Western Wayne High School Chorus students participated in the PMEA District Chorus Festival from January 15 through January 17. Sophomore Joanna Regalbuto qualified for the PMEA Region Chorus Festival, which will be held on February 26 through February 28 at the Greater Nanticoke High School. Pictured are the Western Wayne High School Chorus students who participated at this year’s District Chorus Festival. From left: Brad Wood, Alex Taylor, Dakota Beavers, Rhonda Fenkner, Andie Solimine, Joanna Regalbuto, and Trinity Williams.
It is time to pick your classes for the 2020-21 school year. Please watch the video to hear about courses, requirements and the course request process.
Zane Janiszewski has been selected to Channel 16’s prestigious“Super16 Dream Team” for football. The football players are selected from District II, IV, and XI by the Sports Department at WNEP Channel 16. Zane is the first football player ever selected to represent Western Wayne.
Zane led the Wildcats’s this year with the following:
Total Rushing Yards – 1,881 on 231 carries
Average Rushing Yards per carry – 8.1
Rushing Touchdowns – 30
Receiving Yards – 142
Total Yards – 2,023
Total Touchdowns 33
On Defense – 42 Solo Tackles and 59 Assists
Sacks – 1.5
Zane is a 3-Sport Athlete, he also plays basketball and baseball for the Wildcats. He is the son of Ken & Karen Janiszewski and resides in Moscow.
The show was taped today, and will be aired on Channel 16 on Sunday, January 26, 2020 at 7:00 PM.
The Western Wayne High School Band and Chorus entertained students and staff on the day before the holiday break per years long tradition. Everyone enjoyed the in-school holiday concert that lifted their spirits.
“A
House is Not a Home” is a 1964 ballad made famous by Dionne Warwick in which
she sings about how the most important part of a house is filling it with the
people you care most for. This year,
throughout the Western Wayne School District, faculty, staff, administration,
and students are embracing the PBIS initiative which has the main purpose of
creating a proactive positive environment for everyone in the school community.
PBIS is an ongoing effort of the Western Wayne School District to
guide students in behaving and interacting with others in such a way as to
promote an effective learning environment. A
big part of creating a place where students can thrive is to have adult leaders
that make the students believe school is like home in the respect that they can
feel safe and cared for there.
School resource Officer Robert Robbins’
continued efforts at Western Wayne are one of the reasons why students feel so
at home especially at the Middle and High schools.
Robbins has served in his position at
Western Wayne since 2013. He takes extra
time out of his day to get to know the students and let them know he is there
for them. As a part of PBIS, students in
the Middle School have been rewarded with being able to have lunch with
Robbins. Many of them have enjoyed this
perk.
“He listens to us,” eighth grader
Ireland Swingle said. “It’s fun when I
get to beat him at Uno. Spending time
with him is something new, so it’s really fun.”
Robbins explained that he thinks
playing cards with the students at lunch helps to break the ice.
“It’s actually great to sit with
them,” Robbins said. “They open up, and
you get to hear about what they like to do.
They get to see a different side of me, and I get to see a different
side of them.”
“He’s like a sports announcer when we
play,” eighth grader Austin Barger said.
“He’s really funny and really nice.
He even gave me an Uno deck one time and I really liked that.”
Robbins explained how this year for
the holiday season he sat with students at lunch and helped them color pictures
to hang on the wall in the cafeteria.
“The students are encouraged to take
them home with them,” Robbins explained.
“However, any pictures that were left behind before the holiday, I took
home and displayed at my house as a table cloth. They really mean something to me because they
represent the quality time I get to spend with the students.”
Robbins discussed why he feels it is
so important to spend meaningful time with them.
“You don’t often know what kind
of or if any attention they are getting at home. I make myself available and I see a lot of
positives come from that. The students
don’t want to let any of the faculty down by misbehaving,” Robbins said.
Working with students to help guide
them has been a part of Robbin’s job that he truly enjoys at Western Wayne. This type of work is a change from
experiences he has had in work up to this point.
Robbins has a long career path that
precedes his time at the district. Officer
Robbins served in the United States Army in the 101st Airborne
Division as a Light Wheel Vehicle Mechanic at Fort Campbell Kentucky for two
years. He earned the Army Achievement
Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Air Assault Badge.
Upon the conclusion of his active service,
Officer Robbins joined the Pennsylvania National Guard and served in Alpha Co,
1st Battalion of the 109th Infantry Regiment. In this unit, he served as a Squad Leader,
Vehicle Commander, was promoted to Sergeant and was awarded the General S. J.
Stewart Medal for service and NCO Academy Graduate Ribbon.
