It’s never too early to try out a future Wildcat activity. Western Wayne cheerleaders, football players, and the band showed their Wildcat Pride through hosting young Wildcats at the home game on Friday, Sept. 16, versus Abington Heights at the Sharkey Rosetti Stadium. Junior Wildcat players and cheerleaders got a taste of what it is like to play and perform under the Friday night lights. In addition, the band hosted students from 8th grade considering joining the high school marching band. They got to play stand tune music with their assigned band buddies during the game. All of the young cheerleaders, football players, and band students had an excellent experience and look forward to possibly participating in their respective activities in high school.
On Homecoming Day, September 30, 2022, we are planning a school-wide event to assemble students at the Sharkey Rossetti Stadium to form the letters “WWHS” on the field. We will use a drone to take a photograph of the student body in formation as a fundraiser for our high school PBIS team. PBIS is a nation-wide evidence-based program that is used in all Western Wayne buildings. PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, and it is a team of students and teachers that function to support our student body by rewarding good behaviors to improve the climate of the school.
The cost of the photo will be $15.00 for an 8×10 image. All checks can be made out to WWHS PBIS. Cash will also be accepted. Please send your cash or check to the high school Guidance Office to complete your purchase. Checks can be mailed to: WWHS Guidance 1970A Easton Turnpike, Lake Ariel, PA 18436.
All money is due prior to your order being placed. Orders will be accepted and money collected until November 1, 2022. An email will be sent to the address you provide when the orders have arrived. Orders are expected to be fulfilled in November.
Makayla, Madelyn, and Hannah look forward to using the skills they learned at the conference as they begin their new journey in high school. From left: Makayla Moser, Hannah DeStefano, and Madelyn Vinton.
Western Wayne students attended the Junior National Youth Leadership Conference held this past July in Washington, D.C. Freshmen Makayla Moser, Madelyn Vinton, and Hannah DeStefano were recommended to attend the conference by their middle school guidance counselor Mr. Totsky. The outstanding students did a lot of fundraising to be able to have this experience including selling handmade blanket baskets, having a small basket raffle, and reaching out to the local community and businesses like The Grim Foundation which helped tremendously. All three students greatly enjoyed their experience at the conference.
Madelyn explained how her favorite part was a museum called Planet World that they saw. She was also thrilled to meet many new friends from across the country.
“I think what I learned at this conference will help strengthen my leadership qualities by making me work hard and fast while working with everyone,” Madelyn said. “It made me realize I’m not by myself, and I could never do it by myself.” Madelyn intends to pursue either law or pediatric audiology in the future.
Makayla agreed that getting to tour the monuments and historic places in Washington, D.C. was her favorite part of the experience along with meeting new people.
“I especially liked visiting Arlington National Cemetery and learning about its history,” Makayla explained. “We even got to see the changing of the guard. Another enjoyable part was how the new friends I made helped push me to achieve my goals at the conference.” Makayla aspires to study forensic psychology and criminal profiling in college.
Fellow classmate Hannah’s favorite part of the experience was the guest speakers. Her favorite was a speech given by Anthony Robles, a NCAA wrestler who was born with one leg.
“ We got to speak with him, and his speech was very moving,” Hannah explained. I learned that there are no excuses for things you can or cannot do.” Hannah is interested in a career in the medical field and has been researching careers like a travel nurse and anesthesiologist.
Dawn Krautter, Evan Bahmer, and Brianna VintonKrautter, Bahmer, and Vinton walk the Middle School hallways as a final send off for both them and the eighth grade class.
The Western Wayne Middle School continued their tradition on the last day of school which was Friday, June 10, this year. It is called the 8th Grade Final Walk. As a final activity before leaving the building to move on to the high school, 8th grade students took a walk through the hallways appropriately led by three teachers that are leaving the middle school this year Dawn Krautter, Evan Bahmer, and Brianna Vinton. Krautter, Bahmer, and Vinton led the procession through the hallways of the middle school and received flowers from 6th and 7th grade students along the way. The two women ended up with bouquets at the end and Mr. Bahmer received a beautiful plant along with many well wishes from students, faculty, and staff who lined the hallways and met them outside of the building to celebrate. Krautter has taught at the school for three and half years. She was the Middle School FCS teacher for two and half years and this past year she was a seventh grade ELA teacher. “I have had a wonderful experience,” Krautter said. “Western Wayne will always be special to me.” Krautter will be moving to Valdosta, Georgia. She will be the Lanier County High School FCS teacher next year.
