Western Wayne High School sophomore Hudson Malinowski was accepted to PMEA All-State Concert Band via online audition. Although the festival won’t take place physically, she will still receive the honors from the state. In addition, she had one of the top six highest scores of students in the region. She now qualifies to audition for the All-Eastern Festival which will take place in Spring 2021.
PLEASE review the attached letter regarding paying for AP exams this year.
Here is a link to the AP Testing Guide 2020. It is VERY important you are familiar with the information listed in this guide. There are tasks you must complete prior to taking an exam this year. https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/pdf/ap-testing-guide-2020.pdf
Congratulations to sophomore Hudson Malinowski who was accepted to PMEA All-State Concert Band via online audition. Although the festival won’t take place physically, she will still receive the honors from the state. In addition, she had one of the top six highest scores of students in the region. She now qualifies to audition for the All-Eastern Festival which will take place in Spring 2021.
View the video from WNEP – https://www.wnep.com/embeds/video/523-51adbd1b-6f22-45a7-b599-292696cdef93/iframe?
Western Wayne Musical Drama Club students had the opportunity to perform pieces from their 2020 musical Once Upon a Mattress at Western Wayne RDW’s Read Across America Night on Thursday, March 5. The Drama Club presentation was one of a variety of experiences available for the children that evening.
The students entertained children and their families with a few scenes. Senior Honour Shaffer served as Master of Ceremonies for the event and also plays lead role Prince Dauntless the Drab.
The musical Once Upon a Mattress is a retelling of the classic tale of the princess and the pea. However, in the musical version, there is much humor added to the tale revolving around how Queen Aggravain has set a decree in the kingdom that no one will wed until her son Prince Dauntless does.
The catch is that the Queen does not wish her son to marry and will stop at nothing to come up with impossible tests for each princess suing for his hand in marriage. However, throughout the course of the musical, the unique Princess Winnifred the Woebegone, played by senior Andie Solimine, proves she is more than ready to pass the Queen’s test.
At Read Across America Night, the cast first previewed the Prologue scene with the musical number “Many Moons Ago” sung by Cassia Sheehan, minstrel. In “Many Moons Ago,” the minstrel tells a beautiful rendition of the princess and the pea tale. Ava Compton, prologue queen; Haley Strocchia, prologue princess; and Gavin Toy, prologue prince, reenacted the minstrel’s song in a ballet for the audience.
Next, Alex Taylor, Sir Harry, and Rhonda Fenkner, Lady Larken, performed “In a Little While.” Harry and Larken dream of getting married and starting a family, but have to wait for Dauntless to find a bride first. Harry vows to Larken that he will help to find the perfect princess for Dauntless, so that then they may be married.
The crowd was then entertained by the song “The Minstrel, The Jester And I” performed by Cassia Sheehan, minstrel; Lily Visceglia, jester; and senior Joseph McNeill, the king. In the song, the group reflects on some fond memories they have had together getting into a variety of mischief. Their song is told in a unique way because only the Minstrel and Jester can speak. The King has lost his voice due to a curse, but he pantomimes his thoughts in this song and throughout the show in a very comical way.
The fourth number performed for the RDW audience, was “Sensitivity” by Senior Sydney Peet who plays Queen Aggravain and her trusty side-kick the Wizard played by Alex Fullone. In the song, the Queen comes up with the plan to test Princess Winnifred for sensitivity by placing a pea under twenty mattresses. Sydney and Alex bantered about their plan throughout the song to entertain the audience.
The audience was also treated to the musical number “Normandy.” In this piece, Larken, Minstrel, Jester, and King returned to the stage. Larken is trying to flee from the kingdom alone. Her friends the Minstrel, Jester, and King offer her assistance to get to Normandy where she can be safe and taken care of.
Finally, the cast performed “The Swamps of Home.” In this comical piece, Fred tells Dauntless and her ladies in waiting played by Julia Phillips, Amanda David, Haley Strocchia, Adriana Barcarola, Alyssa Donnini, Joanna Regalbuto, Karina Booths, and Ava Compton, about what it was like to grow up in a swamp kingdom. At first, the group is unsure of their opinions on Fred, but as the song continues the ladies, Dauntless, and the audience fall in love with Fred and her quirky ways.
