Western Wayne High School has six students who are state finalists in a Prevent Suicide Contest. We are asking the local community to help make them winners!
During the month of February, Art students from all four Western Wayne schools are participating in the 1st Wayne County Arts Alliance Student Art Exhibition! The opening for the show was well attended on Friday February 2nd, where students, their teachers and families enjoyed light refreshments and viewing the art from other participating Wayne County School Districts. Student work was selected based on a variety of criteria. Hopefully this show will become an annual event in the future! The show will be on display at the Wayne County Arts Alliance Gallery at 959 Main Street Honesdale through February 24, 2024. Congratulations to the participating artists; From Robert D. Wilson Elementary: Reaghan Sheehan, Nathan Klimczak, Felix Klimczak, Andie Trapper, Billie Joe Burnham, Orson Farley, Alice O’hora, Jameson Constantine, Luca Ferraro, Keira Marcel, Paige Weist, Zoe Borzek, and Caleb Tedesco. From the High School: Peyton Cook, Lila Rusin, Carly Schott, Kiersten McDonald, Aurora Morris, Cassidy Zeiler, Leo West and from the Middle School Teena Zotynia, Mackenzie Warnock, Abigail Wasman, Ava Borzek, Jailah McRae, Isabella Jason, Kenna Steinmetz, Jasmine Yamamoto, Makayla Franckowiak. EverGreen: Brooklyn Gill, Rayven Ford-Hetzel, Leiana Vetrano, Jereni Strocchia, Khloe Elias Lucy Olszyk, Mia Padula Emma Dougher, Nathanial Huff, Tucker Bell , Lillian Elders, Aria Takacs.
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Nearly 100 fourth through eighth-grade students from schools in Lackawanna, Wayne, and Susquehanna County put their building skills to the test for the annual Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit 19’s Stem Design Challenge.
Putting stem skills to the test.
On Tuesday Johnson College hosted and sponsored the NEIU 19’s 2024 Stem Design Challenge. the builds are made entirely of K’nex Construction toys.
“We built an agricultural robot, but it’s built out of K’nex pieces, and it has an arm and it rotates up and it’s supposed to move forward and help farmers,” said Sadie Booths a Western Wayne student.
This year’s theme is agriculture.
Working in teams, students had two hours to put their heads together to create prototypes of equipment designed to help farmers with their jobs.
“So it’s called the poop-en-a-tor. It cleans up chicken poop and turns it into fertilizer and it helps farmers because farmers spend a lot of money on fertilizers and they also spend a lot of time cleaning up chicken poop,” says Sadie Malamud a Lackawanna Trail student.
“So we built a solar-powered tractor with a solar-powered sprayer, and the sprayer is for irrigation,” added Cody Maros a Western Wayne student.
Students from King’s College and Johnson College help judge the projects.
The builds are judged based on creativity, attention to detail, and theme. Organizers say STEM and events like these teach kids valuable problem-solving skills.
“It also helps students that sometimes struggle in the traditional route to the kind of really showcase their talents which may not be necessarily just on facts and components like that, but it really gives them a different mindset and almost like a creative mindset also,” explained Stephanie Williams MIS coordinator in NEIU 19′
Teams from the Wayne Highlands school district took first prize in both divisions of elementary and middle school.
Those teams will go on to compete at the state competition in Harrisburg in May.
Guiding Good Choices for 4th-6th grade parents and caregivers. Attend this FREE VIRTUAL five-session program to help your youth navigate the pressures and expectations of life during their teen years to succeed and achieve a brighter future. Parents and caregivers can enhance their parenting skills by learning how to:
Promote health and well-being during the teen years.
Develop health beliefs and clear standards for behavior.
Deal with anger in a positive way and manage family conflict to strengthen bonds with youth.
Protect their children from substance abuse and other problematic behaviors.
Strengthen family bonds and increase youth’s involvement in the family through the teen years.
Youth attend session 4 with their parents and caregivers. The program will be held on five Tuesdays: February 6, 13, 20, 27 and March 6 from 6 to 8 PM via Zoom. For more information or to register, e-mail or call Karen Thomas at kat1@psu.edu or 570-878-2385
Curriculum Night will be held Wednesday, January 24, 2024, from 6:00 to 7:30. Administration, Guidance and the Department Heads will go over the curriculum, graduation requirements and the scheduling process.