Bahmer, who served as a substitute teacher in many different capacities at Western Wayne for the last two years, will be moving on to a full-time job at Summit Christian Academy in Clarks Summit, PA. He will be teaching math and Bible to middle school students in grades six through eight. Bahmer was born and raised in Michigan. He has a degree from Clarks Summit University in pastoral ministry. “I am excited for this new teaching position and look forward to seeing what the Lord has in store,” Bahmer said. Fellow co-worker Brianna Vinton, who was in as a substitute for FCS in the middle school this year, also looks forward to teaching more in the future. She studied at both Misericordia University and Keystone College. She is certified to teach social studies and FCS and will soon have a certification to teach business. “I loved my experience teaching at my alma mater,” Vinton said. Western Wayne faculty, administration, staff, and students wish Krautter, Bahmer, and Vinton the best in the future.
Eighth grader Logan Pauler, who won the American Legion Award, with George Schaffer who had presented him with the award earlier at the ceremonyLogan Paul, winner of the American Legion Award; and Audrey Agnello, winner of The Daughters of the American Revolution Award.The Western Wayne 8th grade class, the class of 2026, prepare to take their seats after processing into the annual Moving-Up Ceremony.Western Wayne Middle School Student Council President Jade Wetherington poses with her memory board at the Moving-Up Ceremony.
Western Wayne Middle School Principal Mrs. Jennifer Bradley praised eighth graders for “staying the course” through all of the unforeseen circumstances and regular academic and extra-curricular challenges they faced during their time in the middle school.
This class is particularly special to Bradley because when they began sixth grade, Bradley started her first year as the principal of the Western Wayne Middle School.
To conclude her speech, Bradley wished the students well and asked their audience of family and friends to applaud them.
Eighth grader Jade Wetherington, Middle School Student Council president, proudly led her classmates and all in attendance in the pledge of allegiance.
Jade said she truly enjoyed her time in the Western Wayne Middle School. She looks forward to all she will learn in high school. She aspires to either work in theater as an actor or to be a cosmetologist.
“I enjoyed making everyone smile this year at all of the events the student council was able to hold,” she said.
The featured event of the Moving-Up Ceremony was all 8th grade students receiving awards in various categories for excellence or improvement in all academic and unified arts classes. In addition, students received awards for good citizenship, excellent work habits, 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. After all of the students received their initial awards, the class of 2026 stood up, and the entire stadium filled with their family and friends gave them another round of applause.
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 chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the local American Legion present these awards.
The Daughters of the American Revolution Award was presented to 8th grader Audrey Agnello.
Audrey 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 and honesty, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism.
George Schaffer presented the American Legion Award to 8th grader Logan Pauler.
Logan 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.
Both Audrey and Logan felt extremely honored to receive their respective awards. They also both, at first, felt shocked to learn the Daughters of the American Revolution and the American Legion had chosen them for these high honors.
Audrey is a hard-working young woman who especially loves to study science and is highly involved in activities and sports at Western Wayne.
In addition, she is a long-time competitive swimmer who is a member of the Pacers at Marywood University. She also plays soccer, runs track, and plans to join the tennis team for her freshman year. In addition, she is an honor roll student who also participates in the PJAS club and was the captain of the Middle School Reading Relay Team this year.
She looks forward to her high school science classes the most. In the future, she is thinking about studying genetics or epidemiology.
“My experiences in middle school have helped me to learn how to work and achieve many things independently,” Audrey explained.
Fellow classmate Logan Pauler is also a hard-working individual and honor roll student. He most enjoys his math classes because he likes problem solving.
In addition, he is a triple-sport athlete who plays basketball, soccer, and track.
“I am most looking forward to the seriousness of my high school classes,” Logan, who aspires to be an architect, said.
For the second year in a row, students and their families made poster boards of pictures of favorite memories of their students to add a personal touch of their memories throughout the year to the ceremony.
Western Wayne faculty, administration, and staff wish the class of 2026 the best on their new journey to the high school.
Picture Caption for PICTURE ONE: From left: Wayne Chapter #462 Trout Unlimited, President, Paul Ranello; Western Wayne High School, Dr. Mark Nebzydoski; and Wayne Chapter #462 Trout Unlimited, Youth Advisor, Don Stathy.
