Students from Western Wayne High School are taking part in an exciting regional environmental education initiative — the Community Connections to the Watersheds Forum — alongside peers from eight other local school districts. The program brings together student teams from Western Wayne, Carbondale Area, Forest City Regional, Lackawanna Trail, Lakeland, Mountain View, Old Forge, Riverside, and Wayne Highlands to explore the natural world and learn how human activity impacts local waterways and ecosystems.
Each participating school is represented by a team of five students and a teacher-advisor. Throughout the 2025–2026 school year, these teams will engage in place-based educational field experiences, hands-on investigations, and collaborative discussions centered around local watershed systems. The forum is coordinated by the educational staff from Lackawanna, Nescopeck, and Vosburg Neck State Parks.
The program began in September with a trip to Lackawanna State Park, where students were introduced to the concept of a watershed and the importance of water quality monitoring. Through field and lab activities, students learned to identify aquatic macroinvertebrates, practiced chemical water testing, and explored how geology and terrain define local watersheds.
In October, the forum continued at Keystone College, where students conducted a stream assessment of the South Branch of the Tunkhannock Creek. They expanded their understanding of stream ecosystems by studying tree identification, riparian buffer zones, and the effects of native and invasive insects on forest health.
Over the course of the school year, forum participants will visit additional study sites to meet conservation professionals, explore local land-use practices, and discover current environmental technologies being used to protect and restore natural resources. These experiences are designed to align with Pennsylvania’s STEELS (Science, Technology, Engineering, Environmental Literacy, and Sustainability) Standards and Social Studies standards, encouraging students to think critically about real-world environmental issues.
The yearlong program will culminate with a spring stewardship showcase, where each school team will present an environmental action project focused on improving their school campus or local community.
Western Wayne High School is proud of its student representatives for their enthusiasm, teamwork, and commitment to environmental stewardship. Their participation in the Community Connections to the Watersheds Forum reflects the district’s ongoing dedication to experiential learning and sustainability education.

Picture one, students on the Keystone College Trip, from left: Aidyn Graci, Giana Graci, Rhy Locklin, and Aliyah Greogry.

Picture two, students on the Lackawanna State Park trip, from left: Giana Graci, Aliyah Gregory, Dakota Douglas, Rhys Locklin, and Aidyn Graci.

Western Wayne High School’s ninth-grade students recently participated in the Think! Energy Innovation Program on October 14, a hands-on, interactive experience designed to educate students about energy efficiency, natural resources, and environmental stewardship.

The Think! Energy Innovation Program, presented by the National Energy Foundation (NEF) in partnership with PPL Electric Utilities and the Pennsylvania Department of Education, provides students and teachers with an opportunity to learn practical ways to save energy and protect the environment—both at school and at home. Each participant received an Innovation Kit containing energy-saving devices such as faucet aerators, a water-conserving shower head, a furnace filter whistle, three LED light bulbs, and an advanced smart power strip.

This year, 176 innovation kits were distributed at Western Wayne, continuing a tradition of energy education that has brought a total of 6,286 new LED bulbs to the Western Wayne School District since the program’s launch in 2015. The program also provides opportunities for mini-grants to teachers who participate, further supporting classroom-based energy education.

The Think! Energy Innovation Program emphasizes real-world applications of science and sustainability concepts that align with Pennsylvania’s STEELS standards. Students explore how their everyday actions impact the environment and discover ways to reduce “plug load” and wasted energy through simple behavioral and technological changes.

As a follow-up to the presentation, Western Wayne students will complete classroom activities to reinforce energy-saving concepts and will have the opportunity to enter the Think! Energy Innovation Challenge, a statewide contest that encourages creativity and problem-solving. Students can submit projects in a variety of formats—including artwork, videos, essays, or science projects—highlighting innovative ways to improve energy or water efficiency. Last year, Western Wayne students were among the contest winners.

Programs like Think! Energy empower students to “Think, Talk, and Take Action” about the importance of conserving natural resources and building a more sustainable future.

For more information about the Think! Energy Innovation Program, contact the National Energy Foundation at 1-855-494-2942 or email amy.lamielle@nef1.org.

From left:  Eugene Schultz, PPL presenter;  Dr. Mark Nebzydoski, Western Wayne High School Science Department; and John Castagna, PPL presenter; Brody Park, Western Wayne junior; and Andrew Locker, Western Wayne freshman.