Officer Urban giving the presentation to the entire Western Wayne Middle School grades six through eight.
Western Wayne Middle School students attended a school-wide presentation on the dangers of bullying, specifically cyberbullying, on Wednesday, December 13, in the Middle School Gym, given by TFC. Robert M. Urban, Community Services Officer, Public Information Officer, at Troop R. Dunmore. Officer Urban gave the students a lot of important information on how not to be a bystander in a bullying situation along with explaining the importance of being kind to others, and a discussion of the legal repercussions that a person could face if the bullying they partake in leads to another person hurting themselves. The district is thankful to Officer Urban for taking the time to discuss these important issues with their students.
The first season of Girls on the Run at Western Wayne Middle School has been declared a success by students, coaches, and parents! Sixteen of our students joined hundreds of girls at Keystone College for a celebratory 5k event on November 15th.
Girls on the Run/Heart and Sole is a nationwide after school activity which offers a 10 week curriculum based program based around running. Western Wayne has been awarded full scholarships to make the program accessible to all. Each week’s activities have a different theme, like friendships, emotions and building connections in our community. The students play games, have discussions and then tackle a strength training and running workout as a team.
Coach Rachel Fitzmorris said, “We are grateful for the support of parents in our District, and also to the coaches, Rachel Dennis, Amanda Steinmetz, and Bernadette Metschulat for their time. We are already planning a Spring season, this time on a Saturday morning. We are also planning to offer the program to the Elementary grades 3-5. Parents have reached out to tell us the program helped their students develop confidence and make friends, as well as becoming more interested in fitness.”
Mrs. Elaine Ort, high school band director, conducts her band at the Veterans Day assembly.North Pocono alumni Kariem Withers, United States Marine Corp. enlistee; Nathaniel Swingle, United States Marine Corps. enlistee; Luke Janiszewski, United States Marine Corp. enlistee; and George Schaffer, United States Air Force.From left: Western Wayne alumni Nathaniel Swingle and Luke Janiszewski, United States Marine Corp enlistees who have completed their first round of basic training.Junior Lilly Maros plays “Taps” to close out the assembly with senior Summer Paugh, not pictured.From left, Major Shane Grodack USMC retired, Western Wayne social studies teacher; and James English, United States Marine Corp.Mr. Taber Starnes, high school chorus teacher, conducts his singers at the Veterans Day assembly.Elwood Merring, who earned the Silver Star Medal; Bronze Star Medal; and three Purple Hearts for his service in Vietnam.From left: Frank DiRosa, United States Marine Corp.; and his granddaughter, sophomore, Sydney Sosa.From left, Frank DiRosa, United States Marine Corp.; George Schaffer, United States Air Force and National Guard; and Bryan Strubel, United States Navy.
As a tradition for many years, Western Wayne administration, faculty, staff, and students joined together on Thursday, Nov. 9, to celebrate veterans in the community with a special in-school event that featured music from the high school band and chorus, a video presentation about Veterans Day, and a question and answer session with the veterans. Many local veterans attended the presentation at Western Wayne, some of which had special connections to district faculty and students. One such veteran at the assembly who has a connection was James English who served in the Marine Corps. English served with Major, USMA retired, Shane Grodack’s father, Sergeant Chester J. Grodack, USMC United States Marine Corp. Major Grodack, a Western Wayne Middle School history teacher, organizes the Veterans Day assembly each year and was glad that an old friend of his father’s could participate. English recalled that his best duty in the service was flying helicopters for the White House under presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy. He fondly remembers traveling for this assignment to places like South America, Camp David, and Venezuela. “At times we would go by sea and take the planes on ships,” he recalled. “It was amazing to get to see the world.” English is now the Deputy Commander of the American Legion 15th District. “I hope that the veterans presence at today’s assembly inspires others to go in the service and do good for others,” he said. Fellow veteran Frank DiRosa had ties to two special students at the assembly. He had the pleasure of having his granddaughter sophomore Sydney Sosa help escort him. Sydney is a member of the Western Wayne Student Ambassador Program that helps to facilitate events of this nature at the school. His granddaughter Sophie Burian, 8th grade, was also at the assembly. DiRosa left his senior year of high school early to become a Marine. He earned his GED while in the service which he spent six years in. DiRosa hopes the middle and high school students who attended the event learned something from seeing the veterans there. “Commitment is something that I