AURORA’S CLOSET – LOOKING FOR PROM ATTIRE?
Need the perfect dress, shoes, handbags, etc.?

Come to visit Aurora’s Closet on Friday, March 20, 2020 from 4 to 8 p.m.
Held at Calvary United Methodist Church, Belmont St., Waymart

Shop for gently used articles to complete your wardrobe for your big event!

SPONSORED BY AURORA ASSEMBLY,
INTERNATIONAL ORDER OF RAINBOW FOR GIRLS

All proceeds will be donated to the Waymart Area Food Pantry!

           The Western Wayne School District congratulates the following students who presented scientific research at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science at Wilkes University recently.  These students investigated a scientific question, carried out controlled scientific research and presented their findings to a panel of professionals in the scientific fields. 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.

Adrian Agnello received a first award for his research in Botany as he studied the effects of pine tree needle decay on undergrowth plants.  Allie Pauler received a first award for her research in Biology as she studied the effects of OTC drugs on the heartrate of Daphnia magna.  Olivia Cottell received a first award for her research in Biology as she studied the effects of vape juice on the heartrate of Daphnia magna.  Brooke Kellogg received a first award for her research in Microbiology as she studied the effects of age on the oral microbiome of piglets.  Samantha Sharp received a first award for her research in Ecology as she studied the effects of saltwater on straw biodegradation.

Kennedy Mistishin received a second award for her research in Biology as she studied the effects of alcoholic beverages on the degradation of bone mass. Kailey Tickner received a second award for her research in Behavioral Science as she studied the effects of music on memory. Stephanie Soom received a second award for her research in Botany as she studied the effects of water temperature on plant germination. Emily Romanowski received a second award for her research in Biology as she studied the effects of supplements on the heartrate of Daphnia magna. Rhayni Carroll received a second award for her research in Botany as she studied the effects of soft drinks on plant germination. Lilly Bernardi received a second award for her research in Biology as she studied the effects of soft drinks on the heartrate of Daphnia magna. Addison Purvis received a second award for her research in Biology as she studied the effects of flour type of gluten content. Weston Nugent received a second award for his research in Ecology as he studied the effects of sampling location on stream water quality. Anita Vanyo received a second award for her research in Biology as she studied the effects of cleaning products on plant germination.

Abigayle Pavlicek received a third award for her research in Botany as she studied the effects of classical music on plant germination. Lexi DeSiato received a third award for her research in Biology as she studied the effects of soft drinks on tooth decay.

          Congratulations to all of these students for their hard work!

Adrian Agnello, Allie Pauler, Olivia Cottell, Brooke Kellogg, and Samantha Sharp are eligible to present their research at the PJAS state meeting at Penn State Main Campus in May.  The club is advised by Western Wayne High School teachers Christine McClure and Maria Masankay.

Western Wayne senior Alyssa Iovacchini has been honored for her exemplary volunteer service with a President’s Volunteer Service Award.

          The award, which recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of time to service their communities and their country, was granted by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program.  Western Wayne nominated Alyssa for national honors this fall in recognition of her volunteer service.

          Throughout Alyssa’s four years in high school she volunteered at Arrowhead Bible Camp in Brackney, PA.  She found out about this opportunity through her pastor at the Waymart Church where she is an active member.

          Alyssa described the service work she does each summer at the James Project held at Arrowhead Bible Camp.  The James Project, named after the Book of James in the Bible, is a summer camp for mentally disabled adults.  Alyssa and other volunteers work to clean the camp, so that the camp counselors can more focus their time on working with the campers.

          In addition, Alyssa works at the camp in the winter doing the same jobs when youth groups and church retreats are at Arrowhead.

          “I really enjoy this type of volunteer work because I am putting others before myself and making sure they have the most enjoyable time they can at the camp whether they be adults or other campers,” Alyssa explained.

          She also participates in other various service activities in Waymart with her church throughout the school year.

          “The faculty, staff, and administration at Western Wayne feel very proud of Alyssa’s accomplishments,” Western Wayne High School Principal Paul Gregorski said.  “We hope our other students look up to her as a role model.”

          In its 25^th year, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), recognizes middle level and high school students across America for outstanding volunteer service.

          “Across the United States, young volunteers are doing remarkable things to contribute to the well-being of the people and communities around them,” said Prudential Chairman CEO Charles Lowrey.  “Prudential is honored to celebrate the contributions of these students, and we hope their stories inspire others to volunteer too.”

          “Demonstrating civic responsibility through volunteerism is an important part of life,” said NASSP Executive Director JoAnn Bartoletti.  “These honorees practice a lesson we hope all young people, as well as adults, will emulate.”

          Prudential Spirit of Community Award application details were distributed nationwide last September through middle level and high schools, Girl Scout Councils, County 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs and Points of Light Global Network members.  These schools and officially-designated local organizations nominated Local Honorees, whose applications were advanced for state-level judging.  In addition to granting President’s Volunteer Service Awards, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards selected State Honorees, Distinguished Finalists and Certificate of Excellence recipients.  Volunteer activities were judged on criteria including initiative, effort, impact, and personal growth.

          Alyssa feels honors to have been given this service award and to be able to represent the Western Wayne School District’s commitment to excellence through this honor.  Along with her service activities, Alyssa also is involved in other activities at Western Wayne which include the National Honor Society, Spanish Club, and FBLA.  After graduation, Alyssa aspires to attend a four-year college to pursue her teaching certificate in secondary education English.

          “I think that my service work is preparing me for when I will one day work with students in my own classroom,” Alyssa said.