In 1991, Officer Robbins joined the
Pennsylvania Air National Guard and served with the Security Police Flight at
Willow Grove Naval Air Station. He was
responsible for base security, Flight Operations Security, and the protection
of aircraft and missile weapons sites.
He earned the Rank of Staff Sergeant.
He attended the Security Police Academy at Lackland Air Force Base,
Texas in which he earned the title of Honor Graduate and was awarded the
Pennsylvania Commendation Medal. Officer
Robbins received an Honorable Discharge from all three branches he served in.
Officer Robbins is a retired Pennsylvania
State Trooper, who served for 23 years and spent his entire career in the
Patrol Unit. He was promoted to Corporal
in 1999 and was responsible for nearly every facet of daily operations in a
State Police Troop. He was stationed all
over the State from Bucks County to Wayne County.
Now Robbins, especially through this
year’s PBIS initiative, works to provide many positive experiences for the
students of Western Wayne. For example,
the day before the holiday break Robbins served as D.J. for all of the lunches
in the Middle School and got to interact with students. He, also, did this at the end of the first
quarter as another PBIS reward for students and it went over so well that administration
wanted him to do it for the holidays.
Robbins surely serves as an example of the
purpose of PBIS through all of his interactions with students throughout the
district. Through his service to students he is also duly rewarded.
“Western Wayne has saved me in a
sense,” Robbins explained. “I now get to
see a lot of positive things that I didn’t always see in my career before this.
I think this is what God has called me to do.
I get to spend time with the kids and let them know they are safe here,
cared for here, loved here, and can get help here.”
Western Wayne High School had four seniors recognized as winners of the Artist of the Month Contest for this year by the Scranton Times: Sadie Nahman, January; Shailyn Pugh, May; Allison McDermott, August; and Abby Wilcox, November.
In addition, Shailyn’s art was featured on the cover of Happenings Magazine for December. She explained how she created a holiday-themed picture for Happenings with a train, Santa, and presents done in colored pencil and acrylic.
“I was happy to have my work chosen for Happenings,” Shailyn said. “I love making art because you can create what you want and make it your own in different mediums.”
The piece Shailyn created for the Artist of the Month Contest is a piece titled “Nest.”
She explained how “Nest” has many details. Shailyn crafted a nature scene with a bird’s nest in an apple tree with eggs in it.
“I like to challenge myself with the pieces I make,” she explained.
Shailyn will next challenge herself with envisioning her senior collection for Western Wayne’s annual spring art show. She explained that her collection has a Hollywood theme because she enjoys making portraits of famous people.
Fellow senior Sadie Nahman also appreciates drawing people in her art work. She explained how her art for the Artist of the Month Contest involves children playing hockey in a winter scene.
“When I create art, I like that I can change the picture to be whatever I want it to be,” Sadie explained.
Fellow Scranton Times Artist of the Month Contest winner Abby Wilcox also designed art with a winter theme. One of her pieces is a scene with winter frost on the ground surrounded by birds and rabbits.
Abby also looks forward to creating her senior collection for the spring art show at Western Wayne. Her collection has a fantasy theme with many unrealistic colors.
“I chose this theme because I like using colors and exploring what it looks like to create images that don’t have to look realistic,” she explained.
Western Wayne faculty, staff, and administration are proud of the accomplishments of these aspiring young artists and encourage the community to look for their work in the Scranton Times to celebrate their accomplishments.
Western Wayne senior Trina Barcarola recently inked with
The University of Virginia because of her vast track accomplishments. Trina is a Scranton Times Athlete of the Year
for her numerous athletic achievements in track. She also was a member of the All-State Track
Team last year. She won two gold medals
in one day at the State Championship for pole vault and 100 hurdles.
Trina
believes that many factors contribute to her success.
“My
coaches and all of the support I receive from my family and friends is
important,” Trina explained.
“I also rely on hard work, and my center, above all else, is my
faith.”
Trina
belongs to multiple clubs such as National Honor Society, Fellowship of
Christian Athletes, Youth Advisory Committee, and is the president of her
church youth group. Along with her
athletic work with the track team, Trina has played volley ball on the Western
Wayne team for three years. When she
isn’t working on her athletic craft, she can be found creating designs in her
Fashion II class at Western Wayne. As a
senior in this course, she will design a collection for the school’s annual
spring fashion show. Trina has titled
her collection “Between the Lines.”
Western
Wayne faculty and staff are thrilled for Trina to have received such a
significant scholarship from VCA. Trina
feels very excited to begin her college career.
“I’m
most looking forward to taking the next steps in my life and growing as a
person, student, and athlete.”