On May 26, 2022, Western Wayne 9th grade High School Students visited the Varden Conservation Area and participated in ecology activities presented by Lacawac Sanctuary. Students participated in three different activities, which involved the topics of macroinvertebrates in a pond environment, topographic mapping, and chemical water testing and pollution. Students also released rainbow trout as a conclusion of the Pennsylvania Trout in the classroom (PA-TIC) program. The Pennsylvania Fish Commission provided rainbow trout eggs that were hatched and raised by Dr. Mark Nebzydoski and his classes this school year. The trout release was assisted by the Pike – Wayne Chapter #462 Trout Unlimited, President, Paul Ranello and Youth Advisor, Don Stathy. Lacawac Sanctuary instructors included, Jamie Reeger, Environmental Educational Manager, who explained water quality health through identification of macroinvertebrates found at the pond. Natalie Wasilchek, Environmental Educator, explained topographic mapping and orienteering with compasses and maps of the area. Jamie Bryan, Environmental Educator, explained chemical testing and water quality at the stream. Prior to the field trip students engaged in a classroom presentation on water quality and the environment. Students participated in activities that model ground water and surface water and how they fit into a concept of a water shed. These activities lead to discussions about the local area and incorporate the concept of a water table and common water resources shared by all. Funding for the Varden classroom education as well the field trip was provided through an Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) grant from the nonprofit Western Wayne Education Foundation. Christine McClure, President, 1970C Easton Turnpike, Western Wayne School District, Lake Ariel, PA 18436 Accompanying the students were instructors Dr. Mark Nebzydoski and Mrs. Maria Phillips, Helene Tscheschlog, and Michael Bershefsky. For more information on Varden Conservation area http://www.vardenconservationarea.com/ https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofVCA/ http://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/VardenConservationArea/Pages/default.aspx Lacawac Sanctuary https://www.lacawac.org/ https://www.facebook.com/Lacawac/ Pennsylvania Trout in the Classroom (PA-TIC) https://www.patroutintheclassroom.org/ Pike – Wayne Chapter #462 Trout Unlimited https://pwtu.org/
Western Wayne Middle School Chorus, under the direction of Mrs. Joyce Covaleski, performed in the Catholic Choral Society’s annual Spring Concert in Scranton on May 22, 2022. Students received a standing ovation for their performance!
ALL NEWS
Students Attend World Language Day at The University of ScrantonMarch 7, 2025On Tuesday, March 4th, The University of Scranton held their second World Language Day in which they hosted over 100 high school students to experience lessons in Spanish, French, Chinese, Japanese, German, and Arabic. Some Western Wayne High School students were in attendance and loved their experience.
“It was very interesting to be immersed in so many different languages,” Kallie Wehrmann, Western Wayne senior, said. “I really loved making new friends and learning about different cultures. I am so excited to go to college next year and feel this experience makes me even more prepared for the future.”
From left: Mrs. Sara Orloski, Jack Sepelyak, Lance Hauenstein, Kaitlin Wargo, Leah Reeger, Julia Wehrmann, Katie Skirpan, Lily Kieva, Kallie Wehrmann, Chloe Gilpin, Maria Gadoua, and Mrs. Sandrowicz. [...]
High School February Students of the MonthMarch 5, 2025The following students were recognized by the Student Council as students of the month for February. 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, Leah Reeger is our selected freshman. Leah is an all-around excellent student who has a passion for art. In addition, she is involved in Envirothon, Student Council, and Ultimate Frisbee. One of her favorite classes is her Honors English class. She feels as though her writing is growing in strength this year, especially her poetry and literary analysis work.
She also is greatly enjoying her Introduction to Ceramics class this year.
“We are learning how to make basic items like bowls,” Leah explained. “I really like coming up with new items to create and then making them a reality through my art.”
Leah aspires to own a coffee shop with an art theme that focuses on nature.
Next, Eric McGrath is our chosen sophomore this month. Eric is an enthusiastic student who gives his best effort in all he does. His sports and activities include soccer, track, and Envirothon. His favorite class this year is English.
“I like writing best, especially fiction analysis,” he said. Eric plans to attend college after graduation with an undecided major at the moment.
In addition, Loucynthia Allen is this month’s featured junior. She is another very dedicated student who enjoys art. Her clubs and activities include Spanish Club, National Art Honor Society, and Envirothon.