The crowd enjoyed the musical preview at the Annual Read Across America Night, and the Western Wayne Drama Club is grateful to RDW for inviting them to perform at this annual event for the past several years.
The directors of the show are very proud of the entire cast, crew, and pit band of Once Upon A Mattress and especially wish to acknowledge the years served in drama club and future plans of senior members.
Senior Dakota Beavers, Senior Head Stage Crew/Lights, has been a member of drama club for three years. After graduation, Dakota is considering college, and would like to work in music or theater production.
Senior Brandon Davis, knight, has been in drama club for three years. Upon graduation, Brandon plans to attend Johnson College for carpentry.
Senior Victoria Davis, stage crew, has been on crew for one year but has also assisted in set production for other Western Wayne plays. After graduation, Victoria plans to become a dog trainer at Star Mark in Texas.
Senior Allison King, Senior Head Stage Crew, has been a five-year drama club, stage crew member. After graduation, Ally plans to begin her own photography business.
Senior Rebeccah King, ensemble, has been a five-year drama club member, serving as the club’s historian for three years. Upon graduation, Becca has plans to study massage therapy.
Senior Joseph McNeill, who plays the King, came to Western Wayne this year. This is Joseph’s second time playing The King in Once Upon a Mattress, having also played this role at his previous school. After graduation, Joseph would like to enter the Air Force and then plans to enter a law enforcement program to become a game warden.
Senior Abygaile Milewski, stage crew, is a two-year drama club member. After graduation, Abygaile will attend Wilkes University and study communications.
Senior Andrew Oudshoorn, pit band, trumpet, has been in the pit for two years among many other band accomplishments and positions. After high school, Andrew has been accepted to Penn State Scranton for their undergraduate pre-med program.
Senior Sydney Peet, the Queen, is in her third year in drama club, currently serving as the club’s president. After high school, Sydney plans to major in economics in college.
Senior Honour Shaffer, Dauntless the Drab, is in his fourth year in drama club. He serves as the vice president of the club. Upon graduation, Honour plans to join the United States Coast Guard Reserves.
Senior Andie Solimine, Winnifred, has been acting since the third grade. Andie came to Western Wayne as a sophomore and has been in drama club ever since. Andie is planning to pursue a degree in music education at Marywood University.
Senior Nathan Taggart, pit band, trumpet, has been in the pit band for four years among many other band accomplishments and positions. Upon graduation, Nathan will attend Penn State University Park for chemical engineering.
Senior Brad Wood, pit band, trumpet ¬, is a first year pit band member, although he has been in band throughout high school and has many music accomplishments. After graduation, Brad plans to attend Mansfield University to pursue a bachelors’ degree in history, with a goal of earning a Ph.D. in history.
The directors of the Western Wayne Musical Drama Club are proud of the performance done by cast members at RDW as well as the many accomplishments of all of their students, especially the seniors, and would like to thank the district and community for their continued and consistent support of performance arts.
Juniors (and Sophomores)!!
What? Virtual College Exploration Week sponsored by StriveScan
When? Monday, April 20-Thursday, April 23
For Who? High school students looking for college information
How? Sessions offered each hour throughout the day – REGISTER only for what you are interested in!
How much? FREE, FREE, FREE!
How to learn more: Click the link below.
Summary: Over the course the week, StriveScan will offer a number of information sessions to students about different college topics. Register for one session or as many as you want! On April 21 at 11am, there is an information session about the Pennsylvania state schools (Bloomsburg, ESU, West Chester, Mansfield, Millersville, IUP, etc.), it’s called The PASSHE System- PA at a Glance . There are many topics covered in these sessions, if you have any questions about which sessions to register for please email me.
Click the link to learn more and to register for a session!! https://www.strivescan.com/virtual/
Sophomores & Juniors:
Please see the email that was sent to your school email regarding two wonderful opportunities.
Sophomores: Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT)
Juniors: Leadership U
Applications are available on www.LeadershipLackawanna.com.
We have been sending students to TLT for years (Leadership U is a new program) and everyone involved always says what a great experience it is. Please look to apply and let your school counselor know if you have any questions.