From left, standing: Justin
Collins, head Western Wayne track coach; and Robert Amos, Western Wayne pole
vault coach. From left, sitting, are members
of the Barcarola family: Adriana Barcarola, John Barcarola, Trina Barcarola,
Victoria Barcarola, Bernice Maiocco, and Johnny Barcarola.
Western Wayne
senior Ezra Tetreault recently was accepted to the prestigious United States
Coast Guard Academy.
Ezra is highly
involved in the Western Wayne school community. He serves as president of the
National Honor Society and is also student body president this year. In
addition, he is greatly involved in FBLA serving as first vice president of
this organization for the state of Pennsylvania. Along with playing
football in the fall, Ezra is a member of both indoor and outdoor track with
hurdling as his main event.
Western Wayne faculty, administration, and staff are proud of Ezra’s acceptance and all of his accomplishments. They wish him the best with the rest of his senior year and in the future.
Western Wayne music students in both band and chorus have been busy performing holiday concerts for their friends, family, and the community in the Veterans Memorial Auditorium at the high school. In the month of December, the 7th and 8th grade chorus and band had separate concerts. In addition, the high school chorus and band held a concert on the same evening. The community has another chance to see some holiday music from Western Wayne students at the joint sixth grade chorus and band concert on Thursday, January 9 at 7 pm. in the high school auditorium. Pictured is Elaine Ort conducting middle school band members at their recent holiday concert.
Western Wayne’s Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) hosted a very successful Breakfast with Santa at the high school on Saturday, Dec. 14. Over 100 people were in attendance and along with having a delicious breakfast, they got to experience a variety of other activities at the event including picture time with Santa. All proceeds from the event will benefit FCCLA members. Members are currently working on projects for the State Leadership Conference to be held in the spring at Penn State Main Campus. From left, FCCLA members: Amelia Bosshard and Sadie Nahman. From left, FCCLA members: Kailey Tickner and Katarina Wood.
ALL NEWS
BOOK A SESSION NOW! Senior portraits will be taken July 9th, 10th, and 11th.June 30, 2025We are excited to announce that Upstate Images has been chosen as the official senior photographer for the Class of 2026.
Senior portraits will be taken at the Western Wayne High School July 9th, 10th, and 11th. The location is tbd due to construction in the school. Scheduling a portrait session with Upstate Images is essential to ensure your child’s inclusion in the yearbook.
To book a portrait session, scan the QR code or visit the Upstate Images website: https://www.upstate-images.com/seniors. Select the Binghamton Southern Tier when booking your appointment.Yearbook Portrait Requirements: ● Select your favorite CAP AND GOWN photo by 11/20/25. ● Any images that do not follow these specs or are not selected by this deadline will be picked by the WWHS Yearbook team.
Sitting Options and Fees: (Sitting fees are prepaid online when the session is booked.)
● Platinum: $40 sitting fee includes 25-30 images (traditional yearbook attire, cap and gown, three casual outfits, multiple backgrounds)● Gold: $30 sitting fee includes up to 20 images (traditional yearbook attire, cap and gown, two casual outfits, multiple backgrounds)● Silver: $15 sitting fee includes up to 15 images (traditional yearbook attire, cap and gown, one casual outfit, multiple backgrounds)● Yearbook Only: Free session for those who need it. This includes four images in yearbook attire only.
Call 1-855-773-3321 to book this session. [...]
High School Hosts Graduation for Class of 2025June 13, 2025Wildcat Pride was bursting from the audience at Western Wayne’s Veterans Memorial Auditorium on the evening of Friday, June 6, for the graduation of the class of 2025. This is a bright class of students who have excelled in academics, athletics, and club activities having gained a total of $6,075,675 in college scholarships and grants at their recently held senior night. Student speakers at graduation gave their classmates advice for the exciting and new journey that lies ahead of them for their very bright futures.Senior Lillian Maros, president of the class of 2025, gave the welcome address.Lillian ended her speech in a unique way by having her class honor the many role models who have shaped their life journey thus far.“I was once told that everyone, at least once, deserves to be on the receiving end of a round of applause,” she said. “As a theater kid myself, I couldn’t agree more, and I ask any parents, guardians, siblings, teachers, and administrators to stand, and let our class applaud you for all of the opportunities you have given us.”Later, Lillian presented the Class Mantel to Audrey Agnello, junior class president.Following the presentation of the mantle, the class salutatorian and valedictorian gave speeches.Senior David Elias III, Hamlin, was named the salutatorian of the class of 2025 with a final overall GPA of 100.41.
David is the son of Carrie and David Elias.Along with being an excellent academic student, David was involved in Western Wayne clubs and activities including: FBLA, basketball, PBIS, and track and field.
