Western Wayne Middle School Special Education Teacher Mrs. Nadine Taylor Prutzman had the honor of being inducted into the Wilkes Athletic Hall of Fame for 2018-2019 in the 26th class of inductees. Wilkes recognized Prutzman and five other sports alumni on Saturday, Feb. 2, at the men’s basketball game on campus.
Following this event, an induction ceremony and reception took place in the Hall of Fame room in the Marts Center on campus.
Prutzman, who graduated in 2007, played softball for Wilkes. Prutzman helped lead the Colonels to 83 wins and the 2006 Freedom Conference championship and NCAA tournament. She was named All-Freedom Conference three times including Player of the Year as a junior in 2005.
In addition, she was named First Team All-ECAC South, First Team All-Region and Second Team All-American in the same season. Also, she was recognized on the Middle Atlantic Conference All-Century Team in 2013. Prutzman ranks seventh in runs scored (79), seventh in hits (131), eighth in doubles (25), third in triples (8) and fifth in stolen bases (38) all while playing in the Colonel outfield.
Prutzman has many fond memories of her time playing softball for Wilkes University.
“I enjoyed everything about Wilkes Softball! Yes, even the 5:30 am practices! I will forever cherish the friendships made with my teammates and coaches both on and off the diamond. I enjoyed the Martz Bus rides, Spring Break trips, making diving catches, being in the batter’s box with a 3-2 count, screaming to cheer my teammates on and getting lightheaded from it, the 20 second chats in the outfield before each inning, the superstitious rituals, and the list goes on and on,” she explained. “It is difficult to name just one memorable and favorite moment playing softball for Wilkes. Being selected as an All-American as an outfielder and winning the MAC Championship my senior year would definitely be ranked high as a favorite memory.”
Prutzman felt honored to be recognized in such a way by her collegiate alma mater.
“It hard to describe the feeling being inducted into the Wilkes University’s Athletics Hall of Fame. The feeling came to me when they announced all my accomplishments and statistics,” Prutzman said. “After I heard them, I couldn’t help but to feel very proud and honored.”
Sharing the entire experience with her family and friends made it all the more special for Prutzman.
“The induction event was amazing! I had the chance to meet other athletes being induced into the Hall of Fame who graduated college ahead of me. I also got to connect with my former coaches, teammates, friends, and family. There are many things that I will remember about the event, in particular, seeing my picture in a plaque located in the Hall of Fame room at Wilkes University,” Prutzman explained. “Just knowing that it will be displayed and viewed by generations of athletes makes me take a breath. Having my children point to their mommy, made me smile big.”
Western Wayne partners with Penn State Extension to provide Prosper to the families of Western Wayne School District. PROSPER is a model for bringing evidence-based prevention programs to schools and communities with the goal of strengthening families and building youth skills. PROSPER teaches skills and attitudes that foster improvements in family life which enhance parent-child communication. It also provides students with the necessary skills for planning, problem solving, and peer resistance against problem behaviors. Studies have shown that these protective factors help youth avoid substance use and risk-taking behaviors.
The Strengthening Families Program is set to begin February 12, 2019 at Western Wayne Middle School. Strengthening Families is for families with students in fifth or sixth grades. The program consists of seven sessions. Each session begins at 5:30 pm with a free family supper served at the Western Wayne Middle School. After supper, the children and adults participate in a variety of activities designed to improve parenting skills, build life skills in youth, and strengthen family bonds. Sessions conclude at 8:00 pm. Free babysitting is provided.
| Parent sessions include these topics:
Using love and limits Making house rules Encouraging good behavior Using consequences Building bridges Protecting against substance abuse Using community resources |
Youth sessions include these topics:
Having goals and dreams Appreciating parents Dealing with stress Following rules Handling peer pressure Reaching out to others |
A few slots for this session are still available.
“This is a fantastic program and I hope it continues for years to come!”
“My son had so much fun. He was sad when it ended.”
“We really had a great time together.”
“I liked the interaction with other families going through similar situations.”
“I learned we are not alone. Us moms and dads need to stick together!”
“It was fun and no pressure.”
If you are interested or would like to know more you may contact one of the following:
Mrs. Kristin Donohue, 800-321-9973 option 2
Mr. Justin Pidgeon, 800-321-9973 option 3
Mrs. Maria Miller, 800-321-9973 option 4
Western Wayne’s Drama Club invites the public to join them for an Open Mic Night at 7 p.m. Friday, January 11, in the Western Wayne High School Auditorium located at 1970A Easton Turnpike, Lake Ariel, PA 18436.
The club will host a basket raffle as part of the event. Some of the baskets include a movie night basket and a coffee/ tea book lovers’ basket among many others. Refreshments will also be served in the high school cafeteria with all proceeds benefiting drama club students.