think young people can learn from veterans,” he explained. “Too many times nowadays people start something and give up.” Sydney is proud of her grandfather’s commitment to the service. “I want him to be appreciated,” she explained. “I am glad that his friends who are veterans are here this morning, and I hope they all feel some joy.” Sydney really enjoys spending time with her grandfather and learning from him. “We play chess and golf together,” she said. “He loves history, and, sometimes, we just sit and talk about it.” Fellow veteran and friend of DiRosa, Bryan Strubel also wished for the students at the assembly to feel inspired by the program. “Patriotism is what I think they should gain from today,” he explained. Strubel spent six years total in the Navy; four years active and two years reserve. He worked in a training squadron with trainer pilots. He also worked with F9s and FA4s. His job was being a jet mechanic working with A frames and quality control, among many other things. He is originally from New York and later moved to Waymart. Currently he is a member of the American Legion 889 in Waymart. His friend George Schaffer, an Air Force member, was also in attendance. Schaffer spent four years in the Air Force. He was also a part of the National Guard. In the service, his duty was a cook. Later he worked for 35 years as a Tobyhanna Army civilian doing electrical/ mechanical work. He is also a member of the 899 Legion in Waymart. “I hope that students gain a respect for service people from the presentation,” he explained. “Maybe some will go into the Marines or the guard.” DiRosa, Strubel, and Schaffer are grateful to still be friends and active in their American Legion years after their time in active service. In comparison, Western Wayne Alumni from the class of 2023 Nathaniel Swingle and Luke Janiszewski are equally grateful for their friendship that blossomed at Western Wayne and led them to joining the service as a part of the buddy system. The two recent Marine Corps enlistees completed their first round of basic training together and will go on to join a fleet at an undisclosed location some time in the near future after additional training. The two served as squad leaders at their boot camp on Parris Island, South Carolina. Swingle and Janiszewski became friends with North Pocono graduate Kariem Withers after bootcamp. The three servicemen currently are working for the Scranton Recruiting Office. They go to local high schools and interact with students to inspire them to sign-up for military service. “I joined the military to improve myself,” Withers explained. “I feel a lot more disciplined now even just having a short time in so far.” Withers explained that he really enjoyed working with Swingle and Janiszewski. “They are motivators,” he said. Janiszewski aspires to attend college after his time in the service and become a secondary social studies teacher. Swingle can see himself studying business in college and aspires to open a sporting goods store one day. A veteran at the event whose service is inspiring to all there was Elwood Merring. Merring earned the Silver Star Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and three Purple Hearts for what he did in combat in his service to the Army in Vietnam. Merring is a member of the American Legion 807 in Hamlin. He is an extremely humble, decorated serviceman. “I hope the students learn about the history of what veterans went through,” he explained. The Western Wayne School District is proud to host veterans on their campus in remembrance of Veterans Day as a yearly tradition since 1982. The entire District thanks all of the veterans who took the time to attend the assembly and especially sends well wishes to all Western Wayne alumni who have served or are currently serving.
Guiding Good Choices for 4th-6th grade parents and caregivers. Attend this FREE VIRTUAL five-session program to help your youth navigate the pressures and expectations of life during their teen years to succeed and achieve a brighter future.
Parents and caregivers can enhance their parenting skills by learning how to:
Promote health and well-being during the teen years.
Develop health beliefs and clear standards for behavior.
Deal with anger in a positive way and manage family conflict to strengthen bonds with youth.
Protect their children from substance abuse and other problematic behaviors.
Strengthen family bonds and increase youth’s involvement in the family through the teen years.
Youth attend session 4 with their parents and caregivers. The program will be held on five Tuesdays: February 6, 13, 20, 27 and March 6 from 6 to 8 PM via Zoom. For more information or to register, e-mail or call Karen Thomas at kat1@psu.edu or 570-878-2385
From left: Author J. E. Thompson. and Middle School Principal Jennifer Bradley.
Western Wayne Middle School students learned about the time and effort it takes to have a career as a published author on Tuesday, Nov. 14, when award-winning author J. E. Thompson spoke to them.
Upon graduation from Middlebury College with a major in English and minor in finance, Thompson had wanted to pursue a career in writing but couldn’t figure out how to make money in such a venture. Therefore, first, his life’s path took him to a 25 year career working on Wall Street instead.