In the future, he plans to attend Marywood University with an undecided major.
“My favorite memory from high school was attending the FBLA state conference as a freshman in Hershey,” David said. “While at Western Wayne, I’ve learned important skills such as critical thinking and time management that will help me through college and beyond.”In his salutatorian speech, David let his classmates know it is ok to be undecided about their futures as long as they follow their inner drive.“We have the ability to blaze our own paths different from what our parents did and what others expect of us,” he said. “As long as we follow what truly matters to us, we will get where we are supposed to go.”David summed up the evening with a quote from LeBron James, “Education is the most important thing in life. No matter what you do, you have to be educated, and you have to learn.”He then ended his speech with these encouraging words to his class, “We are closing a major chapter in our lives, but with the hope that we will be able to keep learning throughout whatever endeavors come next with the goal of reaching greatness.”Fellow classmate Lia Hartman, Lake Ariel, was named valedictorian of the class of 2025 with a GPA of 100.94.Lia is the daughter of Chad and Mayumi Hartman.Lia also has done numerous activities both inside and outside of the classroom at Western Wayne. She has participated in NHS, Student Council, Marching Band, serving as a drum major her junior and senior years; District and Region Band, Envirothon, Science Olympiad, and FBLA.In the future, she plans to attend The University of Scranton as a biochemistry major and then attend medical school to pursue pathology.“My favorite moment throughout high school was seeing the smile on people’s faces after having a good field show,” Lia said. “I believe the teachers at Western Wayne have pushed me to succeed and provided me with many meaningful opportunities.”
In her valedictorian speech, Lia reminisced about how in her freshman year when she saw that she was ranked first in her class that she had a fleeting thought about what it would be like to deliver a graduation speech. At that time, all she felt was anxiety, but now faced with the reality, she said she felt nothing but honor and pride to get to deliver this speech to her class.Her speech focused on the idea of how motivation is a key aspect in life especially when facing a milestone moment like graduation.“Motivation is a truly powerful force,” Lia said. “It is a psychological drive and combination of our values, goals, and beliefs. It pushes us toward success.”Lia said in preparation of her speech she asked many of her classmates to discuss with her their motivations and found them to be a variety of forces including God, drive for success in sports and academics, along with wanting to inspire others to work hard, and to make family proud.She quoted one of her favorite books, The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, “What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well.”She told her classmates to not lose hope if they find themselves lost in their journey after high school at times, “As long as you latch onto your own motivations, you will continue to trek forward towards the future, and you will undoubtedly find your own well.”She then left her classmates with these words of advice, “Always remind yourself why you decided to go on this journey in the first place. Never let go of that initial spark. I encourage you to go out there and become the inspiration that gives others their sparks.”
Following the speeches, all graduates received their diplomas and were presented as the Class of 2025 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.
Picture one: Senior Elizabeth Washine works on one of her many art projects at Western Wayne. After graduation, she will attend Duquesne University to study secondary education English and creative writing.
Picture two: from left: David Elias, salutatorian, and Lia Hartman, valedictorian, hard at work on a project after being named “most likely to be your boss” for their high school yearbook.
Picture three: from left: Allyson Irvine and Grace Lidy taping a segment for Western Wayne Broadcast which they both worked on this year.
Picture four: from left: high school English teacher Amanda Jenkins, student council co-advisor; Madison Stiffler, Prom Queen; and high school Spanish teacher Sara Orloski; student council co-advisor; at the Homecoming game this past fall when Stiffler was named queen.
Picture five: from left: High School Principal Paul B. Gregorski; senior Mason Rush, Prom King, and his mom Western Wayne high school English teacher Megan Rush. Mason will attend Juniata College this fall with a merit scholarship to study criminal justice and education.
Picture six: from left: Colette Schmitt, who played Sophie; and Lillian Maros, who played Donna; in Western Wayne’s production of Mamma Mia this past spring for their senior year. Lillian has won numerous creative writing and band awards over her time in high school. She plans to start her own business upon graduation and move to Texas with her family. Colette Schmitt will serve an 18 month mission trip for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints after graduation and plans to study to become a chiropractor as her career path.
Picture seven: from left: Stephanie Maxwell, who played Rosie; and Robert Scramuzza, who played Bill in Western Wayne’s production of Mamma Mia this past spring for their senior year. Stephanie will attend The University of Alabama in the fall to study pre-law and minor in theater. Robert will attend RIT in the fall to study engineering.
Picture eight: is senior Rebekah Palko on her horse Paxil at Salem View Farms She has done competitive equestrian for many years, and Paxil was her first horse.
