The annual Western Wayne Marching Band and Color Guard performance at the GDS Fair was especially eventful this year because on the day of their performance Wednesday, August 28,  WNEP’s Kurt Aaron and his infamous dog Ranger were also there doing live spots.  Aaron briefly interviewed Western Wayne band member Michael Olivo, a senior. Michael proudly told the viewing audience about Western Wayne’s upcoming performance at the fair.

“It was really exciting to get to promote our band to a TV audience,” Michael said.

The students were thrilled to perform their 2024-25 Boy Bands themed field show for the audience along with playing some fan favorite stand tunes.

Drum majors this year are seniors Lia Hartman and Kalob Franko.  This is Lia’s second season as drum major.

“We are all so grateful to be able to perform for the local community who is so supportive of us,” Lia said.

The Western Wayne Band is under the direction of Mrs. Elaine Ort who is now in her 11th season with the district.

The entire Western Wayne Band and Color Guard invite the local community to attend the first home game of the season for varsity football against Lackawanna Trail on Friday, August, 30, at the Sharkey-Rosetti stadium. Western Wayne will have the pregame show starting at about 6:45 p.m.; kick-off is at 7 p.m.

The Western Wayne Hot Rod Club and Drama Club will host their 2024 Annual Car Show on Saturday, September 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the high school parking lot, 1970A Easton Turnpike, Lake Ariel, PA, near the football stadium. Please note our NEW RAIN DATE is Sunday, September 15.
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 student Robert Scramuzza is excited to partner with the Hot Rod Club for the for the Car Show. He 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,” Bobby 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 president Lillian Maros 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, Sept. 7 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. Rain date is Sunday, September 15.

August 22, 2024 – 6:00-7:30pm – Veterans Memorial Auditorium, WWHS

Western Wayne High School welcomes the Class of 2028!

• Information on the high school/ 9^th Grade Transition
• High School Survival Guide
• Student’s class schedule
• Tours
• Refreshments  

Wildcat Pride was bursting from the audience at Western Wayne’s Veterans Memorial Auditorium on the evening of Thursday, June 6, for the graduation of the class of 2024. This is a class with a high school experience unique in many ways having had to do some of their time in school virtually for the end of their 8th grade year and in masks for their freshman and part of their sophomore years. They have learned to persevere through uncertain times and are ready for the next steps of their lives. Student speakers at graduation gave their classmates advice for the exciting, new journey that lies ahead of them.
Senior Taylor Maiocco, president of the class of 2024, gave the welcome address.
She left her classmates with some advice about not fearing change, “Life isn’t long enough to do something you don’t love. So don’t be afraid to change your mind or actions because your options are limitless. Live life to the fullest; be as present as you can be; and do what makes you truly happy.”
Later, Taylor presented the Class Mantel to Lillian Maros, junior class president.
Following the presentation of the mantle, the class salutatorian and valedictorian gave speeches.
Senior Jacob Schott, Waymart, was named the salutatorian of the class of 2024 with a final overall GPA of 101.78.
Jacob is the son of Daniel and Denise Schott.
Along with being an excellent academic student, Jacob was involved in Western Wayne clubs and activities. He was extremely dedicated to the Robotics Club, FRC Team 4285 the Camo-Bots for four years, and served as the co-team captain. In addition, he was a member of the National Honor Society.

In the future, he plans to attend Pennsylvania College of Technology to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Automation Engineering Technology: Robotics and Automation.

“My favorite high school memory is qualifying for and competing at the FIRST Robotics Competition World Championship in Houston, Texas, and finishing in the top 25% overall,” Jacob said.