Leadership Lackawanna is extremely sensitive to the current situation of our country, however, we would like to proceed forward with accepting applications for our youth initiatives – Tomorrow’s Leaders Today and Leadership U. Both have an application deadline of May 15th. These programs are not scheduled to begin until July and mid-October, however, we do have the technology in place should we need to teach remotely.
Tomorrow’s Leaders Today program develops the leadership, interpersonal and managerial skills of high school juniors and provides real-world experiences in the areas of philanthropy, non-profit organizations and community service. Sessions are held one full weekday each month. Leadership Lackawanna’s Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Program accepts applications from sophomores who attend high school in Lackawanna County or in the Lackawanna Trail and Western Wayne school districts.
Leadership Lackawanna and Penn State Scranton are proud to offer a new, collegiate-level initiative called Leadership U. Participants will gain leadership and community engagement skills in the areas of public speaking, S.T.E.A.M., historical awareness, financial literacy and career exploration. Leadership U will be held July 1 through August 12, 2020. Sessions are held each afternoon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. There is no class July 6. This Program accepts applications from juniors, with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, who attend school in Lackawanna County or in the Lackawanna Trail or Western Wayne school districts. If selected, the student must be a senior to participate. Upon successful completion, participants will receive three college credits to Penn State. The credits are for a general education, 100 level class and are transferable to most institutions.
Please review the Newsletter from Mrs. Chernin, Mr. Fitzsimmons, Mrs. Gribble & Mrs. Palko.
http://ww3.westernwayne.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/High-School-Guidance-Letter-COVID-19-1.pdf
Western Wayne High School Hosts Graduation for Class of 2026June 8, 2026
Wildcat Pride was bursting from the audience at Western Wayne’s Sharkey Rosetti football stadium on the evening of Friday, June 5, for the graduation of the class of 2026. This is a bright class of students who have excelled in academics, athletics, and club activities having gained a total of $3,047,128 on stage at senior night in college scholarships and grants, with an inclusive total for senior night of $3,133,553 earned by our students.
Student speakers at graduation focussed their speeches on the importance of kindness and doing right by others. Senior Audrey Agnello, president of the class of 2026, who will attend The University of Scranton in pursuit of a career as a labor and delivery nurse, gave the welcome address along with presenting the Class Mantel to Madelyn McClure, junior class president.
Agnello told her classmates, the audience, and the future senior class what she finds to be the most valuable lessons that they can take with them.
“While graduation is often seen as an ending, I believe that it is really a celebration of everything we have learned,” Agnello said.
Agnello chose to discuss the novel Wonder by R. J. Palacio to help get her point across about life lessons.
“Everyone is fighting battles of their own that are unknown to others,” Agnello said, reflecting on the plot of the book. “When given the choice of being right and being kind, choose kind.”
Agnello also quoted song lyrics by Noah Kahan, “You’re gonna go far.”
She reminded everyone that in going far one should remember to take with them kindness, compassion, and empathy.
“I hope you never underestimate the power of a single act of kindness,” Agnello said.
Following Agnello’s words, the class salutatorian and valedictorian were introduced and gave speeches.
Senior Grace Moser, Waymart, was named the salutatorian of the class of 2026 with a final overall GPA of 101.72 .
Moser is the daughter of Lydia Talarico and Kurt Moser.
Along with being an excellent academic student, Moser was involved in Western Wayne clubs and activities including: FBLA, National Honor Society, Student Council, Envirothon, Aevidum, Student Ambassador, and Inclusion Club.
In the future, she plans to attend Lebanon Valley College to obtain a master’s degree in speech-language pathology.
“My favorite high school memory is being involved in spirit games each year and enjoying that special time spent with all of my friends, ” she said. “While at Western Wayne, the experience that has most prepared me for my future plans is being a member of many clubs and activities in school and taking on leadership roles. Through these experiences, I have learned the true meaning of leadership and its impact on others.”
In her salutatorian speech, Moser focussed on thanking her family and classmates for making her who she is today.
She especially thanked her mom for being a constant source of strength and love calling her a “built-in best friend” who has taught her so much and helped her become who she is today.