Picture nine: Salutatorian, David Elias III
Picture ten: Valedictorian, Lia Hartman
Picture eleven: The class of 2025 after receiving their diplomas
Picture twelve: The class of 2025 celebrating
List of 2025 Graduates
Mackenzie Jean AdamsZoe Lorah AlbitzThomas John BainLily BarberJacob Alexander BarnaAlexis BarrVallita Princess BelinovaAubrey Shay BellJamal Lee BenedictKayne Michael BihlerTheodore Robert BlackNatalia Lydia BorrelliLillian Grace BronsonMatthew T. BrownConnor Howard BryantAnthony CanzanoDouglas Robert ChapmanJames Samuel ChapmanStacey ChristopherMadelyn Rose ChrobakRiver CollinsNikko CondiAngelina L. CorreaNicholas CotterAndrew CrisseyAddison Grace DanielsEvan Joseph DeanEmily Ann DicelloAnnaliese DickisonHannah Lee DockemeyerAnthony John DonniniLauren Letizia DramisinoMichael Samuel DursoJonathan Hunter DwyerZariah EdmundsDavid John Elias IIIJayla C. FiorellaJeffrey David Foote, Jr.Olivia Giovanna FordAiden Patrick ForneyKalob Alejandro FrankoJordan FrisbieSean James GallifordColton Michael GearyZachary Aiden GibbsCedar C. GilpinJared Joshua GoldmanAddison Lynn GriffinBryan James GuarnizDaniel HallDavid J. HallbergLia Mimi HartmanPaige Elizabeth HaswellJaden Desire HeadenChase HobgoodMaKennah Lynn HolbertColton J. HooseBrianna Michelle HoyerJak Michael HubingerAllyson Grace IrvineJames Ethan JimenezSydney Grace JusticeAlyssa Lynn Ellis KapalskiJayden KellachowAustin D. KenyonKendra May KeryloviczLily Patrice KievaNicole Marie KlimEthan Tyler LambertonGrace K. LangendoerferFrederick Frances Leonetti IIIGrace H. Murphy LidyTravis Mark LockerRyleigh Niccole MahonLance Maiocco, Jr.Matvey MamoshukLillian Grace MarosAddison Brooke MatthewsStephanie K. MaxwellDaymon Robert McGuireRobert William Mildner, Jr.Nelson Edgardo Miranda-MirandaSeth MontijoBryson MoscarelliHayden William MundrakeTeagan S. MurphyBrendan Joseph OlivoMichael Banavan OlivoTyler OvensSean Davon OwensRebekah Lane PalkoOwen S. PalkovicRaegan Alaina PalmerJessica Rose PalopoliNicholas Anthony PaneMercedes D. L. PedersenRobert F. Phillips, Jr.Addyson Bailey PrussJohn Patrick Pyatt IIIAliyah S. RatchfordAnthony Joseph RedmondHunter Baron ReichlingJayden Michael RiveraKarter M. RizziTimothy Richard Roberts, Jr.Noel Michael RodriguezHayden Timmy RomanaskasEvan John RonchiAyden K. RosengrantNikita RudMason Scott RushAbigail Faith SadowskiRyan Michael SchaneColette Ann SchmittKennedy Carolyn Ortman ScottRobert Nicholas ScramuzzaDavis M. SheppardVincent Charles SilonKathryn E. SkirpanThomas Joseph SmithNeima Marie Smith-HorstSienna Skye StevensMadison Naomi StifflerDylan David StookeyAshley Lynn ToscanoBella Marie TrumbullNoah VailJoshua Shawn VintonMakayla Marie WaltonAva Michell WardLandon R. WargoElizabeth Blaire WashineLogan WeaverJulia Ross WehrmannKallie May WehrmannCassidy Ann Zeiler [...]
Charlotte Nebzydoski, RDW Fourth Grade student achieves perfect attendanceJune 13, 2025Charlotte Nebzydoski, Fourth Grade student at Robert D. Wilson Elementary School, was the only RDW student to achieve perfect attendance for the 2024/2025 school year. Charlotte was present for every day of school and was never tardy or dismissed early. Charlotte is a bright light for everyone in the school. Her academics are top notch and the kindness and positivity that she shows daily is truly inspiring. Having Charlotte in the building every day made RDW a better place. Please congratulate Miss Charlotte Nebzydoski on this seemingly impossible accomplishment. RDW is so proud of you, Charlotte! [...]
Hot Rod Club and Drama Club Car Show on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6June 5, 2025The Western Wayne Hot Rod Club and Drama Club will host their 2025 Annual Car Show on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 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 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 on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 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. Hope to see you there! [...]
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.