LAKE WALLENPAUPACK, PA — A new cell phone policy for students, the recognition of senior National Honor Society (NHS) members and the formation of a boys’ and girls’ lacrosse program were the highlights of the Wallenpaupack Area School District’s monthly board meeting on September 9. 

Among the changes to the 2024-2025 school year is a new cell phone policy for the middle school. The new policy requires cell phones to be stored, turned off and out of sight. 

“As more and more research suggest that students are distracted by their cell phones, we decided that there was a need for a balance,” Wallenpaupack superintendent Keith Gunuskey wrote in an email following the board meeting. “With the increase in social media apps, students feel compelled to constantly monitor their phones, and this leads to a decline in student interaction. Part of a school education is social development.”

“The new policy has been well-received,” he continued. “We have noticed an increase in the volume in the cafeteria with positive conversations. The cell phones are available to students if needed.” 

Honor society merits

Part of the evening was devoted to the recognition of National Honor Society senior members. Each senior had the opportunity to address the board. “Wallenpaupack is a community; it’s bigger than a school,” said Justin Blanding, a three-year National Honor Society member, the 2025 class president, a three-year basketball captain, a three-year Gold Award Recipient and a student with many other accomplishments. After graduation, Justin plans to pursue a degree in finance or law.

Brooke Dugan, a three-year National Honor Society member, a four-year color guard member, a four-year member of the WAHS Players, a three-year Gold Award Recipient and a four-year Local History Club member, spoke about how being in theatre and sports taught her perseverance. Brooke plans to pursue a degree in finance.

“I learned life skills like public speaking and being a confident leader,” said Giovanni Patire. “They taught me to be a better version of myself.” Giovanni is a three-year National Honor Society Member, four-year concert and marching band member, a member of the chamber choir, a three-year member of the WAHS Players, a three-year class president and an Art Club member.

Gunuskey presented each student with a gift and let them know that they will always be a part of the community. “We thank you for your commitment. Wherever you go, you’ll always be Buckhorns.”

Lacrosse as a school-sanctioned sport

Rory O’Fee, representing the Wallenpaupack Youth Lacrosse program, presented a proposal to adopt lacrosse as a sanctioned sport in the school. “Lacrosse combines the endurance of soccer, the strategy of basketball and the pure athleticism of hockey into one amazing sport,” according to the website for Wallenpaupack Lacrosse. O’Fee hopes to increase the number of lacrosse teams in Honesdale and Western Wayne. 

The stated mission of the Wallenpaupack Youth Lacrosse program is to educate boys and girls in grades K-8 about lacrosse through clinics, workshops and a regional spring season. “There’s a bonding that takes place within the lacrosse community that is unlike any other sport, along with its competitive nature, skill, communication requirements and field IQ, lacrosse is the best all-around sport for developing young student athletes,” the program’s website continues.

And in other business

The board announced new staff members, and a Reality Fair is scheduled for November 7. The event helps seniors learn more about careers and college. 

For more information about the lacrosse program, email Rory O’Fee directly at rjofee@gmail.com, call 570/851-7140 or email the program at info@wallenpaupacklacrosse.com.