Both Matt
Leslie, Western Wayne sophomore, and his brother, Jacob Leslie, 7th grade,
placed well at the recent Mid Atlantic Wrestling Association’s Eastern
Nationals.
Jacob
placed eighth and Matt won first place in their respective divisions. Before placing eighth at Nationals, Jacob
placed in the top four at Districts and was second place at Regionals in his
division. Before winning the National competition, Matt placed third in
Districts and first in Regionals.
Both boys
are a part of the Gracie NEPA Grappling Club in Olyphant which their father
owns. They participated in this recent
competition with the Grappling Club.
Jacob has
been wrestling since he was in fourth grade and enjoys his training for the
sport.
“It’s all
on you,” Jacob explained. “It’s a lot of
hard work that you have to do individually.”
An
inspiration for Jacob when it comes to wrestling is his older brother, Western
Wayne sophomore Matt Leslie, who wrestles for both the Western Wayne team and
the Grappling Club.
“My brother
helps me,” Jacob said. “He teaches me a
lot and motivates me to wrestle better.
I want to be like him and have success.”
Matt is
honored to be an inspiration for his younger brother.
“It’s
really cool to see someone grow and develop so much and know you served as a
mentor for that person,” Matt explained.
“My goal is help my brother succeed and even to see him do things that I
can’t. My brother really pushes me to be the best I can be.”
Pictured is featured Western Wayne senior artist Kat Moore.
Pictured is featured Western Wayne senior artist Dayla Jones.
Pictured is featured Western Wayne senior artist Melody Gershey.
Pictured is Western Wayne featured senior artist Rachel Butler.
A trip around the world, a mystical forest, an animal
kingdom, and the 60s era are just a few of the adventures you can take through
the senior art displays at Western Wayne’s Annual Art Exhibit starting at 1
p.m. on Saturday, May 18, at the high school gym. The event is open to the public free of
charge along with a free concert performed by the high school chorus and band
at 3 p.m. in the Veterans Memorial Auditorium.
The
entire gym will be transformed into an art gallery featuring 13 senior art
portfolios among many other pieces created by students in the high school
program. The portfolios will be judged and winners will be posted along with
awards given for best overall displays.
One
senior excited to have her portfolio displayed at the exhibit is Rachel
Butler. Her portfolio has the theme of traveling
around the world.
“My
fascination with nature and cultures around the world has been my inspiration for
my senior art display,” Rachel, who plans to study engineering at Penn State
University next year, explained. “I want
to convey the feelings I get observing animals all over the world, along with
each unique place. For my senior
display, I incorporated the places I have visited and the many destinations I
hope to experience.”
Her
family has greatly influenced Rachel’s journey as an artist.
“As I
was growing up, my mother was always using her photographic and artistic skills
around me. This is where my inspiration
to create arts had stemmed from,” Rachel explained. “Over the years, I’ve realized I can use my
creative side to bring happiness and joy to brighten someone’s day just by
doing something I love. My grandfather
is one of my main supports of my art, he is always wondering what I’m working
on and asking when the next art exhibition is so he can attend.”
Rachel’s
family members will be sure to enjoy her display along with that of many other
talented seniors including Dayla Jones whose display features animals.
“From
domesticated to exotic, I have chosen a range of different animals for my
portfolio. My love for animals does not just stop at your average pet,” Dayla,
who plans to study conservation and wildlife management and minor in zoology at
Delaware Valley College next year, explained.
“I wanted to bring my dream of becoming a wildlife rehabilitator and
conservationist into each one of my pieces. Whether it be a regular, smelly
skunk or the endangered snow leopard, all animals deserve the same compassion
and care. I put this compassion and care into each of my works of art.”
Dayla’s
classmate, fellow senior, Kat Moore also puts a lot of passion into her love
for the arts at Western Wayne. She is an
accomplished musician who served as one of this year’s Wildcat Marching Band
drum majors and has won many awards for her music along with playing in music
groups at Marywood University.
Kat
explained that she likes to incorporate music into all of her artwork in some
way or another.