In addition, along with thanking a number of her other classmates, Moser thanked the valedictorian Paul Borowski, her good friend, and supporter throughout her time in school from elementary grades through to her high school years.
She described Borowski as, “someone who pushed me to become better every day. Thank you for challenging me, encouraging me, and growing alongside me through it all.”
Moser also noted the kindness that she and so many other faculty have seen in the class of 2026.
“Our class has genuine friendships and so much love and a sense of support that people spend their whole lives searching for,” Moser said.
She closed her speech by focussing on a discussion of growth and change.
“Growth and change has been quietly happening alongside us all along,” she said. “The truth is every meaningful part of our lives have come from change. It allows us to become who we were meant to be.”
Fellow classmate Paul Borowski, Waymart, was named valedictorian of the class of 2026 with a GPA of 102.14.
Paul is the son of Paul and Andrea Borowski.
Paul also has done numerous activities at Western Wayne. He has participated in football, track and field, wrestling, National Honor Society, Envirothon, Robotics, Inclusion Club, Science Olympia, and FBLA
In the future, he plans to attend Penn State University for a four year degree in engineering.
“My favorite high school memory is when everyone would hang out at Lori’s after school events,” Borowski said. “My experience that has most prepared me for my future is balancing school with sports and outside activities. Taking many high level courses, while being a triple-sport athlete, has taught me valuable life lessons about time management.”
In his valedictorian speech, Borowski also took the time to thank some of his friends individually and to thank his parents and sister for shaping him into the person he is today.
He also thanked fellow classmate and life-long friend Grace Moser for pushing him to be a better version of himself.
He recognized his dad for teaching him hard life lessons and his mom for always believing in him through good and bad times.
He then focussed his speech on how he wanted the class to reflect on the person in their lives that believes in them the most.
“Everyone here has their own version of that person who believes in them,” Borowski said. “Success isn’t measured by our grades and achievements. It is measured by growth.”
Borowski believes that a lot of the growth made by individuals can be attributed to the belief their loved ones had in them that helped push them forward to find success.
As Borowski brought his speech to a close he said, “Most importantly never forget the people who believed in you before you believed in yourself.”
Following the speeches, all graduates received their diplomas and were presented as the Class of 2026 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: Salutatorian Grace Moser gives her speech to the Western Wayne class of 2026.
Picture Two: The Western Wayne class of 2026 celebrate at the end of the graduation ceremony.
2026 GRADUATE LIST – FINAL
Audrey Gayle Agnello
Loucynthia Jean Allen
Luis Peter Appollonio
Mia Criselle Arcadipane
Vincent Joseph Baldini
Luckus Patrick Balmer
Lauren Renee Beamer
Paul John Borowski III
Jake R. Brown
Connor Edward Buchinski
Lylah Rae Bucksbee
Chad Zachary Burns
Aiden John Burry
Ayla Rose Butrim
Robert James Carrelle III
Connor Jeffrey Clark
Hayley Star Cordero
Anastasia Maria Correa
Alexzander Jayson DeCandis
Dominic Anthony DeSiato
Hannah Elisabeth DeStefano
Julian Leonard Dobrzyn
Sonora Rose Dockemeyer
Roxanne Michelle Dugan
Riley John Dunn
Kera Mae Edwards
Katherina Karma Elston
Ian Carmine Ensley
Ty Matthew Enslin
Laylah Rose Epstein
Brody Estock
Chance Fahnestock
Antonio Mwaura Fisichella
Nicholas Gathama Fisichella
Abigail Anna Fox
Mikayla Skye Fullone
John Galati
Justin Thomas Garcia
Thomas Robert Rickard Garrison
Veronike Zoe Gauvain
Mia Grace Gifford
Ethan J. Gillott
Xavier Travis Graham
Olivia Mae Gries
Charlianne Rose Hachikian
Cristina M. Haire
Kellyann Marie Hallberg
Kendra L. Harper
LO’shai Harris
Isabella Louise Hayden
Tyler Gregory Hedge
Summer Rose Heenan
Violet Abigail Heflin
Ema-Jade Grace Heller
Kiernan Herlihy
Christopher Thomas Hopkins
Gideon Isaac Jezorwski
Zachary Mitchell Jordan
Ciarra Carolyn Kidder
Joseph Kieva
Jayden Dennis Knittle
Briana Alena Konan
Maggie Grace Kotchessa
Raeleigh Ann Kromko
Scott Alan Kurent, Jr.
