Features – Planet Wildcat

Teachers Look Back on High School Days

October 28, 2018

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What did you enjoy most about high school and why? What high school did you attend? In what year did you graduate? Mrs. Carey - graduated from Western Wayne in 1984 “I enjoyed just having my best friends there with me because we are still best friends." Mr. Butler - graduated from Bishop Hannan in 1985 “I really had fun being part of the high school boys’ basketball team. I liked the competition… being part of a team… and being fairly good at it I guess." Mrs. Masankay - graduated from Forest City in 1989 “I think I enjoyed being with the same people for the last four years and making memories." Mrs. Flynn - graduated from John Bowne High School in Flushing, New York in 1978 I enjoyed being with my friends simply because they were my friends, a...

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: MEET TEACHER MRS. JESSICA MCLAUGHLIN

Rebecca Boots, Staff Reporter

October 28, 2018

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Mrs. Jessica McLaughlin is an English Language Arts teacher. She advises color guard, and drama club, and every year takes on the huge endeavor of the school musical, and drama club. Mrs. McLaughlin graduated high school from Valley View in 2001 and then furthered her education by studying English communication and philosophy at the University of Scranton. She graduated with her bachelor's degree in 2005. She then completed her master's degree in secondary education in 2009 also from the University of Scranton. Mrs. McLaughlin studied English and philosophy abroad during her junior year of college at Oxford University in England. Q: How difficult is it to juggle English Language Arts, color guard, drama club, and the musical? A: I love doing all aspects of my job. Just like student athletes manage th...

Excitement Grows as Color Guard Readies for Homecoming

October 27, 2018

Members of the WW Color Guard is readying for Homecoming by practicing and getting hyped through the pep rally to be held during 7th and 8th periods and by attending the annual tailgate party after practice. Member Rebecca Boots asked some members about their plans for the event, and all fo the students had the same sincere answer, "I'm just excited to perform!" ''However Addie Treibley said her excitement was based on the fact that "Homecoming only happens once a year. The squad's advisor, Mrs. Jessica McLaughlin, said she was most excited because of the addition of bows and glitter spray...

Sophomore Matt Henneforth Experiences Thrill of the Hunt

October 27, 2018

Sophomore Matthew Henneforth is not only an advanced athlete who plays for the Varsity boys’ volleyball team and for the varsity boys’ basketball team, but in his free time, he enjoys hunting with his dad. Matt has recently went on a trip in September to go on a bear hunt. Q: What age did you begin hunting? What got you started? A: “I started hunting around 8 years old. My dad was the one who got me started.” Q: Where was this hunt? A: “Maine; Bingham, Maine.” Q: How did you go about tracking the bear? How many hunters were in your party? A: “We ended up...

Being Involved in HS Theatre Plus in Many Ways

June 7, 2018

Involvement in school-sponsored and community theater troupes allow many high school students to immerse themselves in an experience that lets their minds flow free and their creativity to run wild. Junior RJ Clemens believes that his dedication to theater can allow his emotions to take control. “It makes me happy and makes me feel free,” RJ comments. Having passions out of school that allow free thought and self-expression not only allow students a chance for freedom, but also for structure and organization. Theater depends on mutual-understanding, effective communication, and cooperation...

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: MEET MR. GREG BUTLER

June 7, 2018

Mr. Butler is currently a history teacher Western Wayne. Some may or not know him, but the point of these articles is to display for the student body and staff on how interesting the backgrounds of our teachers are. Included with the question and answer, I wrote a small biography on Mr. Butler. Mr. Butler Graduated high school from Bishop high school, which is now Holy Cross. He furthered his education by attending the University of Scranton, graduating with a Business Management Degree and a minor in U.S History. He also attended Marywood and Wilkes University where acquired his Teaching Certificate...

Poet’s Corner

March 22, 2018

What Am I Made of by Zoey Goldman I am made of many things, Of long summer days mixed with spring games, Of falling asleep in the burning heat. I am made of making wishes on a bed, Of dirt roots and bugs, Of a sassy crack of a bat with the crowd cheering, bring One home. I am made of the call of nightmares. I am so scared Of blocking things out when no one is there. I am made of singing in the rain with fields of blooming Beauties, Of fresh cut grass on a long day’s end, Of sweating in the blistering heat as I run from an Outrageous beast,...

Faculty Spotlight: Ten Questions with English Teacher Marianne Morgan

Alex Featherman, Staff Reporter

February 13, 2018

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Marianne Morgan is a member of the English Department. This year she teaches American Lit. Honors, American Lit., Multicultural Lit, and SAT Prep. She is also responsible for grading all high school online students enrolled in English courses. She's a 30+ year teacher here at Western Wayne where she currently co-chairs her department and advises the newspaper. She founded and also advises the Girls Lead Club as an unpaid adviser because she's passionate about empowering girls to be leaders in school and in our world community. Q: What is something not a lot of people know about you? A: I'...

In Step with . . . Honor Student Caitlin Falloon

February 12, 2018

Full Name: Caitlin Falloon Activities: FBLA, PJAS, Cats Club, SADD, FCCLA, Volleyball, Track & Field Family: Parents: Todd and Deena; Siblings: Todd and Lacey Q: What activities do you participate in at Western Wayne? A: I participate in volleyball, track, FBLA, PJAS, Cats Club, SADD, and FCCLA. Q: Have you obtained any educational achievements? A: I was on the Principal’s list once sophomore year and once junior year. I received first place at regionals in FBLA and twice received second at regionals in PJAS. Q: How do you maintain high ...

Clubbed to Death?

Sydney Peet, Staff Reporter

February 9, 2018

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Do you often find yourself canceling your Friday night plans with friends to stay in with your textbooks and notes to study? If so, you are certainly not alone! In fact, many students are in the same boat - caught in between their social lives, extracurricular activities, and their infinite stack of school work. At times, it may appear that the only way to accomplish all your goals would be to drop out of clubs, sports, and community groups that you are involved in.

Earning the Prestigious Eagle Scout Award Noteworthy Milestone for Four WW Students

Brianna Burdick, Staff Reporter

February 9, 2018

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Earning the distinction of Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America. Four students discuss the benefits of their qualifying projects.

Specialized Courses Add to a Life-long Resume

Sydney Peet, Staff Reporter

January 5, 2018

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At times, it may be hard to recognize why classes you take in high school matter beyond the grade you receive. You may wonder why you have to take those three credits of math or science, or why Consumer Skills is a graduation requirement. Well, wonder no longer. Students emerging from a STEM-intensive curriculum out of high school have a higher aptitude for large workloads and managing time. Think about it: if a student is taking three classes that each require two hours of homework a night, then they would learn to manage their time appropriately to complete their work and ensure that they maintain stable grades. The self-maintenance and organizational skills learned through these classes can help guide high school students and prospective post-secondary scholars towards a successful career in their chosen field. In...