“It can
be a song title, an instrument, or a musician,” Kat explained. “My senior display revolves around music
focused on the 60s era which I really enjoy.”
Kat
furthered described her inspirations for her artwork.
“I wish
to live a very colorful life, traveling and experiencing as much as I can. This
is reflected in my art as I enjoy incorporating lots of vibrant colors into my
pieces and/or focus on using a dominant color,” Kat, who plans to study music
education at Ithaca College in the fall, said. “When deciding the theme of my
display, I immediately thought of the heavy impact music has in my life. Music
and art have the ability to convey a wide range of ideas and bring out a
variety of emotions in everyone. This realization has forced me to continue to
create art as it has the capability to bring out the best in me.”
Another
featured senior who believes that art has brought out the best of her in her
life is Melody Gershey. Melody’s senior
display can be described as a mystical forest. Her mural which the display
features is a mystical waterfall with a unicorn by it.
“Ever
since I was little, I have had a mystical view of the world. I have always
wanted to believe that anything is possible, but as I grew older reality hit
me, along with lots of working and bills,” Melody, who plans to study
cosmetology at Empire Beauty School next year, explained. “With
art, I am able to keep my childish beliefs alive because with art, anything is
possible. My portfolio consists of landscapes from summer, fall, and winter,
then split into daytime and nighttime pieces. My daytime pieces are realistic.
These pieces represent people who have drifted away from their imagination or
artists who have lost their inspiration. Through my nighttime pieces, I explore
surrealism. These pieces are for those few who still believe that anything is
possible and haven’t been sucked into the drab of reality.”
The
entire Western Wayne community cordially invites the community to their annual
Art Exhibit and Spring Concert. It’s the
perfect place to take your mind off reality for a bit and enjoy the work of
these talented student artists starting at 1 p.m. in the high school gym along
with enjoying music sung and played by our excellent chorus and band with a
concert starting at 3 p.m. in the Veterans Memorial Auditorium. Both events are free of charge.
Students must return their signed 2019-20 scheduling sheets to their school counselors. If teacher recommendations are needed for Honors, AP, Lab Techs or any other classes, signatures are required. If the Guidance Department does not receive a signed scheduling sheet, students will be pulled from that course. Students who need another scheduling sheet can see their school counselor for a replacement.
Timothy Shaffer is a 2015 graduate of Western Wayne High School. He has been attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida and participating in Air Force ROTC Detachment 157 for the last four years. He recently graduated as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautics. He earned a pilot slot in his junior year and will be stationed at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi next year to begin pilot training. Upon graduation of pilot training, he intends to fly the F-35.
Timothy Shaffer is a 2015 graduate of Western Wayne High School. He has been attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida and participating in Air Force ROTC Detachment 157 for the last four years. He recently graduated as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautics. He earned a pilot slot in his junior year and will be stationed at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi next year to begin pilot training. Upon graduation of pilot training, he intends to fly the F-35.
Pictured is Western Wayne Special Olympics participant Kameron Sic, fifth grade, Evergreen Elementary School, with a look of pure joy on his face as he competes.
Pictured is Western Wayne Special Olympics participant Kameron Sic, fifth grade, Evergreen Elementary School, with a look of pure joy on his face as he competes.
Pictured is Western Wayne Senior Sebastian Tomasetti crossing the finish line at one of his races at Special Olympics.
Pictured is Western Wayne High School student Misty Rodriguez running in one of her events.
Pictured is Western Wayne Senior Michael Phillips jumping at Special Olympics.
Pictured is Western Wayne Senior Marisol Henkel jumping at Special Olympics.
Pictured is Western Wayne High School student Jordan Diaz running at Special Olympics.
Pictured is Western Wayne High School student Jared Loveland running at Special Olympics.
Pictured is Evergreen Elementary student Jake Hart running at Special Olympics.
Pictured is Western Wayne High School student Caleb Burns running at Special Olympics.
Western Wayne Special Olympians in the elementary, middle, and high schools had another successful year at the 13th Annual Track and Field Area P Special Olympics that took place on May 8 at the Delaware Valley High School stadium.
