By: Ruby Hackett ‘23
Wyoming Seminary opened its doors the weekend of October 20-22 for Homecoming Parents Weekend. This weekend marked the first in-person parents weekend since 2019 due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Upper School Parents traveled to Kingston, Pennsylvania, to visit their children on campus. They attended parent-teacher conferences, talked with dorm parents, and attended homecoming events. This weekend was filled with numerous activities for parents and students to partake in.
It kicked off on a Thursday at 7 p.m. with a Climate Science Suitability and STEM Presentation in the Kirby Center for the Creative Arts Auditorium. Then on Friday, Sem Students had classes from 8 a.m. to Noon. Unlike the 2019 Parents Weekend, where parents were allowed to attend classes, classes took place without parents attending.
From 12 p.m. to 1 p.m there was a welcome lunch in Fleck Dining Hall for parents. Following lunch, Parent-Teacher Conferences were held until 5p.m. Beginning at 4:30 p.m. and ending around 6 p.m., President Rocha hosted a Welcome Cocktail Event at his home on Maple Avenue. This was an opportunity for parents to meet other Sem parents, members of the Upper Schools Parent Association, Deans, and Department Chairs.
Following this event, Jeff Selingo, author of Who Gets In and Why, talked about the college admission process over Zoom. Selingo shared advice, tips, and strategies for admission into highly selective colleges and universities. This event was located in the Chorale Classroom in the KCCA.
The next day began at 9 a.m. with a meeting with College Counseling for “All Aboard the College Express.” Parents could meet with college counseling in Sprague Hall to talk about their child’s college process. Following that, conferences continued from 10 a.m to 2 p.m.
At 1 p.m. in Nesbit Stadium, the Blue Knights Football Team took on Williston Northampton. Students, faculty, parents, and friends gathered to pack the bleachers to support the team. During halftime, The Alumni Service Award was given to two seniors out of the eight nominated. This is awarded annually to student leaders for their commitment to the Wyoming Seminary community.
While this weekend was loved by parents as they got to see their child, meet teachers and celebrate accomplishments, students felt differently about their parents coming to visit. When asked if she wanted her parents to partake in parents weekend, Tessely Solano’23 stated, “I did not want my parents to come. They already know my grades; it’s pointless for them to drive all the way from New Jersey.” Belle Foard ‘23 agreed, stating, “ I’m glad my parents didn’t come.” Parents Weekend is perceived differently by students. Some look forward to sharing this weekend with their parents, while others feel there is no need for parents to come.