The December edition of Scholarships & Career Opportunities is now available. All grades should read this document to get information on college, careers, important dates, SAT/ACT exams and of course…scholarships!
High School October Students of the MonthDecember 4, 2025The following students were recognized by the Student Council as students of the month for October. 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, Ayvari Ford-Rakosnik, freshman, is extremely creative and insightful. She goes above and beyond with her creative writing assignments. Also, her teachers say she is passionate and courteous.
“I love challenging myself to read, write, and express myself through performance art,” Ayvari, color guard and drama club member, said.
Next, Grace Owens, sophomore, is helpful, friendly, and pleasant. Her teachers note how she includes others with a genuine heart and does needed classroom tasks without being asked. She actively participates in her classes and helps her teachers keep their rooms tidy. Also, Grace is very active in her church.
In addition, Cameron Press, junior, always volunteers to help in class, works hard, and his teachers say he is easy-going and empathetic. In addition, Cameron recently earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.
Lastly, senior Braden Laity is hard-working and juggles many activities and academic goals. His teachers say that he doesn’t stop until the work is done. In addition, he is respectful, polite, and cares about his grades.
The Western Wayne School District congratulates these October students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.
From left, Braden Laity, Cameron Press, Grace Owens, and Ayvari Ford-Rakosnik.
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Scholarships & Career Opportunities – December EditionDecember 3, 2025The December edition of Scholarships & Career Opportunities is now available. All grades should read this document to get information on college, careers, important dates, SAT/ACT exams and of course…scholarships!
Click here: https://ww3.westernwayne.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Scholarships-and-Career-Opportunities-December-2025.pdf
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Western Wayne Hosts Semi with Candyland ThemeDecember 1, 2025The Western Wayne High School Semi Formal was held on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Ladore, Waymart. Approximately 300 students, faculty, and security team were in attendance.
Students nominated sophomores Frederick Lauemoeller and Myla Smith as Semi Prince and Princess. Everyone in attendance enjoyed a beautiful Candyland theme for their special evening.
“I had a wonderful experience as Semi Princess,” Myla said.
From left: Paul B. Gregorski, high school principal; Frederick Lauemoeller, Semi Prince; Myla Smith, Semi Princess; and Robert Black, high school assistant principal.
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Mystery Dinner Ticket Sales EXTENDEDNovember 21, 2025The 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
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1yUiChXBAyHi_Pp9bogDTZxrh_ryZPJvy-IHlptYeQkM/edit
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Mental-Health Awareness Speaker Presents to Middle School StudentsNovember 21, 2025Tacos and bananas don’t necessarily go together at mealtime, but they do connect to an initiative for mental health awareness at the Western Wayne Middle School through their involvement in the Avedium program called the “Wear Your Care” campaign. Avedium is a US-based, student-led mental health awareness and suicide prevention program active in schools across the country. Created by students for students, its mission is to “shatter the silence” surrounding depression, suicide, and other youth issues. The name Aevidum means “I’ve got your back”.
As a follow-up to mental health awareness month students are “wearing their care” in the month of November to provoke discussion about emotional well-being. Members of the middle school Avedium group wore taco costumes to gather data on how many people who interacted with them during the day would sincerely check in on their mental state. Of the over one hundred interactions the students recorded, they reported only two remarks of genuine concern.
Western Wayne Middle School principal Casey Newcomer introduced the guest speaker at the Avedium mental-health awareness assembly on Thursday, November 20, and encouraged the student body to continue to strive to care about others in the school community as a priority.
Dr. Matthew Spott, local entrepreneur and suicide prevention counselor with the Crisis Line, Scranton, spoke to the students about his personal journey through mental health struggles. He is the Vice President of U.S. Sales for Uniphar, a global healthcare company that helps pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturers connect with patients and healthcare professionals through education, medical information, and digital engagement.
Over his 17-year career in the pharmaceutical industry, Spott has worked with some of the world’s leading life science companies. In addition, he owns The Lovelton Hotel, a family-friendly sportsman bar, hotel and restaurant in Wyoming County; leads SpoSho Investments, a real estate company with more than 80 residential units and several community redevelopment projects; and through Spott Inc., he’s opening three new Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop locations throughout Northeast Pennsylvania.
Spott also has several ongoing development projects focused on repurposing abandoned and historic buildings across NEPA into modern, luxury condominiums.
He serves on the Board of Directors for NAMI — the National Alliance on Mental Illness — the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for millions of Americans affected by mental health conditions.
Furthermore, he is the founder of Total Game Changer (TGC) — a mindset and motivation platform that challenges people to take control of their lives and reach their potential. Through TGC, he authored his first book, Game Changer: The Seven Mindsets of Solution-Based Selling for Life-Changing Results, which explores how adopting the right mindset can transform not just how you sell, but how you live.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in Management and Marketing from The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), an MBA in Strategy and International Business from Wilkes University, and a Doctorate in Organizational Development from the University of Southern California (USC).
Above all, Spott is a husband and father first. He lives in the Scranton area with his wife, DeAnna, and their three children, Matthew, Gianni, and Sicilia.
Spott started his presentation by telling a story about a seventeen-year-old young man who one day stood on a bridge contemplating suicide because he felt that his home situation was so terrible. Spott explained how the teenager decided to flip a coin to decide his fate. He later revealed that the struggling teen was himself.
Due to his own battle with mental health issues, Spott decided to dedicate his life to helping others who also struggle and face situations that he did as a teen. He explained that at sixteen he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. After his almost suicide attempt, he coped by being a bully to others until he was 23 years old. At 25 he had to enter a program for substance abuse, and he states that the experience saved his life.
“My life has turned around,” he explained. “It wasn’t easy. When I was younger, I didn’t know how to receive love and kindness. It felt better to make someone else feel horrible.”
After going to therapy for many years, Spott better understands how to handle his anxiety and other emotions. He explained revelations he had in therapy to the students.
“Everyone needs to find coping mechanisms,” he explained. “Talking is the number one thing we can do.”
He encouraged students to find positive outlets for their emotions. Spott recognized that the modern day is an incredibly difficult time in history for teens with the age of social media. He discussed how dopamine rushes are everywhere in the form of short videos, text messages, etc.
“The biggest joy I get right now is giving back,” he explained, encouraging the students to find outlets not connected to the internet to help make their lives more meaningful as his closing remarks. “There are resources all around if you need help. Be kind to each other. It costs nothing to be nice or to just not be mean to others. Be kind to yourselves first then you can be kind to others.”
Pictured is Dr. Matthew Spott speaking to the Western Wayne Middle School student body on Thursday, November 20.
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