“It’s an incredible experience for our students,” special education teacher Mrs. Sarah Rickert explained. “They all take it very seriously. There is something magical about seeing the wheelchairs lined up and ready to go for some of the races.”
One such student who had the chance to participate in races at Special Olympics with his wheelchair was Western Wayne senior Sebastian Tomasetti. He competed in the 25 meter speed and 50 meter speed.
“I had fun,” Sebastian said.
Rickert explained that a lot of the other students had really nice wheelchairs in the race this year and that Sebastian was racing with a new chair as well.
Sebastian’s classmate ninth grader Michael Phillips participated in a variety of Special Olympics events including: shot put, 100M dash, and the long jump.
“I liked seeing old friends at the event,” Michael said.
Rickert explained that one highlight of Special Olympics for the students is to reconnect with former classmates who have since graduated from Western Wayne.
“Outside agencies bring people to the event, so it is nice to see the students have a reunion of sorts,” Rickert said.
A student who enjoyed reuniting with former classmates was senior Marisol Henkel. Along with having fun with friends that were both former and current classmates, Marisol participated in the softball throw, long jump, and 100M dash.
Rickert described the Special Olympics as having an open format in which parents can move about freely to support their children. Sebastian, Michael, and Marisol had parents in attendance.
Along with the support of parents, friends, and teachers, the students were treated to the support of the Delaware Valley Marching Band who came out to play some music for all to enjoy.
Rickert said her students really enjoyed the music along with the support of Delaware Valley Elementary students who spent some time in the stands cheering on all of the Special Olympians.
A great day was had by all involved. Western Wayne participated along with students from Wayne Highlands, Wallenpaupack, and Delaware Valley among other schools and local agencies.
This year, as a special treat, the Western Wayne students wore bright yellow t-shirts to show their Wildcat pride and pride for themselves as unique individuals.
“The shirts had the word ‘disability’ on them with the ‘dis’ crossed out,” Rickert explained. “I think the message was powerful.”
On
May 7, 2019, Western Wayne High School General Science Students visited the
Varden Conservation Area and participated in ecology activities presented by
Lacawac Sanctuary. Students participated in three different activities,
which involved the topics of macroinvertebrates in a pond environment,
topographic mapping, and soil percolation and pollution.
Lacawac
Sanctuary instructors included Jamie Reeger, Environmental Educational Manager,
who presented the soil percolation studies and how they tied into the water
table. Devan George, Environmental Educator, explained water
quality health through identification of macroinvertebrates found at the
pond. Bruce and Kathy Grandjean, Environmental Educators, explained
topographic mapping and orienteering with compasses and maps of the area.
The
field trip will be followed by a classroom presentation on water quality and
the environment. Students will participate in activities that model
ground water and surface water and how they fit into a concept of a water
shed. These activities will lead to discussions about the local area and
incorporate the concept of a water table and common water resources shared by
all.
Funding
for the Varden classroom education as well the field trip was provided through
an Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) grant from the nonprofit Western
Wayne Education Foundation. Christine McClure, President, 1970C Easton
Turnpike, Western Wayne School District, Lake Ariel, PA 18436
Accompanying the students were instructors Dr. Mark Nebzydoski and Mrs. Maria Phillips. For more information on:
The Western Wayne High
School Band was treated to some time with Marywood’s F. David Romines, Music
Theater Department co-chair, associate professor of music education, and
director of band activities, on Tuesday, May 7, during their band class.
The students were thrilled to expand their knowledge of music through working
with Romines.
Western Wayne School District hosted the Annual NEIU Reading Competition on Wednesday, May 8. Numerous area schools competed in both the high school and middle school divisions of the competition. Hundreds of students participated in the event that celebrates a love for reading. A team from North Pocono placed first for the high school division and a team from Forest City placed first for the middle school division. Congratulations to all involved! Pictured are some Western Wayne Middle School students who participated. From left standing: Kylie Merring, Elizabeth Wasylyk, Anna Mangieri, Chaz Smith, and Ella Merring. From left kneeling: Alyson Buchinski, Emily Brophy, Ashley Small Bermudez, and Adam Kellogg.
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.
