Members of the Western Wayne High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter recently attended the FBLA Regional Workshop held at Woodloch Spa and Resort. During the event, students participated in a variety of leadership and career-focused workshops designed to strengthen professional skills and prepare them for future competitions. In addition to the sessions, students had the opportunity to network and collaborate with FBLA members from other local schools, building connections and sharing ideas with peers who share an interest in business, leadership, and career readiness. Madelyn McClure, who serves as the FBLA Regional Secretary, also participated in the meeting and assisted with regional leadership activities.
Standing Left to Right: Madelyn McClure, Abigail Bell, Madison Forgione, Khloe Mistishin, Bryn Vinton, Madelyn Vinton, Audrey Agnello, and Clare Coccodrilli.
Curriculum Night will be held Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00. Administration, Guidance and the Department Heads will go over the curriculum, graduation requirements and the scheduling process.
The following students were recognized by the Student Council as students of the month for November. 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, Starr Daletto is our selected freshman. Starr is called kind, attentive, polite, respectful and helpful by her teachers. She is very dedicated to her learning in all of her classes.
Next, Kaitlin Wargo is our chosen sophomore this month. Katilin is called focussed, efficient, helpful, insightful, enthusiastic, honest, and hard-working by her teachers. She is proud a member of the Western Wayne Band and is looking forward to being a part of the pit band for this year’s production of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. For the past two years, she worked diligently on the stage crew and went above and beyond in all tasks.
“I love music and performance art,” Kaitlin said. “I am very excited to get to experience the challenge of playing with the pit band this year.”
In addition, Madelyn McClure is this month’s featured junior. She is an exceptional young lady involved in many pursuits including FBLA and equestrian activities. Her teachers call her dedicated, hard-working, selfless, conscientious, courteous, and state that she has an awesome sense of humor..
Finally, Grace Moser is our senior spotlight this month. Grace’s teachers say she is conscientious, zealous, determined, a leader, kind, helpful and values integrity in all she does. She is an excellent academic student who looks forward to continuing to learn and achieve for the remainder of her senior year.
The Western Wayne School District congratulates these November students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.
From left: Starr Daletto, Grace Moser, Madelyn McClure, and Kaitlin Wargo.
Elaine Ort, band director for Western Wayne High School, will again participate in a special event with the group Saluting America’s Band Directors.
Three hundred and fifty band directors from across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Panama, including Ort, will again form The Band Directors Marching Band to march in the 2026 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade®.
The band’s appearance is a part of the Saluting America’s Band Directors project of the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation, based in Pickerington, Ohio. The band’s participation on January 1 follows its successful appearance in the 2022 Rose Parade and the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade . Through its theme, “America’s Band Directors: We teach music. We teach life”, the Saluting America’s Band Directors project aims to spotlight the extraordinary dedication and accomplishments of band directors everywhere. Regardless of where they teach and work—public and private schools, colleges and universities, the military, or community bands—dedicated music educators and leaders work long hours to not only teach and conduct music, but to impart critical life skills. Student lives in particular are positively changed by motivational leaders who teach, inspire and mentor them.
As in 2022, the 2026 Band Directors Marching Band will accompany a float entitled “Banding Together.” The float-band entry is unique to Saluting America’s Band Directors. Crafted by Artistic Entertainment Services, the “Banding Together” float salutes all the students, teachers, and communities who band together to make music happen.
The performance for the 5.5 mile route through Pasadena will be led by nationally-known music educator and innovative band director Jon Waters, director of bands for Bowling Green State University. The parade will be televised to national and international audiences.
As the sponsoring organization behind the project, the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation was created to recognize and carry on the work of the late Mike Sewell, who dedicated his life to schools and community music programs in Pickerington and the Central Ohio area for almost 40 years.
“I am so incredibly excited for this experience, and so grateful to have had such wonderful colleagues and friends who have helped prepare me for this adventure,” Ort said. “ I hope that I will make all of you proud in Pasadena. Go Wildcats, and Go Band!”
Ort, PMEA District 9 vice president, has devoted much of her life to the study and performance of music. A native of New England and graduate of Marywood University, Ort is a member of the Scranton Brass Orchestra, the Providence Brass, the Schützengiggles Oompah Band, the Marywood University Wind Symphony, and performs often in musical pit orchestras throughout the region. As an educator, she serves as the director of instrumental activities in the Western Wayne School District since 2014. At Western Wayne, her teaching responsibilities include sixth grade brass instruction, eighth grade band instruction, and the Pride of Western Wayne, the Wildcat High School Band. Under her direction and guidance the school continues to invest heavily in its music program, and was named a KHS America Academic Alliance Platinum school for its investment in instrumental education. It is the only school in Pennsylvania, and one of only 39 in the United States to have received that honor.
