The following students were recognized by the Student Council as students of the month for October. 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, Ayvari Ford-Rakosnik, freshman, is extremely creative and insightful. She goes above and beyond with her creative writing assignments. Also, her teachers say she is passionate and courteous.
“I love challenging myself to read, write, and express myself through performance art,” Ayvari, color guard and drama club member, said.
Next, Grace Owens, sophomore, is helpful, friendly, and pleasant. Her teachers note how she includes others with a genuine heart and does needed classroom tasks without being asked. She actively participates in her classes and helps her teachers keep their rooms tidy. Also, Grace is very active in her church.
In addition, Cameron Press, junior, always volunteers to help in class, works hard, and his teachers say he is easy-going and empathetic. In addition, Cameron recently earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.
Lastly, senior Braden Laity is hard-working and juggles many activities and academic goals. His teachers say that he doesn’t stop until the work is done. In addition, he is respectful, polite, and cares about his grades.
The Western Wayne School District congratulates these October students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.
From left, Braden Laity, Cameron Press, Grace Owens, and Ayvari Ford-Rakosnik.
The Western Wayne High School Semi Formal was held on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Ladore, Waymart. Approximately 300 students, faculty, and security team were in attendance.
Students nominated sophomores Frederick Lauemoeller and Myla Smith as Semi Prince and Princess. Everyone in attendance enjoyed a beautiful Candyland theme for their special evening.
“I had a wonderful experience as Semi Princess,” Myla said.
From left: Paul B. Gregorski, high school principal; Frederick Lauemoeller, Semi Prince; Myla Smith, Semi Princess; and Robert Black, high school assistant principal.
The Western Wayne Drama Club’s Mystery Dinner and Show will take place on Saturday, December 6, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Western Wayne High School Cafeteria. This event is for students grades 8 and up and adults ONLY. Ticket sales EXTENDED until Tuesday, November 25.
The show has an original script written by our very own Western Wayne Drama Club historian Molly French, high school junior. The club is excited to debut their completely student-created show for the community.
This year’s mystery centers around an art gala in which the million- dollar art piece is stolen. Join us for a fun-filled evening and try to figure out who the thief could be. The event will also feature art pieces by Western Wayne alumni and current students.
The public is encouraged to dress in formal wear. Gowns for ladies. Suits and ties or tuxedos for men. There will be many audience prizes given including one for best dressed! Additional prizes for audience participation and the team that solves the mystery with the most details given in their report.
Tickets for adults are $25 and students grades 8th and up along with senior citizens are $20. Cost includes appetizers, soda and water, buffet dinner from RPlace, dessert, and interactive dinner show. Buffet includes: beef, chicken, penne and meatballs, roasted red potatoes, California vegetable medley, salad, and rolls.
Checks may be dropped off at the Middle School or High School main office during regular school hours. Checks should be made payable to WWDP. Checks can also be sent in with any Drama Club student. Please put your returns in a sealed envelope. Any questions, please email jmclaughlin@westernwayne.org Deadline for ticket orders is TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25. Payments can be made in advance or at the door the day of the event.
Payments also with Venmo: @WesternWayneDramaClub
If paying Venmo please clearly state your name, mystery dinner, and how many tickets you are paying for and whether they are for adults and/ or senior citizens.
We hope to see you for this unique evening which is perfect for a date night or night out with friends. Dress up and join the Western Wayne Drama Club on December 6!
Ticket reservation link below for your convenience
As a tradition for many years, Western Wayne administration, faculty, staff, and students joined together on Monday, Nov. 10, to celebrate veterans in the community with a special in-school event that featured music from the high school band and chorus, a presentation by a keynote speaker, and a question and answer symposium.
Many local veterans attended the presentation at Western Wayne, some of which had special connections to district faculty and students.
Western Wayne teacher and veteran Shane Grodack, USMC retired, acknowledged the Marines 250th birthday in his opening remarks and introduced the Western Wayne High School chorus and band.