Thompson greatly enjoyed the many years he spent working in finance but came to a turning point in his life in 1994 when he realized he wanted to return to his dream of becoming a writer.
“I realized that I had to find the courage to do it,” he explained. Not only did Thompson find the courage to pursue this dream, but also he has now been a successful writer for about 25 years with one of his most well-known books being Buccaneer’s Spit.
Thompson told the students about this best-selling book. In the novel, two teenagers work to save a spit of land in South Carolina from a developer who wants to take it over.
Thompson explained that his books are mystery, thriller stories. He told the students about the process he goes through to write a novel. He explained that he likes to start by creating characters that readers will care about. Then he creates a large problem for those characters to overcome, and, as he writes, he discovers how his characters will overcome the obstacles they face. Thompson explained to the students the many times a writer has to edit, revise, and rewrite a story before it is finally published.
“If you think what you have written as a first draft is the best way to express yourself, you are wrong,” Thompson explained when discussing how he would advise students to go about the process of writing good quality work. “If I were ever to enter a first draft to my agent or publishers, they would surely ‘cancel’ it.” He quipped thinking about the youth of today’s connection to the word ‘canceled.’
Thompson further explained how when he discusses the writing process with young aspiring writers he tries to relate it to how athletes spend a lot of time working on their craft.
“The first time you throw a pass it might not be as good as how the throw will be after a lot of practice,” he said. “The same is true for your writing. Practice through the form of revision and editing is what makes the writing better.”
The students had the chance to purchase a signed copy of one of Thompson’s novels after the presentation. Many of them are excited to read a book from an author they have met. Two of Thompson’s other published novels are The Girl From Felony Bay and its sequel Disappearance at Hangman’s Bluff. Both of these books have recently been republished with Pelican Publishing.
ALL NEWS
Girls on the Run Summer Camp a SuccessJuly 18, 2024 The first ever Western Wayne Girls on the Run summer camp has been declared a “runaway success!!” Twenty-three students from EverGreen and R.D. Wilson Elementary schools spent a week running, playing, creating arts and crafts, and team building at the EverGreen campus in June.
Well-deserved thanks to coaches Bernadette Metschulat, Taryn Vitris, Dr. Stephanie Major, Kristin Rock, and Sara Orlosky.
The group would also like to recognize our junior coach, high school student Annie Williams. High School students earn volunteer hours by coaching with GOTR!
Finally, thanks to our unbelievably supportive Western Wayne Administration and the United Way for fully funding all twenty-three students.
Rachel Fitzmorris, GOTR site liaison and middle school staff member said,
“We are focused on growing this wonderful program, and we would love to recruit more coaches! We are hosting a fall season of GOTR starting in September. Practices will be held on Wednesdays after school at the Middle School for 6th to 8th grade. We are firming up a location and time for the Elementary school students (3rd through 5th). The program culminates with a celebratory 5K at Keystone College (transportation provided) with dozens of schools in attendance.
Coaches only need to be willing to pitch in and support the students. No running experience is needed.”
Student sign-ups will start on our return to school. For more information or to volunteer, please email rfitzmorris@westernwayne.org. [...]
Join our food service team!July 18, 2024Join our food service team!
Part-time position opening at Western Wayne High School
Work when you student is in school 9:30 am -2:30 pm, no weekends, holidays or snow days
Starting rate $14.00 per hour
Please contact Western Wayne District Office for an application packet @ 800-321-9973 option 5 or email mliptak@westernwayne.org. [...]
Wayne Pike/Shriners Club receive monetary donation from fashion students and teacherJuly 1, 2024A monetary donation was made to Treasurer, Roger Dirlam of Wayne Pike/Shriners Club on behalf of the Western Wayne fashion students and teacher Colleen Carmody. This year’s proceeds were collected at this year’s show, titled “Fashion is Daunting” held on May 21, 2024 in WW Veterans Memorial Auditorium. While raising funds to help our community; this annual charitable event also allows for a display of students’ senior collections, competitive pieces, yearly projects and the continued support of the sewing and design vocation. [...]
High School Hosts Graduation for Class of 2024June 11, 2024The Class of 2024 celebrate at the end of their graduation ceremony
Western Wayne Class of 2024 Salutatorian Jacob Schott
Western Wayne Class of 2024 Valedictorian Adrian Agnello
President of the Class of 2024 Taylor Maiocco makes a speech at graduation.