Braden Christopher Laity
Aedan Joseph Lampman
Jacob Owen Lawlor
Kayla Marie Leahy
Samantha Nichole Lee
Cassidy Marie Levens
McKayleigh Marie Lokuta
Beja Marie Marcel
Kayelin Rae Martin
Aiden Manuel Matthews
Lance A. McAndrew
Jordan R. McDonald, Jr.
Karina Elizabeth McLeod
Brendan C. Mistishin
Khloe S. Mistishin
Grace Marie Moser
Makayla Claire Moser
Matthew Moyer
Carly Lynn Muniz
Kiera Murphy
Trista Aileen Murphy
Katelyn Marie Nunez
Jake Joseph Obloshny
Owen Chase Obloshny
Francis Pane
Ethan T. Paugh
Logan Michael Pauler
Norman Zachary Phillips
Michael Pongracz
Liza Elaine Pontosky
Matthew Pontosky
Isaac Francis Quiros
Nathalie Ramos
Hazel Ratliff
Shauna Ann Rodger
Jasmine M. Rodriguez
Katherine Melissa Roedel
Landon W. Romanaskas
Ronnie Ronnow
Joseph Christopher Roses
Gianna Ryelin Rosetti
Ethan Rutkowski
Phoebe Elizabeth Schmitt
Katarina Elizabeth Shumski
Kameron Bishop Sic
Christiana Catherine Smith
Sydney Rae Sosa
Ismael Sosa II
Ryan Matthew Sparks
Ryan Richard Stokesberry
Ashan D. Stookey
Judah Strocchia
Calvin H. Supanek
Brenden Patrick Thomas
Carin Ambrose Thomas
Joseph S. Tickner
Annette Lucille Torres
Ashley Lynn Toscano
Daniel Michael Toscano
Madison Elyse Trapanese
Graysen Edward Valinski
Omar Vargas, Jr.
Giuliana Velazquez
Logan James Vinton
Madelyn Lois Vinton
Landon Visceglia
Ryan Jacob Walton
Hailey Marie Wasman
Alexis Anna Weist
Jacob Remington Wells
Jade Wetherington
Zachary J. Wilbur
Anthony Ernest Zoppi [...]
Middle School Holds Annual 8th Grade Moving-Up CeremonyJune 4, 2026At the annual 8th Grade Moving-Up Ceremony, held at the Sharkey Rosetti football stadium on Tuesday, June 2, Western Wayne Middle School Principal Casey Newcomer talked to students and families in attendance about the importance of hard work and determination in the face of obstacles and setbacks, a term he called “grit.”
“Education is about growth,” Newcomer, who is in his second year at the district, said. “We have a group of students here today that represent a woven tapestry of skills.”
He told the crowd about how students excel in a variety of ways, some in the classroom and some in activities outside of it.
“No matter what you are trying to excel at,” he explained. “The one characteristic that will continue to stand above all others is called grit. Grit is the determination to keep going when quitting is the easier option. Grit is the voice in your head telling you to keep going.”
Newcomer encouraged students to continue to listen to that voice as they head into their high school years.
“Be ready; dig in; hold tight,” he told the students. “You got this.”
Mrs. Joyce Covaleski, middle school chorus teacher, then had select 8th grade chorus singers perform the National Anthem and alma mater. Makayla Franckowiak and Maria Shemanski sang the National Anthem; and Patience Strocchia sang the alma mater. All three girls love to sing and are highly involved in the Middle School Chorus.
Makayla is looking forward to high school where she plans to continue participation in basketball and softball. She also plans to play volleyball in her freshman year. She aspires to be an aerospace technologist, because she has always had a fascination with studying space. She also enjoys working with technology in her free time and has created robots as a hobby.
Her fellow classmate Maria aspires possibly to be a teacher when she is older, and she is also interested in exploring the idea of pursuing the military as a part of the Marines. She will play basketball next year and possibly volleyball and softball.