One of the band’s musical selections this year featured Western Wayne senior Scott Kurent playing the role of Abraham Lincoln and reading parts of the Gettysburg address. Scott has played many roles in Western Wayne musical productions over the years and was glad to take on this new role for the Veterans Day assembly.
“I was glad to get to relive history for my classmates in this unique way,” Scott said.
After the musical performances, Grodack introduced this year’s keynote speaker, Casey Newcomer, Western Wayne Middle School principal.
Newcomer served for six years in the United States military–four years with the Army National Guard and two years on active duty. His service included an 18-month deployment as an infantry soldier in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
After returning home, Newcomer continued to serve others– this time in the field of education. He graduated from West Chester University, taught biology for several years at a large school outside of Philadelphia, and later earned his master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Immaculata University.
Seeing a need in his district, Newcomer worked to open and lead an alternative school for underserved students. After a decade of service there, he returned with his family to Wayne County where he now serves as the principal of the Western Wayne Middle School.
In his speech, Newcomer called the Western Wayne High School and Middle School study body to action.
“Real strength isn’t about what you achieve yourself, but what you give of yourself to others,” he explained.
Newcomer described a time in his service where he provided food and other necessary goods to a family in need in a developing country. That moment was an eye-opening experience for him in which he realized just how powerful the work of the military is for others in need and what a military presence means in the lives of those struggling in countries greatly affected by war.
“Veterans are living examples of service, sacrifice, and something bigger than themselves,” he said.
In his speech, he challenged the students to live like soldiers no matter what path they choose to take in their lives.
“Choose respect over disrespect. Stand up for what is right,” he encouraged the students. “Your life has purpose when you live it for others.”
Following Newcomer’s address, the annual Veterans symposium took place on stage. The following veterans took part in this year’s panel: Shane Grodack, USMC retired; Gary Sereno, sergeant Army; Robert Smerdon, United States Air Force; Josh Harrison, United States Army; the late George Schaffer, Air Force; Clay Cole, United States Air Force; John Gaudenzi, Sergeant First Class Army, 39-year educator of the Western Wayne School District, who originated the Veterans Day festivities at Western Wayne in 1982 with fellow teacher Marie Casper; Michael Urban, Army CSM retired; Casey Newcomer, Army National Guard; and Kent Swartz, United States Air Force.
Questions were read by Grodack and created by Western Wayne High School history class students.
The veterans discussed how difficult it is to leave family and friends behind to serve along with discussing the many highs and lows of their experiences in various branches of the military.
One of the final questions asked was if the veterans would advise students in the audience to join the service.
Michael Urban, Army CSM retired and father of Western Wayne foreign language teacher Melissa Urban, commented, “The military is a good career, but you really have to prepare yourself mentally and physically for it.”
“There are a lot of advantages to being in the military like seeing and doing things other people would only read about in books,” Urban continued. “ It is a decision you have to make in your heart. Your heart is going to be the key to your success.”
Picture one, kneeling, from left: Mia Arcadipane, Ella Kieva, Kaelyn Chearney, Kamila Rivera, and Bella Kolp. Standing, from left: Shane Grodack, Western Wayne history teacher, USMC retired; Cameron Press, Madison Trapanese, Sydney Sosa, Olivia McGlone, Leah Reeger, Audrey McHugh, Makenzie Chearney, Meghan Rath, Alicia Wertman, Emma Spewak, and Casey Newcomer, Western Wayne Middle School principal, Army National Guard. All students pictured as members of Western Wayne’s Student Ambassador Program who help to serve the community at events such as the Veterans Day Assembly.
Picture two, from left: Shane Grodack, USMC retired; Gary Sereno, sergeant Army; Robert Smerdon, United States Air Force; Josh Harrison, United States Army; the late George Schaffer, Air Force; Clay Cole, United States Air Force; John Gaudenzi, Sergeant First Class Army; Michael Urban, Army CSM retired; Casey Newcomer, Army National Guard; and Kent Swartz, United States Air Force.
Picture Three: Scott Kurent, senior, reads the part of Abraham Lincoln.
Picture Four: Senior Antonio Fisichella plays “Taps” to close out the assembly with junior Jason Vass, not pictured.
