by Liz Mantush ’25
On Friday, September 6th, Mr. Martin Mooney was officially Installed as Wyoming Seminary’s 15 Head of School after almost a year and a half of coming to know and love our community. He was surrounded by his peers, friends, family, and students from both the Upper and Lower School campuses. The ceremony was preceded by Mr. Mooney’s favorite way to begin an event, whether it’s graduation or his own installation, a pipe band. As the band played, faculty entered the building in their academic regalia, led by a team of SEM students acting as flag bearers, proudly displaying the array of countries that Wyoming Seminary represents.
Seated on-stage among Mr. Mooney were his colleagues, Anthony Berger, Raymond Cabot, Rev. Charles Carrick, Jay Harvey, Kathryn Mercado, and student speaker Ifechi (Chi) Ebi-Ekweozoh.
Levi Sprague Fellow, Ifechi (Chi) Ebi-Ekweozoh began the ceremony with a moving speech regarding Mr. Mooney, touching on both the impact he has had on her and the friendship that they have built over the past year. She spoke on her feelings and hopes for SEM’s future, as well as Mr. Mooney’s character. To both Chi and all of Wyoming Seminary, we are “on the right track” as we enter a new era of growth, change, and excitement. As a Levi Sprague, Chi exemplifies the core values of Wyoming Seminary, and the connection that Mr. Mooney has built not only with Ebi-Ekweozoh but the entire student body is something that brings hope to all parts of our campus.
Over the last year Mooney has made himself a “noticeable and welcoming presence,” Ebi-Ekweozoh said. Whether it’s a handshake, a smile in passing, or a conversation over lunch, Mooney has solidified himself as a kind and approachable face on our campus. His belief that “community must be built” comes from years of experience in the world of teaching and mentoring young people.
Over the last year, Mr. Mooney has made himself a “noticeable and welcoming presence” Ebi-Ekweozoh said. Whether it’s a handshake, a smile in passing, or a conversation over lunch, Mr. Mooney has solidified himself as a kind and approachable face on our campus. His belief that “community must be built” comes from years of experience in the world of teaching and mentoring young people.
Earning his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth, following that with a masters from Middlebury College, Mr. Mooney went on to teach English at Peddie and Hill, where he solidified his love for teaching. Before his time at SEM, Mr. Mooney held multiple offices at The Hill School and Peddie, such as the Alumni and College offices.
Mr. Mooney’s experience in both administration and teaching has caused him to have a genuine affinity with students, their lives, goals, and achievements. When speaking to him, he makes it a point to make you feel special, like he’s truly hearing what you have to say. Mr. Mooney truthfully stated that “SEM’s resilience has been tested over the last 5 years” but it’s safe to say that Mr. Mooney’s addition to our school will bring nothing but growth, and our community.