Wayne Highlands Middle School students are benefiting from a generous equipment donation from the Honesdale Home Depot store.

First year Wayne Highlands Technology & Engineering Educator, Mr. Ernest Griffis, reached out to this nationwide home improvement retail store with hopes of updating some older equipment.

Much to his surprise, the Home Depot delivery truck showed up a few days later with the requested items.

Throughout the year, all eighth grade students will utilize the donated equipment in the production of a fine woodworking project.

Students are able to choose a project that not only challenges their skills as a woodworker but also meets a functional need at home.

Mr. Griffis reports, “The students could not be happier with the recent additions to the materials lab.

“As their teacher, I feel that the recent upgrades provide a safer, more modern learning environment.”

As Mr. Griffis continues his career at the Wayne Highlands Middle School, he notes how blessed he is to be working in a community that supports education.

This community support will enhance the Technology & Engineering Education student experience for years to come.

Women in Science Symposium

A group of female students from the Wayne Highlands Middle School attended the forum Women in Science Symposium on Sept. 20, at Woodloch Resort.

The focus of the day was showcasing the professional and life experiences of distinguished female science and environmental leaders.

The Lacawac Sanctuary and Field Station and the Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance hosted the day. Senator Lisa Baker was the key speaker.

She gave an empowering oration regarding the importance of pursuing your passions and not being dissuaded by others in fields which are not typically a woman’s field.

She pointed out how she is in the minority as a female in the Senate, but she doesn’t let this stop her.

Commissioner John Fritz introduced Lisa Baker by discussing the strong women in his life.

A panel of women in many fields of science discussed careers or opportunities for women.

The panel offered advice to the female students by stressing the importance of volunteering and interning as a way to determine what careers or fields interest them. A question-answer session allowed the ladies to ask career related questions. Afterwards, the students visited career affiliated booths and spoke to the presenters. Some of the local colleges in attendance included: Keystone College, Johnson College, and Pennsylvania College of Technology.

The girls thought the day was very informative. Katie Dunn’s favorite part of the day was the college booths.

“The college tables were extremely informative. I now realize the many options available to students right here in Pennsylvania,” she said.

Sarah Meyer enjoyed hearing from the panel of women. She said, “It was interesting to hear their different journeys through life and obstacles they had to overcome to be successful.”

The girls agreed that the common theme of the day was about following your passions no matter what challenges you face.