Learning rhythms, beats, steps, and choreography isn’t just work for the Rockettes and Broadway stars, Western Wayne High School foreign language students have a yearly tradition of learning Spanish dancing as a part of their curriculum each fall.
Local dance instructor and studio owner Vince Brust works with the Western Wayne students to teach a variety of traditional Spanish dances such as tango, merengue, mambo, and salsa among others. Brust does this as a part of the Artist in Residence Program through NEIU-19.
The students have a few weeks of sessions with Mr. Brust in the fall leading up to a performance for the community this Thursday, November 20, at 7 p.m. in the Western Wayne High School Veterans Memorial Auditorium. Admission is FREE for everyone.
The high school students were thrilled to learn how to dance and get to meet and work more closely with their fellow classmates in the process.
“I am so excited that our students can continue this tradition of sharing their experience of learning Spanish dancing with the community,” Elizabeth Sandrowicz, Western Wayne Spanish teacher said.
There will be about 30 students participating in the Spanish Dance Performance for the local community at 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, in the High School Veterans Memorial Auditorium. Again, admission is FREE for all.
The students and staff involved hope to see you there for what will be about an hour of performance fun.
As an annual Creative Writing 1 tradition at Western Wayne High School in Mrs. Amanda Jenkins’s class, student writers in the elective course competed to give Mrs. Jessica Fullwood’s readers in Multicultural Literature a “strange” thrill by composing a 100-word saga.
This year’s winners were all members of the freshman class! Honorable mention went to Ayden Warner’s “The School” and Tori Dougherty’s “Piercing Eyes.”
Audrey Fitzmorris took the first place “boo-bucket” prize for her eerie saga “Lucky Blood.”
Writers in the course have opted to submit their sagas to a national level competition via the 2025 Young Writers “Stranger Saga” contest with a chance to be accepted for publication.
Winners (pictured left to right): Tori Dougherty, Audrey Fitzmorris, and Ayden Warner.
Members of the Western Wayne High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter recently attended the Pennsylvania FBLA State Leadership Workshop held at Kalahari Resort in the Poconos. The three-day event brought together hundreds of student leaders from across the state for a weekend of professional development, networking, and leadership training.
Western Wayne FBLA members participated in a variety of interactive sessions focused on communication, teamwork, business ethics, and goal setting. Students also had the opportunity to meet with state officers, attend keynote presentations, and collaborate with peers from other chapters to strengthen their leadership skills.
FBLA adviser Mrs. Christine McClure said, “The workshop is a great experience for students to grow as leaders and prepare for success in future business and career opportunities.”
The Western Wayne FBLA chapter looks forward to applying what they learned as they prepare for upcoming regional and state competitions later this school year.
Front row, kneeling, from left: Robbie Carrelle, Grace Moser, Khloe Mistishin, Clare Coccodrilli, and Olivia Gries. Second row, from left: Paul Borowski, Christopher Pane, Vinny Baldini, Kyle Matthews, Graysen Valinski, Aiden Matthews, Madelyn McClure, Maggie Kotchessa, Phoebe Schmitt, Avery Ullner, and Abby Bell.
The Western Wayne High School Marching Band took their show on the road for Halloween festivities on Thursday, Oct. 30.
First, the students gave a performance to elementary students in the district at the R.D. Wilson School and on the same day, they performed in the community at the Julia Ribaudo Nursing Home. They also included in their day a performance for the Western Wayne Middle School, Western Wayne District Office, and Evergreen Elementary School as well.
The band students were thrilled to be able to perform for these very special audiences. All of the students and nursing home residents who got to see the performances felt a lot of Halloween spirit.
“I am so grateful to be able to go out and perform in the community,” senior Kayelin Martin, color guard captain said. “It adds another layer to our performances, and we get to have such fun experiences with new audiences.”
Fellow senior color guard captain student Emma DeNunzio agreed.
“It was so wonderful to be able to go out into the community for our Halloween performances,” Emma said. “I really enjoy performing for various audiences.”
