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.
Western Wayne High School is offering tutoring sessions and homework help after school during the 2025-26 school year. In order to stay after school for tutoring, your child must have a permission slip on file in the Main Office. Tutoring will begin at 3:00 PM and run until either 4:15 or 5:45 PM, unless otherwise noted. In most cases, students will be able to take the 4:30 or 6:00 PM late bus home from the high school. There will be options for tutoring this school year and different subjects available on certain nights. Students should listen to the announcements for tutoring teachers and room numbers.
Two teams from Western Wayne High School showcased their creativity and technical skills at the annual Engineering Competition held at Wallenpaupack High School. The event brought together talented students from Western Wayne, Abington Heights, North Pocono, and Wallenpaupack to tackle a real-world engineering challenge centered on renewable energy and water management.
Team One—comprised of Aiden VanOrden, Aiden Matthews, Zachary Wilbur, Ethan Gillott, and Shin-Cheon Moon—and Team Two—consisting of Paul Borowski, Nick Fisichella, Antonio Fisichella, Kyle Matthews, and Logan Pauler—represented Western Wayne with pride and ingenuity.
The competition tasked students with constructing a water-powered device capable of generating enough energy to complete a mechanical task while safely controlling the downstream release of water. Each team’s design was tested by measuring how effectively their device could pull a weight across a testing table, simulating real-world applications of water-generated power.
To ensure safety and environmental responsibility, each device was also required to discharge into an outflow funnel that limited peak water flow—challenging students to balance power generation with safety and efficiency.
In recognition of their creativity and innovation, Western Wayne’s Team One earned the “Million Dollar Idea” Award, presented to the group with the most unique and forward-thinking design.
The event not only tested students’ problem-solving and engineering abilities but also encouraged collaboration, innovation, and practical application of scientific principles. Western Wayne’s success highlights the district’s continued commitment to STEM education and hands-on learning opportunities.
As the students reflected on their experience, they expressed excitement about applying what they learned to future engineering challenges—and perhaps, one day, to careers that help shape a more sustainable world.
From left: Shin-Cheon Moon, Aiden VanOrden, Ethan Gillott, Aiden Matthews, and Zachary Wilbur.
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.