Finally, Patience, who greatly excels in her ELA class with her strong writing skills, is excited to join the track team for her freshman year.
The featured event of the Moving-Up Ceremony was many of the 8th grade students receiving awards in various categories for excellence in all academic and unified arts classes. In addition, students received awards for Wildcat Pride, for students who go above and beyond in showing school spirit and being kind aned upstanding school community citizens; Grit, for students who showed outstanding qualities of hard work in the face of adversity and hardships; and for a variety of high academic achievements such as making the honor roll for 11 quarters in middle school from 6th through 8th grade.
In addition, a new award called The Inclusion Award was given this year by special education teacher Ms. Gillian Groom, who was assisted in presenting the award by her student Daisy Diehl. Groom explained how the award recognizes students who go above and beyond to create a welcoming, supportive, and respectful environment for peers with special needs. This award honors students who demonstrate kindness, patience, empathy, and leadership by including all classmates in activities, friendships, and everyday school experiences. Recipients of this award model acceptance and understanding, helping others feel valued, supported, and connected within the school community.
“The recipients of this award see and treat my students as friends,” Groom said.
Then Daisy used her communication device to announce award winners who included: Alexandra Churmblo, Eli Gragnano, Julia Kosciuk, and Machaela McGrady.
Another honor given out at the ceremony was an award and gift presentation by National Junior Honor Society advisor Nichole Musewicz, middle school science teacher. Last year, Principal Newcomer worked to establish a National Junior Honor Society Chapter at Western Wayne along with dedicated faculty and high-achieving students.
Therefore, since this Moving Up Ceremony marked the inaugural ceremony with NJHS students present, Newcomer and Musewicz wanted to recognize the three eighth grade NJHS officers who helped to establish the program among the students in the school community: Harper Bell, president; Kendall DiPierro, vice president; and Keira Hauenstein, secretary.
All three young women felt honored to be acknowledged at the ceremony and have strong goals and aspirations for their bright futures. First, Harper will continue to play softball, travel softball, and basketball in high school. She aspires to either pursue a degree path in occupational therapy or speech pathology. Next, Kendall is dedicated to playing basketball in high school. She aspires to be an emergency room nurse. Finally, Keira does competitive gymnastics along with soccer and track which she plans to continue in her high school career. She wishes to be a future elementary school teacher.
It is also a Western Wayne Middle School tradition for many years that two outstanding students, one male and one female, are recognized for their patriotism and leadership among other qualities. The local chapters of the American Legion and the Daughters of the American Revolution present these awards.
This year before the presentation of these prestigious awards, Newcomer took time to recognize and honor Middle School guidance counselor Mr. Joseph Totsky. This year marks Totsky’s 34th year of service.
Newcomer noted how Totsky has been a mentor to him for the past two years and noted Totsky’s strong qualities of honesty, sincerity, and hard work as being the pillars his career has been built upon.
“Countless students and staff are better because Joe was here,” Newcomer said. “You will forever be a part of the foundation of the Western Wayne community.”
After the special recognition of Totsky, Bill Gillette, Post 889 Waymart, presented the American Legion Award to 8th grader Benjamin Reifler.
Ben received this annual award for being an outstanding student in the 8th grade class who exhibits the qualities of honor, scholarship, Americanism, leadership, and courage.
Then the Daughters of the American Revolution Award was presented to 8th grader Sophia Shehadi.
Sophpia received the good citizenship medal from the Daughters of the American Revolution for being an outstanding student in the 8th grade class who exhibits the qualities of honor, honesty, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism.
Both Ben and Sophia felt extremely honored to receive their respective awards. They also both, at first, felt shocked to learn the American Legion and the Daughters of the American Revolution had chosen them for these high honors.
Ben, an honor roll student and member of NJHS, is a student very dedicated to academic excellence. He also has a passion for automotives and studying trains and their history. He aspires to run commercial trucks one day and is greatly looking forward to his auto shop classes in high school.
“I really enjoy working with my hands,” he said. “I want to use what I have learned about trains and other automotives in a real world setting in my future career.”
Fellow classmate Sophia, an honor roll student and member of NJHS, is also a very diligent student who loves working hard in all subject areas and aspires to be a labor and delivery nurse when she grows up.