Admission to the event is free!
The show will be family-friendly with Masters of Ceremonies junior Honour Shaffer and sophomore Alex Taylor.
“I’m excited to be an MC for the second year,” Honour said. “I enjoy hosting the evening for everyone and it’s always fun to make everyone laugh with the bits I say in-between acts.”
The show will kick off with a show-stopping opening number “All for The Best” from the musical Godspell performed by R.J. Clemens, drama club president, and Sydney Peet, drama club public relations officer .
“We want to make the audience excited right from the start of the show,” R.J. explained. “We are excited to sing, dance, and use some special props.”
Other acts include original poetry readings by eighth grade student Larissa Ellsworth and a monologue read by freshman Nick Valentin about staying hopeful in the face of bullying.
The night will also showcase a variety of musical selections. Some performances include: Amanda David, “Hopelessly Devoted to You” from Grease, Lily Visceglia, “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman, an acoustic guitar version of “Ain’t it Fun” by Andie Solimine, and a breath-taking finale by R.J. featuring a song from a very popular musical currently on Broadway among many other lively numbers.
“We are very excited to get the community out to see these talented Western Wayne students,” Mrs. Jessica McLaughlin, drama club advisor and musical director, said. “We look forward to seeing them shine on Friday night along with raising some money to support our drama club students.”
The Drama Parents Club will be selling a variety of treats this evening. There will be coffee, hot chocolate, bottled water along with a variety of sweets and snacks available for sale.
Tonight is the first event that the Drama Club will host in 2019. The group was formed at the beginning of the 2017-18 school year as an effort to have a year-round performing arts organization for Western Wayne students in grades 8 through 12.
Earlier this school year, they hosted a car wash as a kick-off fundraising event. The students also had a table at Western Wayne’s Annual Craft Fair in October. Other fall events included having a presence at Western Wayne High School’s Open House and Parent Teacher Conference nights along with hosting gift wrapping events to raise funds at both the high school and Tractor Supply in Hamlin.
The students plan to have other events this year to serve as performance opportunities and fundraisers including a possible character breakfast in early April at the high school to promote their upcoming spring production of Annie the musical.
Western Wayne’s performances will be Friday, April 26 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 27 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 28 at 3 p.m. on the newly renovated Western Wayne Veterans Memorial Auditorium stage. Students and senior citizens $3 dollars for tickets and adults $5 for tickets. Western Wayne students are admitted free with a student ID.
Some of the performers from Open Mic Night will also be featured leads in Annie including Amanda David who plays the title role, R.J. Clemens who plays Daddy Warbucks, Andie Solimine who plays Grace Farrell, Sydney Peet who plays Miss Hannigan, Lily Visceglia, who plays Lilly, and Honour Shaffer who plays Bert Healy among others.
Please join us at 7 p.m. tonight, Friday, January 11, to celebrate the talents of all of our Drama Club students who are participating in Open Mic Night. Again, admission is free!
The show should last about two hours. Come out and have a hot drink, a sweet treat, and an excellent experience watching our students shine!
The regular season for Basketball and Wrestling starts tonight! The boys basketball team will host Valley View tonight, JV starting at 5:30 PM and Varsity at 7:30 PM. The wrestling team will travel to Mt. View tonight with the Varsity team wrestling at 7:00 PM. Jr. High wrestling starts at 6:00 PM.
The girls basketball will play at Valley View tomorrow, 1/3/19 with varsity tip-off at 7:00 PM. JV plays at 5:30 PM.
Pictured are Western Wayne staff members with members of the Rotary who generously donated coats for students throughout the Western Wayne School District. From left: Matthew Fitzsimmons, high school guidance counselor; Diane Tansits, high school and middle school social worker; Tatiana Black, Rotary member; Susan Giguere, Rotary member; Terry Gunning, Rotary member; Renee Chernin, high school guidance counselor; Kasey Gribble, high school guidance counselor; Lisa Jacques, middle school guidance counselor; and Jennifer Bradley, high school assistant principal.
All four Western Wayne Schools (EverGreen Elementary, R.D. Wilson Elementary, the High School, and Middle School) benefited from a coat drive done by the Hamlin/ Lake Ariel Rotary. The Rotary donated several cases of coats to the schools. All of the schools received a variety of coats in different colors and sizes. The district is so grateful for this donation and knows its students will greatly benefit from these much needed coats. From left, Sue Schlasta, EverGreen Elementary social worker; and Tatiana Black, from the Rotary.
MOSCOW, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WOLF) — “I was a bit less of a book-learned student… I didn’t learn as well from lectures and things like that. I learned well when I could combine that with taking what I learned in the classroom and applying it right there in their labs.”
