the Upper Delaware River (FUDR). The non-profit, based in Hancock, NY, is dedicated to protecting and restoring the Upper Delaware River watershed for the benefit of local communities.
The presentation covered the biology and ecology of trout, including their role in aquatic ecosystems, economic significance, and the importance of conservation efforts. Students learned about habitat restoration, sustainable fishing regulations, and ways to become stewards of local waterways. Almasian and Gunderson also shared insights into FUDR’s mission and projects, demonstrating the impact of their conservation work.
This experience also deepened students’ understanding of Dr. Mark Nebzydoski’s Trout in the Classroom (TIC) program, where students raise rainbow trout eggs provided by the Pennsylvania Fish Commission. These trout will grow into fingerlings before being released during a field trip this spring to the Varden Conservation Area. The presentation reinforced the importance of trout conservation and gave students a broader perspective on how their classroom efforts connect to real-world ecological preservation.
To reinforce their understanding, students participated in a Jeopardy-style quiz, testing their knowledge on topics covered in the presentation. The interactive format made learning fun and encouraged deeper engagement with the subject matter.
“This was an excellent opportunity for our students to connect classroom learning to real-world environmental issues,” said Dr. Mark Nebzydoski, Western Wayne High School science teacher. “FUDR’s work is essential in protecting our waterways, and our students now have a better understanding of how they can contribute to conservation efforts.”
The event highlighted the importance of preserving healthy aquatic ecosystems and inspired students to take an active role in environmental stewardship. To learn more about FUDR and its conservation efforts, visit www.fudr.org. [...]
RECYCLE YOUR ELECTRO JUNK – APRIL 26March 31, 2025Join the Y, Honesdale National Bank, Wayne County Fair Association and Advanced Recycling in beingenvironmentally active & recycling your broken & unwanted household or business electronic junk.Special thanks to The Fair Association for allowing us to use their location.
All funds raised will support our financial assistance program for our community.Cost: Households: $25 per household. Additional $20 for each item with Freon (such as air conditioners)Business, Schools, Gov’t Agencies: Pre-registration required with Tina at the YMCA570-253-2083
We accept: computers, servers, monitors, printers, keyboards, VCRs, CP batteries, cell phones,terminals, cables, wires, power supplies, fax machines, radios, modems, CTRs, corded & cordless phones, TVs,
CPUs, copiers, scanners, cassette/CD/DVD players, typewriters, stereo equipment.We don’t accept: Wooden TV consoles, glass, lightbulbs, cassette/video tapes, alkaline or cadmium batteries
Stay in your vehicles: We handle all removal.WHEN: Businesses & Households: Sat, April 26, 2025 9:00 AM-2:00 PMLOCATION: The Wayne County Fairground 270 Miller Drive Honesdale, PA 18431FOR MORE INFORMATION: Wayne County YMCA• 570-253-2083 • wcymca.com [...]
Ag Literacy WeekMarch 24, 2025EverGreen Elementary participated in Ag Literacy Week with 4H Penn State Extension of Wayne County. Students in grades kindergarten to second grade participated with classroom readers. Pennsylvania Ag Literacy Week is an important annual event that aims to educate young students about the significance of agriculture in their daily lives. In essence, Pennsylvania Ag Literacy Week is a valuable educational endeavor that fosters a greater understanding of agriculture and its vital role in society. This year’s book is “The Soil in Jackie’s Garden” and will teach children the importance of gardening, soil secrets and the magic of composting. [...]
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.