The Class of 2024 stand after all have received their diplomas.
Wildcat Pride was bursting from the audience at Western Wayne’s Veterans Memorial Auditorium on the evening of Thursday, June 6, for the graduation of the class of 2024. This is a class with a high school experience unique in many ways having had to do some of their time in school virtually for the end of their 8th grade year and in masks for their freshman and part of their sophomore years. They have learned to persevere through uncertain times and are ready for the next steps of their lives. Student speakers at graduation gave their classmates advice for the exciting, new journey that lies ahead of them.Senior Taylor Maiocco, president of the class of 2024, gave the welcome address. She left her classmates with some advice about not fearing change, “Life isn’t long enough to do something you don’t love. So don’t be afraid to change your mind or actions because your options are limitless. Live life to the fullest; be as present as you can be; and do what makes you truly happy.”Later, Taylor presented the Class Mantel to Lillian Maros, junior class president. Following the presentation of the mantle, the class salutatorian and valedictorian gave speeches. Senior Jacob Schott, Waymart, was named the salutatorian of the class of 2024 with a final overall GPA of 101.78. Jacob is the son of Daniel and Denise Schott. Along with being an excellent academic student, Jacob was involved in Western Wayne clubs and activities. He was extremely dedicated to the Robotics Club, FRC Team 4285 the Camo-Bots for four years, and served as the co-team captain. In addition, he was a member of the National Honor Society. In the future, he plans to attend Pennsylvania College of Technology to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Automation Engineering Technology: Robotics and Automation. “My favorite high school memory is qualifying for and competing at the FIRST Robotics Competition World Championship in Houston, Texas, and finishing in the top 25% overall,” Jacob said. “ I believe that it was through my participation on the robotics team that I have become most prepared for my chosen career field of automation engineering. This club taught me all about the world of robotics, but also challenged my engineering and design process skills. I learned valuable life lessons, such as public speaking, and trade skills through this club. I also believe my advanced classes, such as AP Language and Composition, AP Calculus, and AP Physics have helped me, by allowing me to earn college credit while in high school.” In his salutatorian speech, Jacob summed up the evening with a quote from Nelson Mandela, “It always seems impossible until it is done.”He then discussed the many seemingly impossible achievements that his classmates have achieved both academically and in their various extra-curricular activities throughout their time in high school. Jacob’ seemingly impossible achievement was helping to lead the robotics team to their great success at worlds this year which put Western Waye on the map in the world of robotics.“Four years later, here we are. We did what seemed impossible,” Jacob said. “The ball is in your court now. I challenge each and every one of you to leave here tonight doing what Nelson Mandela said. Try something new. Take a risk. You never know what kind of an outcome it could have. Leave these four walls and make a name for yourself. Change the world for the better. I know you are all capable of doing so.” Fellow classmate Adrian Agnello, Waymart, was named valedictorian of the class of 2024 with a GPA of 102.13. Adrian is the son of Jessica and Joseph Agnello.Adrian also has done numerous activities both inside and outside of the classroom at Western Wayne. He has participated in FBLA, PJAS, Student Council, Student Ambassador, Scholastic Team, Varsity Soccer and Swimming. In the future, he plans to attend The University of Scranton to attain a degree in BioChemistry and then attend medical school with hopes of becoming an anesthesiologist. “My favorite high school memory is making it to nationals for FBLA twice and getting to visit Chicago and Atlanta,” he said. “At Western Wayne, I was taught to not fear failure, and this will help me be even more successful in my future.” In his valedictorian speech, Adrian quoted successful businessman and author Robert T. Kiyosaki, “Winners are not afraid of losing, but losers are. Failure is simply a part of the process of success.”Adrian continued, “Failure can be a reminder that success is not always easy, but with hard work and perseverance it is possible.” He then asked his classmates to reflect on some of the failures they encountered in high school and what they learned from them.“High school is filled with failure and so is life,” Adrian said. “However, if these failures are taken as learning experiences, our lives can be filled with even more successes than failures. It is what you choose to take out of it that determines your outcome.”He gave his classmates more advice, “We must learn to view every mistake or failure as an opportunity to learn and to improve.” Adrian ended his speech by saying, “High school has been an incredible journey, however, the best is yet to come. Remember to never fear failure.”Following the speeches, all graduates received their diplomas and were presented as the Class of 2024 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. [...]
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.