Her favorite class this year is ceramics.
“I really like being in my own world when I create art,” she said.
She aspires to become a dentist or dental hygienist for her future career.
Finally, David Elias is our senior spotlight this month. David is an exceptional academic student and talented student athlete. His sports and activities include basketball, track and FBLA.
His favorite class is calculus.
“I enjoy problem solving and working with numbers,” he said.
David plans to attend a four-year university upon graduation with an undecided major.
The Western Wayne School District congratulates these February students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.
From left: Leah Reeger, Eric McGrath, Mr. Robert Black, high school assistant principal; Loucynthia Allen, and David Elias. [...]
PA State Grant UpdateMarch 5, 2025PA State Grant Information:
PHEAA has informed us that they will be not be using GrantUS to process the PA State Grant. They will be using their legacy system and expect to have initial emails to students to apply for the 2025-26 PA State Grant in April. Please be on the lookout for an email from PHEAA if you filled out your FAFSA regarding the state grant [...]
Students Win Big With Energy Efficiency!March 4, 2025A group of ninth grade students at Western Wayne High School received the Honorable Mention award in a special PPL contest.
Aidyn Graci and Mitchell Ferraro General Science, students from the high school were the Honorable Mention winners in the PPL Electric THINK! ENERGY Innovation Challenge. The contest required students to develop an interactive and hands-on presentation on energy, natural resources and environmental issues.
Science teacher Dr. Mark Nebzydoski led the challenge for Western Wayne by registering all Western Wayne High School students for free energy conservation kits, which consisted of three compact fluorescent light bulbs, a smart energy power strip, a shower timer, a faucet aerator and water-saving shower head. Each student was then asked to take the kits home, install the energy-saving equipment and survey how much energy was saved due to the use of the equipment.
“The students projects submitted were very creative and entertaining.” Nebzydoski said. “Seeing students learning about energy efficiency and applying it to the real world is the perfect model of how education should work.” “High school students are tomorrow’s homeowners, so reinforcing energy efficiency messages is important.”
The winning students’ project included a video on energy efficiency. They can be found from a link on the Western Wayne Website. https://youtu.be/EDmCGFHw4Lk Winning students each received Beats wireless earbuds. Dr. Nebzydoski received $250 for classroom supplies.
“I am proud of the student’s hard work and achievement,” Dr. Nebzydoski said.
The students really had a lot of fun making the video with the ongoing theme of “Come on, Mr. Nebz!” Throughout the clip, they kept telling their favorite teacher to be more careful about energy usage in his classroom.
Mitchell Ferraro, who of the winning students who aspires to be a social studies teacher, really liked how fun it was to make the video and tell Mr. Nebz what to do throughout it.
Fellow video creator Aidyn Graci, who aspires to study business one day be very successful, was relieved when they finished the project. “I was glad to get to the end and see our hard work pay off,” he said.
PPL Electric Utilities, in conjunction with National Energy Foundation (NEF) and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), is proud to sponsor the THINK! ENERGY with E-power educational program. There are three program offerings for various grade levels and each is designed to provide teachers and students with energy education. All program offerings are free and are correlated to Pennsylvania learning standards.
Please see contest link https://thinkenergy.org/ppl-innovation/teachers/
From left: Dr. Mark Nebzydoski, Mitchell Ferraro, and Aidyn Graci. [...]
PPL Awards Gift Certificate to Western Wayne SophomoreMarch 4, 2025PPL awarded Western Wayne sophomore student Liam O’Brien an amazon gift card as a prize for completing a survey about his usage of tools in the Innovation Kit that all Western Wayne 9th grade high school students got as a part of the PPL Think! Energy program this past fall. The students were challenged to use the items in the kit such as a smart power strip, LED bulbs, and a special shower head for water conservation, among other items. Liam, who aspires to study culinary arts or sports broadcasting in the future, and many other Western Wayne students used these items and then filled in a survey about their experiences. Liam was the lucky winner drawn at random for the Western Wayne School District. Liam said he got the most use out of the power strip from the PPL kit. He likes his science class and prioritizes helping the environment. “I think it is important to be environmentally conscientious so that plants in nature can thrive and people in general have better health,” Liam said.From left: Dr. Mark Nebzydoski and Liam O’Brien. [...]
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.