“ I believe that it was through my participation on the robotics team that I have become most prepared for my chosen career field of automation engineering. This club taught me all about the world of robotics, but also challenged my engineering and design process skills. I learned valuable life lessons, such as public speaking, and trade skills through this club. I also believe my advanced classes, such as AP Language and Composition, AP Calculus, and AP Physics have helped me, by allowing me to earn college credit while in high school.”
In his salutatorian speech, Jacob summed up the evening with a quote from Nelson Mandela, “It always seems impossible until it is done.”
He then discussed the many seemingly impossible achievements that his classmates have achieved both academically and in their various extra-curricular activities throughout their time in high school.
Jacob’ seemingly impossible achievement was helping to lead the robotics team to their great success at worlds this year which put Western Waye on the map in the world of robotics.
“Four years later, here we are. We did what seemed impossible,” Jacob said. “The ball is in your court now. I challenge each and every one of you to leave here tonight doing what Nelson Mandela said. Try something new. Take a risk. You never know what kind of an outcome it could have. Leave these four walls and make a name for yourself. Change the world for the better. I know you are all capable of doing so.”
Fellow classmate Adrian Agnello, Waymart, was named valedictorian of the class of 2024 with a GPA of 102.13.
Adrian is the son of Jessica and Joseph Agnello.
Adrian also has done numerous activities both inside and outside of the classroom at Western Wayne. He has participated in FBLA, PJAS, Student Council, Student Ambassador, Scholastic Team, Varsity Soccer and Swimming.
In the future, he plans to attend The University of Scranton to attain a degree in BioChemistry and then attend medical school with hopes of becoming an anesthesiologist.

“My favorite high school memory is making it to nationals for FBLA twice and getting to visit Chicago and Atlanta,” he said. “At Western Wayne, I was taught to not fear failure, and this will help me be even more successful in my future.”
In his valedictorian speech, Adrian quoted successful businessman and author Robert T. Kiyosaki, “Winners are not afraid of losing, but losers are. Failure is simply a part of the process of success.”
Adrian continued, “Failure can be a reminder that success is not always easy, but with hard work and perseverance it is possible.”
He then asked his classmates to reflect on some of the failures they encountered in high school and what they learned from them.
“High school is filled with failure and so is life,” Adrian said. “However, if these failures are taken as learning experiences, our lives can be filled with even more successes than failures. It is what you choose to take out of it that determines your outcome.”
He gave his classmates more advice, “We must learn to view every mistake or failure as an opportunity to learn and to improve.”
Adrian ended his speech by saying, “High school has been an incredible journey, however, the best is yet to come. Remember to never fear failure.”
Following the speeches, all graduates received their diplomas and were presented as the Class of 2024 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.

Western Wayne High School’s Junior Class hosted this year’s Junior/Senior prom, “Casino Night,” on Saturday, May 18, at the Hotel Anthracite in Carbondale. Approximately 240 students, faculty, and security were in attendance. Principal Mr. Paul B. Gregorski II and Vice Principal Mr. Robert Black Jr. announced the Prom Court winners after students enjoyed a meal and dancing. Students nominated senior Carter Mistishin as Prom King and senior Taylor Maiocco as Prom Queen as well as juniors Lilly Maros and Raegan Palmer as the evening’s Junior Attendants and Izzy Azzato and Emily Lescinski as the Senior Attendants.

The Western Wayne High School received a 500 dollar 2024 ExxonMobil Educational Alliance Grant to support STEM education. ExxonMobil and Onvo present these grants to various area schools each year. The check was awarded to Western Wayne recently. Western Wayne Administration and staff are excited to use these funds to better the educational experiences of their students. The District intends to use these funds to enhance students’ experiences in STEM related studies especially in their science and math departments.