“I look forward to trying my best in high school and what comes after,” Sophia said.
To close the ceremony, Newcomer reminded the parents not to miss a moment of their students’ upcoming high school experience.
“The next time they will be in these seats will be in four years,” he said. “Don’t blink, because you don’t want to miss a minute of what is to come for your students.”
Western Wayne faculty, administration, and staff wish the class of 2030 the best on their new journey to the high school.
Picture one, from left: Bill Gillette, who presented the American Legion Award, Post 889 Waymart; Benjamin Reifler, winner of the American Legion Award; Sophia Shehadi, winner of The Daughters of the American Revolution Award; and Casey Newcomer, middle school principal.
Picture two, from left: Bill Gillette and Benjamin Reifler.
Picture three, from left, NJHS officers: Harper Bell, president; Keira Hauenstein, secretary; and Kendall DiPierro, vice president.
Picture four, from left: Patience Strocchia, who sang the Alma Mauter; and Maria Shemanski, and Makayla Franckowiak, who both sang the National Anthem.
Picture five: the Western Wayne Class of 2030 stands before their family, friends, and community at the annual Moving Up Ceremony before they embark on their high school journey. [...]
HOBY Leadership Seminar Representatives – Maha Tanveer & Abigail WashineJune 2, 2026Maha Tanveer and Abigail Washine were Western Wayne High School’s HOBY representatives for the 2026-27 school year. They recently attended the HOBY Leadership Seminar at Millersville University.
PA HOBY Leadership provides a 4-day seminar for high school sophomores. Each school in PA is invited to select one student who demonstrates outstanding leadership skill and potential to serve as their school’s ambassador. During the seminar, students participate in panel discussions featuring speakers who are leaders in the fields of government, education, media, and social issues. They spend “a day in the life of a state representative” debating bills on the house floor at the PA Capitol. They spend a half day learning about small and large businesses in PA, then serve for the afternoon at various volunteer sites. Throughout this weekend are many cheers, a dance, a talent show, new friendships, many challenges, and a life-changing experience.
At HOBY, leadership development programs ensure that students gain awareness of themselves and others, practice and apply newly learned skills, and leave feeling empowered to make a positive impact on the world around them. With authenticity, connection, and growth at the core of the programming, student ambassadors learn what it means to be an aware and engaged community member. [...]
High School May Students of the MonthJune 1, 2026The following students were recognized by the Student Council as students of the month for May. Their teachers and administrators weighed in on the decisions. All of the students chosen hold a high standard of academic and personal excellence. They are true examples of the P.R.I.D.E. standards for PBIS at our school.
First, is our selected freshman Reyna Weaver. She is described as a creative thinker, hard worker, having a positive attitude, and is always engaged. Reyna is always willing to go the extra mile in class with her attentive, mature, and respectful attitude. In addition, it is noted she always has a smile and is kind and polite to all she meets.
Next, Archer Long is our chosen sophomore this month. He has excelled in golf this year along with having other accomplishments in art where he placed at the Western Wayne High School Art Show with many pieces and has been chosen to have his artwork on display at a local community exhibition to be announced later this spring. In addition, he has worked hard this year in his academic classes and has done quality work in English. It is noted by his teachers that he is resilient and always assists everyone with needed academic tasks in class.
In addition, Dylan Caracciola is this month’s featured junior. His teachers note him to be courteous, extremely helpful, polite, and respectful. In addition, he is a great student who puts quality work and effort into all he does. He also embodies the quality of humility and has a great sense of humor as well. He is a very well-rounded young man.
Finally, Daniel Toscano is our senior spotlight this month. He is noted to be a hard worker, funny, resilient, kind, and focused on his goals. In addition, it is noted by his teachers that he is extremely helpful and gets along with everyone. He is also very polite, respectful, and humble– truly a person who does what is needed with sincerity in all tasks.
Dan has dedicated himself to self-improvement through his work with school services this year. He is continuing to strive for more and working to provide himself with a good quality life for his very bright future.
The Western Wayne School District congratulates these May students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.
From left: Archer Long, Daniel Toscano, and Reyna Weaver. Absent from photo: Dylan Caracciola. [...]