One of Ort’s most recent honors is being the recipient of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 9 Citation of Excellence. Ort was the only band director in District 9 to be chosen for the award for 2025. This award is given to music educators who demonstrate high musical standards both inside and outside the classroom.
The community can support Ort’s journey to the 2026 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade® by donating to Saluting America’s Band Directors to put a rose on the float that will appear with the group during their performance.
You can write a message of encouragement and support for Ort by using the following link
Donations could be made to the America’s Band Directors organization without including a rose on the float by using the link https://rose-parade-float-campaign.myshopify.com/products/make-a-contribution-to-the-saluting-americas-band-directors-project
Additional details can be found on the Saluting America’s Band Directors website, Band Director Salute.org.
Don’t forget to tune in to ABC or NBC on Thursday, January 1, to see our very own Mrs. Ort starting at 11 a.m. Pictured is Ort in the uniform she will wear at the 2026 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade®
Western Wayne High School is proud to announce that it has been officially approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as a VA-approved school. This designation allows eligible students to use VA education benefits while enrolled at Western Wayne High School, expanding access to educational opportunities for veterans, service members, and their dependents.
The approval follows a comprehensive review process conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure compliance with federal standards related to academic quality, accountability, and student support. As a VA-approved institution, Western Wayne High School is now authorized to enroll eligible students using VA education benefits, including benefits provided through programs such as the GI Bill®.
“This approval reflects our district’s commitment to serving all students and families with excellence,” said Paul B. Gregorski II, High School Principal. “Becoming a VA-approved school allows us to better support veterans, active-duty service members, and their dependents by providing access to high-quality secondary education in a supportive and structured environment.”
Mr. Robert Black, Assistant High School Principal, also recognized the significance of the approval, highlighting its potential to positively impact students who are eligible for VA benefits while completing their high school education.
Matthew Barrett, Ed. D., Superintendent, commended the achievement, noting that the approval aligns with the district’s mission to expand educational access and opportunity. “This designation underscores the district’s dedication to meeting the diverse needs of our community and honoring the service of our military families,” he said.
Western Wayne High School will work closely with eligible students and families to provide guidance on the application and use of VA education benefits. Additional information will be made available through the school counseling office and the district website.
This December 12th the Western Wayne High School Band and Chorus held their annual holiday concert. The night opened with the High School Chorus under the direction of Mr. Taber Starnes singing a variety of holiday songs. Then the High School Band performed under the direction of Mrs. Elaine Ort and entertained the audience with many holiday classics. A special guest appearance was made by Mr. Marty Ort to read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” during one of the band’s musical selections. As an added treat, the closing numbers of the show included about twenty band and chorus alumni who were invited to the stage and welcomed to join the current students in making music. This tradition started a few years ago to honor the Western Wayne School District’s 50th Anniversary, and it was so popular that alumni look forward to it each year. The current students and alumni loved making music together and can’t wait to do it again next year. The High School Chorus, Band, and Western Wayne music programs alumni wish the community the happiest of holidays this season!
Picture One: Mr. Taber Starnes directing the high school chorus.
Picture Two: Mrs. Elaine Ort directing the high school band.
Picture Three: Mr. Marty Ort reading “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
Picture Four: The high school band and chorus performing with alumni members.
The Western Wayne Drama Club hosted a Mystery Dinner for 100 guests on Saturday, December 6. This year the show featured an original script written by our very own Western Wayne Drama Club historian Molly French, high school junior. Molly was able to star in and debut her original play on the night of her birthday.
This year’s mystery centered around an art gala in which the million- dollar art piece was stolen. The audience had a fun time trying to figure out the identity of the thief along with enjoying a dinner catered by RPlace and other refreshments provided by the Drama Parent Club.
The club has plans for Molly to write her second original script for next year’s winter play event centering around a holiday theme this time and suitable for kids of all ages. Stay tuned for more information about next year’s mystery play made available later this spring.
Pictured are the cast and crew of this year’s mystery dinner play. Row one, kneeling, from left: Lola Vertalics, Audrey Capozzi, and Roslyn Knecht. Second row, from left: Britney Wertman, Zachary Jordan, Johnathon Maxwell, Jade Wetherington, Dakota Douglas, Molly French, Madison Forgione, Emma DeNunzio, Mikayla Fullone, Avery Ullner, Lylah Bucksbee, and Laila Rainford. Third row, from left: Owen Obloshny, Scott Kurent, Zachary Wilbur, Xavier Graham, and Jason Vass.
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.
ALL NEWS
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. [...]
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.