Wayne County native Fernando Marques always had a knack for technology, having a role on the Western Wayne High School robotics team.
He says the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Technology Program at Johnson College fit him best with his background.
“When I was coming out of high school I really wasn’t sure where to go. I actually haven’t found that degree program when I first graduated from Western Wayne. And then shortly after, I found their program so I had worked construction for a year to save up the money- and built a little bit of a buffer so that the following year I could start the AMET program,” said Marques.
Read more here https://fox56.com/news/tech-talk/tech-talk-johnson-college-guides-wayne-co-mans-career
Dr. Mark Nebzydoski Receives Prestigious Charlie Bright Award from Wayne Pike Trout UnlimitedApril 15, 2025On Saturday, April 12, 2025, during the annual Wayne Pike Trout Unlimited Banquet and Fundraiser, Dr. Mark Nebzydoski—a science teacher at Western Wayne High School and passionate participant in the Trout in the Classroom (TIC) program—was honored with the 2025 Charlie Bright Award.Presented by the members of the Wayne Pike Trout Unlimited Chapter, the Charlie Bright Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedicated service, and meaningful contributions to cold-water conservation. The award is named in honor of Charlie Bright, a beloved long-time Trout Unlimited member and owner of the Charlie Bright Fly Fishing Shop in Rowland, located on the banks of the Lackawaxen River, which he operated for more than 40 years.“It was truly a humbling experience to be recognized for my work in watershed education and cold-water conservation,” Dr. Nebzydoski said. “I am deeply grateful for this kind gesture.”Dr. Nebzydoski leads the Trout in the Classroom (TIC) program at Western Wayne High School, where students raise rainbow trout from eggs provided by the Pennsylvania Fish Commission. Throughout the school year, students care for the trout and learn about aquatic ecosystems, biology, and the importance of clean, cold water for trout survival. The program culminates in a spring field trip to the Varden Conservation Area, where the trout—now fingerlings—are released into the wild. Wayne Pike Trout Unlimited proudly partners in this annual release, helping to connect students directly with conservation in action.This recognition highlights Dr. Nebzydoski’s commitment not only to science education but also to fostering environmental stewardship in the next generation.
Picture Caption: (Left to Right: Vice President Wayne Pike TU – Tony Capitano; President Wayne Pike TU- Paul Ranello; Western Wayne Science Teacher, Dr. Mark Nebzydoski; Wayne Pike TU Youth Advisor – Don Strathy) [...]
Independent Order of Odd Fellows Freedom Lodge #88 Donates Bench to WWHSApril 15, 2025Western Wayne junior Connor Buchinski is in The Independent Order of Odd Fellows Freedom Lodge #88 in Honesdale. Connor has been a part of this organization for about a year now. Membership in The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is somewhat of a legacy in his family with his grandfather Dennis Buchinski being a member along with his father Doug Buchinski and other family members.
One of the community outreach efforts of Freedom Lodge #88 is collecting soft plastic. There is even a collection bin in the office of the Western Wayne High School. Once 1,000 lbs. of plastic is gathered the organization recycles with the Trex Bench program and donates a Bench to a non-profit organization. It was Connor’s idea to donate one of the benches this year to Western Wayne High School.
“I thought students would enjoy it during their lunch periods,” Connor said. “I really like working with this organization because of the new people I get to meet and the members of the community that I get to help.”
On Monday April 14th Freedom Lodge #88 members donated the Trex Bench to Western Wayne High School.
Freedom Lodge #88 also donated a history book to the Western Wayne High School Library on the Pennsylvania history of The Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Connor plans to work to collect more plastic and donate another bench to the Western Wayne High School before his senior year is over.
From left, standing: Sarah Rickert, high school teacher; Dennis Hiller, Lodge #88; Mr. Paul B. Gregorski, high school principal; Dennis Buchinski, Lodge #88 member; Maria Phillips, high school teacher; and Forrest Goodenough, Lodge #88 member. From left, seated: Doug Buchinski, Lodge #88 member; and Connor Buchinski, Lodge #88 member and Western Wayne junior. [...]
High School’s Student Council attends Student Council ConferenceApril 4, 2025Western Wayne High School’s Student Council was invited to attend the annual Pennsylvania Association of Student Council’s Region H Conference, hosted by Lakeland Jr./Sr. High School, on Friday, March 28th. Several of our students joined the 535 delegates, presenters, and advisors for a day of networking and learning more about what it means to be an effective leader in school and how to become one! Our students were thrilled with the opportunity to attend and left energized to put much of what they learned into practice here at Western Wayne! Pictured from left to right are Autumn Sawicki, Leah Reeger, Sadie Booths, Dakota Douglas, Madison Forgione, Raegan Fox, Makenzie Chearney, and Madie Kizer. [...]