By Dr. Mark Nebzydoski, Western Wayne High School Science Department

The following students were recognized by the Student Council as students of the month for September. 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, Dominic Sgarlata, freshman, is recognized by his teachers for being curious, diligent, respectful, polite, respectful, engaged, and hard- working. One of his extra-curricular activities is Drama Club. In his eighth-grade year, he got to play an understudy role in the school’s production of Mamma Mia! Next, Noah Benson, sophomore, is noted to have the following qualities by his teachers: personal drive, positive attitude, excels in the classroom, and in his work with the Western Wayne Golf Team. In addition, Madison Vinton, junior, is recognized by her teachers as being hard-working, resilient, and an active participant in class. One of her extra-curricular activities is color guard for the past four years.
“I really love working with new members and helping them to thrive,” Madison explained.
Finally, Jacob Wells, senior, was also chosen by his teachers for his many excellent qualities including: a hard-work ethic, born leader, and being an advocate for himself and others. He scored more than fifty goals this season for the soccer team. Jacob is also a member of varsity football.
The Western Wayne School District congratulates these September students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.
From left: Mr. Paul Gregorski II, Western Wayne high school principal; Noah Benson, Jacob Wells, and Madison Vinton. Absent from photo: Dominic Sgarlata.

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.

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 a 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 artwork 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 Monday, November 17.  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 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1yUiChXBAyHi_Pp9bogDTZxrh_ryZPJvy-IHlptYeQkM/edit

Trina was a 6x Dist. Champion at Lake­land High School. Also PIAA State cham­pion, high jump ’04; PIAA State runner-up, high jump ’06; SX PIAA State medalist; She was 3X Lackawanna League Div. All-Star; 2X Scranton Times All-Reg. Girls’ track Per­former of the Year; member of Lakeland Girls’ 4×400 relay team, running Lacka. Track Conf. All-time best time of 4:00.86 in ’05. She was a key member of Girls’ track teams, with 4 straight div. championships; 3 Jordan re­lay titles & 2 Dist. championships. At East Stroudsburg University, Trina was a 3X NCAA National Championship qualifier (Heptathlon/Pentathlon); Women’s track/field All-Time Cont. Championship point scorer; 2x Conf. champion; ranks top 5 All-Time @ ESU in 4 Indoor track events, and top 5 All-Time in 6 outdoor track events.

The Western Wayne School District invites the community to attend its annual homecoming game this coming Friday, Oct. 3 vs. West Scranton. The public is encouraged to bring a donation for our Food Drive to the game and will gain free admission for doing so.  The donation truck will be near the gate of the Sharkey Rosetti Stadium. 

The Western Wayne Homecoming Court presentation will begin about 6:30 p.m.. The ten seniors on this year’s court feel extremely honored and excited to be a part of this ensemble.

Members of the court include:  Hannah DeStefano, Xavier Graham, Audrey Agnello, Maggie Kotchessa, Khloe Mistishin, Robbie Carrelle, Vinny Baldini, Paul Borowski, Madison Trapanese, and Logan Vinton.

All of our senior court members have been highly involved during their time at Western Wayne in a variety of clubs, sports, and other activities.

First, Hanah DeStefano, South Canaan, has participated in four years of softball and volleyball; three years of basketball; four years of Student Council, and three years of Future Business Leaders of America, FBLA.  

Upon graduation, she plans to play softball at a four-year university and major in medical sonography.  She has thoroughly enjoyed her science classes at Western Wayne with some of her favorite times being in those classrooms.

“Some of my favorite high school memories were spending all of my free time in Ms. Masankay’s room,” she said.

Next, Xavier Graham, Lake Ariel, has been involved in four years of Drama Club, Marching Band, and Ultimate Frisbee; three years of Stage Crew; two years of Chess Club; and one year of Anime Club. 

For his future plans, he wishes to attend Marywood University to major in arts and performance.

One of his most memorable moments in high school involved one of his favorite teachers.

“I will always remember dancing to ‘Soda Pop’ with Mrs. Ort in the band room,” he said.

Another featured member of our court is Audrey Agnello, Waymart, who has participated in numerous activities including: ten years of competitive swimming; six years of Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science, PJAS; fours years of track and field, cross country, Youth Advisory Committee, high school swimming, FBLA, Student Ambassador group, and CATS Club; three years of National Honor Society, NHS; and one year of Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.  

In addition, she has held the following leadership positions:  current vice president of CATS Club, four years as Student Council class president, and current president of NHS. 

She plans to use all of her leadership experience to help her pursue her career goal of becoming a labor and delivery nurse.  Audrey has always been a person who has worked to overcome any obstacles in path to excellence.