Western Wayne hosted their annual spring Art Show on Saturday, May 11, for the community. The show featured art from students in grades 8 through 12 and art from graduating seniors. In addition, high school students in the creative writing class also had their written pieces displayed in an artistic manner. The following list of seven seniors exhibited their portfolios at the art show: Melinda Kopcza, Kiersten McDonald, Jocilyn Brungard, Aurora Morris, Carly Schott, Lila Rusin, and Peyton Cook. Their displays represented an accumulation of up to four years of artwork.
Senior Melinda Kopcza’s display centered around fantasy.
“My biggest inspiration is Alice in Wonderland. I love art because it brings my dreams of being a Disney princess to life, as well as my dream to live in a fantasy world,” Melinda said. She is also especially glad that her family enjoys her artwork.
Melinda plans to attend Millersville University to study psychology and criminology or social work.
Fellow senior Kiersten McDonald’s display had a dreamscape theme.
“I picked this theme because it represents loss of identity and always wanting to get away. The majority of my art follows the same theme of space, dreams, and illusions,” Kiersten said. She is also especially proud of having won first and second place in the same category of mixed media at the Western Wayne Art Show her sophomore year.
Kiersten plans to attend Millersville University as well with her best friend Melinda where she plans to study anthropology in the hope of becoming a forensic anthropologist, as well as continuing art as a hobby.
Another featured artist is Jocilyn Brungard who centered her display around skeletal animals.
“I chose this theme because my first pen and ink was a skeleton crow, and it’s a piece of artwork that has stuck with me ever since. Music greatly influences my art as well and is the inspiration for some of my other works of art,” Jocilyn said.
Jocilyn’s favorite artists include Vincent Van Gogh and Florence and the Machine.
Although Jocilyn’s future plans are undecided, she is interested in joining the Air Force and would like to continue art in her future as well.
Another featured artist is Aurora Morris who created her art in mostly a whimsical style. Her favorite medium is colored pencils.
“I think the art I create looks like a person would see it in some odd planet or alternate reality. I also love to create 3D mixed media art, using wire as one of my favorite things to add to my sculptures,” Aurora said.
In her free time, Aurora loves to read and write poetry.
She plans to attend Mercyhurst University to earn a degree in art education and a minor in special education.
Fellow senior Carly Schott’s display has a focus on nature.
“The state of our environment has always been important to me, and is an issue I hope to bring to light through my artwork,” Carly said. “In addition, art has given me confidence and purpose. To me, creating art is a way for me to express myself. As a typically shy and quiet person, my artwork has become an outlet for me to share my thoughts, feeling, and personality with others while still being able to hide behind a page.”
Carly is most proud of how much she has improved since she began drawing.
After high school, she plans to pursue a career in the art field.
Another featured artist is Lila Rusin whose work is done primarily in black and white, which she feels simplifies her pieces, putting more of a focus on her compositions. Her biggest inspiration is Japanese artist Junji Ito, who has influenced some of her art style and ideas.
“Through my art, I want to convey the struggles and stereotypes of being a woman in today’s society. I want to use art to speak against gender norms created by society,” Lila explained.
Lila’s hobbies include drawing, digitally and traditionally, writing and playing video games.
Her future plans include going to a college to pursue a writing career.
Finally, Peyton Cook’s senior display was inspired by her development as an artist in scrapbook form.
“I wanted to convey to my viewers how I have grown as an artist, and the phases of my life displayed through my art at the time. Through my display, I want to give the message of how important pushing myself as a creator is,” Peyton said.
Peyton is mostly inspired by her father, who always enjoyed doing crafts and new projects with her and her brother as kids.
While Peyton isn’t pursuing a career in the art field, she plans to attend Penn State Scranton for nursing and continue to create art as a stress reliever and an expression of her new chapter in life after high school.
Many of the seniors plan to do as Peyton is and pursue art as a hobby if it is not part of their chosen career field. They are grateful for the experiences they had at Western Wayne in their art classes.
The District wishes them the best on their future endeavors and congratulates the Art Department on another successful Art Show.

Congratulations to the following students who presented scientific research at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science State Competition on May 20th at Penn State University Main Campus. 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. 

      “Students learn valuable skills in their completion and presentation of these projects. In each case their presentations were judged by professors, graduate students, researchers working in the field, and teachers from area school districts. As advisors we are very proud of their accomplishments,” said Mrs. Christine McClure, one of the Western Wayne advisors. Below is a list of the results for Western Wayne.

       Mackenzie Adams won 2nd award for her research in Biology studying the Effects of Steroids on Mammalian Bone Tissue.
      Cassidy Zeiler won 1st award for her research in Microbiology studying the Effects of Essential Oils on the Inhibition of Bacteria.
      Audrey Agnello won 2nd award for her research in Behavioral Science studying the Effects of Color on Memory of Students.
      Madelyn McClure won 2nd award for her research in Zoology studying the Effects of Essential Oils on the Heart Rate of Daphnia magna.
Advisors are Christine McClure and Maria Masankay.