Pictured is the Western Wayne Marching Band and Color Guard with director Elaine Ort and assistant director Maria Arneil posing after their performance in the Western Wayne District Office.
Western Wayne High School students — Aiden Burry, Cameron Press, Aiden VanOrden, Madelyn McClure, Abigail Bell, Raegan Fox, Alicia Wertman, Audrey Agnello, and Jade Wetherington — recently attended a World Polio Day event held at Geisinger Medical Center, sponsored by the Scranton Rotary Club.
The event brought together community members, students, and medical professionals to raise awareness about the global fight against polio and the importance of vaccination and education in eradicating infectious diseases.
Attendees heard from a variety of guest speakers, including a polio survivor, who shared a powerful firsthand account of living with the lasting effects of the disease. A medical student preparing for a missionary trip discussed the challenges of providing medical care in developing countries, while an individual from a third-world nation offered perspective on how limited access to healthcare affects entire communities. In addition, medical doctors from the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine shared their expertise and experiences teaching future healthcare professionals about global health initiatives.
Following the presentations, Western Wayne students participated in a reflective session where they applied their new knowledge to answer thought-provoking questions, including: “How does infectious disease impact the life of an individual, their family, and their community?”
Their discussions emphasized not only the physical and emotional toll of disease but also the importance of compassion, prevention, and global cooperation in building healthier communities.
The event served as both an educational opportunity and an inspiring reminder of how young people can contribute to creating a healthier, more informed world.
Left side, front to back: Audrey Agnello, Alicia Wertman, Jade Wetherington, Raegan Fox, and Madelyn McClure.
Right side, front to back: Abigail Bell, Aiden Burry, Aiden VanOrden, and Cameron Press.
ALL NEWS
Students Present Aquaponics Challenge Project at Regional BanquetMay 7, 2026On May 5, 2026, students from Western Wayne High School proudly presented their student-led environmental education project at the Community Connections to Our Watershed banquet, held at Montage Mountain. Their project, an Aquaponics Challenge System, was designed, researched, and implemented entirely by the student team.Aquaponics is a sustainable food production system that combines aquaculture (raising fish) with hydroponics (growing plants without soil). In this balanced system, fish waste provides essential nutrients for plant growth, while the plants naturally filter and clean the water for the fish. The Western Wayne team developed their system to demonstrate how this closed-loop approach can support both food production and water quality.As part of their project, the students raised trout from eggs to approximately three to four months old before preparing them for release into a local stream. A major focus of their work involved addressing water quality challenges, particularly nitrate buildup from fish waste. Through research and problem-solving, the team explored ways to improve natural filtration within their system, including redesigning components and upgrading equipment such as water pumps to maintain optimal conditions.The project also emphasized key components of the Aquaponics Challenge, including system design, environmental monitoring, and community outreach. Students utilized technology such as climate control tools and irrigation systems while also connecting with local organizations and professionals for support. In addition, they worked to share their knowledge beyond the classroom by engaging others in understanding sustainable practices and watershed stewardship.This presentation was the culmination of months of work as part of the Community Connections to Our Watershed program, a regional environmental initiative that has been in place for over 20 years. Each year, teams of five students and one teacher from schools across Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties participate in the program. Coordinated by the education teams at Lackawanna and Nescopeck State Parks, the program immerses students in watershed science through field experiences and collaboration with environmental professionals.Throughout the year, the Western Wayne students participated in field trips to Keystone College, Lackawanna State Park, the Old Forge borehole, the Anthracite Heritage Museum, Lacawac Sanctuary, Pennsylvania American Water treatment facilities, and the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. These experiences deepened their understanding of how human activities impact local watersheds and helped inform their aquaponics system design, particularly in understanding the relationships between aquatic organisms, plants, and water quality.This year’s Community Connections to Our Watershed program included schools from across the region: Carbondale, Forest City, Lakeland, Mountain View, Old Forge, Riverside, Western Wayne, and Wayne Highlands in Lackawanna County; and Crestwood, Hanover Area, HAAS, HACC, Hazleton Area, Northwest, Tunkhannock, and Wyoming Area in Luzerne County.The program is made possible through the support of Pennsylvania American Water Company, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and the DCNRWatershed Education Program.Picture one, from left: Mark Nebzydoski Ph.D., advisor; Rhys Locklin, Noah Benson, Aidyn Graci, Aliyah Gregory, and Giana Graci.Picture two, the group from Western Wayne making their presentation, from left: Aliyah Gregory, Giana Graci, Rhys Locklin, Noah Benson, and Aidyn Graci. [...]