“I will always remember returning to school after my spinal fusion,” she said.  “I walked into the gym and was surrounded by a warm welcome of friends and teachers that made me feel so loved.”

Another featured court member is Maggie Kotchessa, Lake Ariel, who has also been involved in many activities including:  four years of volleyball, basketball, FBLA, and Student Council; three years of NHS; and two years of softball.  

Upon graduation, she wants to attend a four-year university to become a special education teacher.

She has always valued friendship and helping others during her time at Western Wayne.

“Some of my best times in school were walking with my friend Anthony between classes,” she said.

Next, Khloe Mistishin, Lake Ariel, is another member of our court who has been highly involved during her time in school with the following activities:  four years of varsity soccer, basketball, softball, FBLA and Student Council; and three years of NHS.

Her future plans are to attend college with a major in speech pathology.  She has enjoyed her time with both her guidance counselor and best friend the most in her high school years.

“I will always remember hanging out in Mrs. Gribble’s office with Grace,” she said.

Next, featured gentleman on our court is Robbie Carrelle, Sterling, another highly involved student who has participated in the following:  four years of indoor and outdoor track and soccer; and three years of FBLA, NHS, and Envirothon.

Upon graduation, he wishes to pursue track in college and aspires to become a financial advisor.

Robbie has always enjoyed using humor to brighten his classmates and teachers’ days.  One such moment like this led to his favorite memory.

“I will always remember when I told my friend Logan he couldn’t fit under the bus, and Ms. Masankay sent us to the guidance,” he said.

In addition, Vinny Baldini, Waymart, an accomplished Western Wayne athlete is also a member of this year’s court having been involved in the following:  four years of varsity football and baseball; two years of varsity track and field; and three years of FBLA and Student Council.  Also, he is the current student body president.

For his future plans, Vinny wishes to attend a four-year college to play football and major in education.

Vinny has always enjoyed spending time with his friends in school.

“I especially enjoyed the moments I spent with my friends throughout my junior year,” he said.

Next, Paul Borowski, Waymart, is another accomplished Western Wayne student, who has participated in the following sports and activities:  four years of football and wrestling; three years of FBLA and NHS; and two years of track and field and Envirothon.

Upon graduation, he plans to attend a four-year college and major in civil engineering.

He has many favorite memories with the best ones involving sports travel.

“I will always remember staying overnight at the hotels during wrestling tournaments,” he said.

Our final featured young lady on the court is Madison Trapanese, Lake Ariel, who has also done many activities throughout her school years including:  FBLA, Envirothon, 339 group, Avedium, Student Council, Student Ambassador group, NHS, Yearbook, Junior Leadership Northern Poconos, and National Honor Society of High School Scholars.  In addition, she also notes going to the gym and helping with her family businesses as important parts of her high school years.  

Upon graduation, she wishes to either attend Lackawanna College to earn an associate’s degree in ultrasound or to attend St. Joseph’s University to earn an associate’s degree in nuclear medicine technology.

As is the theme with many of our Homecoming Court students, her favorite memory also included beloved teacher Ms. Masankay.

“I will always remember her Honors Chemistry class,” she said.

Finally, Logan Vinton, Waymart, is a featured gentleman on our court who is highly involved in sports and school clubs including:  four years of Hot Rod Club; three years of NHS and soccer, and one year of baseball. In addition, he is an Aevidum member.  

For his future plans, he wishes to attend college at Lackawanna for petroleum and natural gas.

He will always remember his time with his teammates in school.

“My favorite memory is hanging out with my friends on the way to soccer games,” he said.

All of the members of our homecoming court look forward to bonding with each other and making memories during homecoming at Friday’s game. The court along with the rest of the Western Wayne community invite the public to join them on Friday, Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m. for the homecoming festivities followed by the game.

Pictured are members of the 2025 Western Wayne Homecoming Court, front row, from left:  Maggie Kotchessa and Xavier Graham.  Second row, from left:  Paul Borowski, Khloe Mistishin, Audrey Agnello, and Vinny Baldini.  Third row, from left:  Robbie Carrelle, Hannah DeStefano, Logan Vinton, and Madison Trapanese. 

Sharkey-Rosetti Sport Complex Western Wayne High School

GATES OPEN AT 5:45
FIRST BAND TAKES THE FIELD AT 6:30
WW Varsity Football Players & Cheerleaders admitted for FREE if wearing their jersey/uniform

ADMISSION:
$3.00 Adults$1.00 Seniors &
Children under 12

Seniors, You are invited to the Class of 2026 Senior Sunrise on your last 1^st day of school. Please check your email to RSVP.