Science meets nature: Students release trout at Varden Conservation AreaMay 6, 2026Students in Wayne County are getting an up-close look at nature with an opportunity to study what’s right in their backyard.
https://www.wnep.com/video/news/local/wayne-county/science-meets-nature-students-release-trout-at-varden-conservation-area/523-3cf2ef49-624d-4f00-95cd-f2573064bf60 [...]
Western Wayne Hosts Prom with Support of Local BusinessesMay 6, 2026Western Wayne hosted their annual prom with “A Starry Night” theme at a new venue this year New Leaf Farm in Waymart on Saturday, May 2. The event focussed around local community businesses who hosted food trucks for the event including: Lupo Russo, 2 Ways One Passions, and Pop-Pop’s Grill and Catering. The students also enjoyed gourmet cupcakes from Ms. Michele Dugan along with cotton candy donated by Mrs. Paula Lamberton
There were 225 students and guests in attendance. Event sponsors included: Ariel View Inn (AVI), Leeward, Waymart Hotel, Iron Hill at 1940,and Meadowbrook Stables, and For the Birds, who provided flowers.
The students in attendance enjoyed this new experience. Senior Maggie Kotchessa thought this unique prom experience was a great idea.
“I really loved all of the food choices,” Maggie, who decided on a pulled pork sandwich from Pop-Pop’s, said.
Her classmate Norman Phillips’ grandfather owns Pop-Pop’s, and he was excited his family business could be a part of the event.
“It was really neat having my grandfather there doing what he loves,” Norman said. “He usually travels around to do a number of different gigs, and it was really neat having him at our prom.”
In addition to the variety of food items at the event, the students also were treated to a mocktail bar. Junior Madelyn McClure wrote a grant through the Wayne County Community Youth Advisory Committee and the district used the money to fund the mocktails for prom.
Also, the community donated a variety of gift cards for the students as prizes. Each student in attendance got a raffle ticket for a chance to win.
The 2026 Prom Court included: Vinny Baldini, King; Audrey Agnello, Queen; and
Mia Gifford, Hannah DeStefano, Olivia Haines, and Sofia Ochlan served as attendants.
The students enjoyed this unique prom experience and thank the district for their continued support of student events.
Picture one: Mr. Paul Gregorski, high school principal; Vinny Baldini, King; and Audrey Agnello, Queen.
Picture two:: Olivia Haines, Hannah DeStefano, Vinny Baldini, Audrey Agnello, Mia Gifford, and Sophia Ochlan. [...]
Scholarships & Career Opportunities – May EditionMay 4, 2026The May edition of Scholarships & Career Opportunities is now available. All grades should read this document to get information on college, careers, important dates, SAT/ACT exams and of course…scholarships!
Click here: https://ww3.westernwayne.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Scholarships-and-Career-Opportunities-May-2026.pdf [...]
Western Wayne Annual Art Exhibit & Spring Concerts on May 9May 4, 2026Western Wayne’s annual art exhibit and spring concerts will take place on Saturday, May 9.
The art exhibit will run in the high school gymnasium from 2 to 5 p.m. It will mainly feature high school artwork with special displays by our seniors. In addition, a select sample of middle and elementary student artwork will be on display.
The concert schedule is as follows: the sixth-grade concert will begin at 11 a.m.; the seventh- grade concert will begin at 1 p.m., the eighth- grade concert will begin at 3 p.m.; and the high school concert will begin at 5 p.m. with all concerts in the Veterans Memorial Auditorium at the high school.
There will be concessions for sale in the high school cafeteria throughout the day. All events are free of charge. Please join us in the celebrating the arts in our school. [...]
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.
