Author: Ayza Ali

By Izzy Shoemaker ’26

The inaugural group in Wyoming Seminary’s Future Business Leaders of America program had a very exciting and successful season. Future Business Leaders of America, or FBLA, is a statewide competition that challenges highschool students to make business decisions and pitches in order to better prepare them for careers in business. FBLA intends to create dynamic, self assured students who are able to confidently navigate through real world problems.

To qualify for the State Leadership Conference, delegates must place in the top four in their region. After achieving this, Wyoming Seminary was able to enter a team in the state conference for the first time. The competition included 276 chapters of FBLA, yet SEM placed in the top three.  FBLA standout, Tanish Patel ‘26, said, “We had a lot of fun at the FBLA State Conference, and it was full of opportunities to learn and grow as people. As a first-year program, we didn’t have many expectations going into this, but now Ben and I will be attending the National Conference in California. At Nationals, Tanish Patel and Ben Mauriello ‘26 will compete against the most elite young business leaders in the country.

Mauriello and Patel also plan on expanding the program next year. Patel said, “We’ve really enjoyed FBLA so far and we are looking forward to sending more teams to the state conference next year. We got a lot of exposure and met a lot of new people and had an incredible time this year, and as a first year program we are hoping to grow into a huge program in the future.”

The team’s success has the student body excited to watch them perform at the National Level. It also sparked interest in other business activities at SEM, such as Investment Club and Business Club. Over the course of the next few years, SEM will be able to grow a young generation of competitive business professionals, who are sure to continue competing at the highest level. FBLA, and other professional clubs, will certainly become flagship programs at the Seminary.

By Imane Sabir ’26 and Violet Xu ’25

Spooky celebrations approach on campus as Halloween inches closer. During Halloween, students dress up in their favorite costumes from TV shows, movies, or video games. Some even take it a step further by dressing like their favorite teacher on campus. On the 31st, boarders can go trick or treating around faculty homes. Metz Culinary serves Halloween-themed dinner treats, and costume contests take place. Academic and residential buildings begin decorating as we get closer to the 31st. “Halloween is always a super fun time on campus, it allows kids to really express themselves and get into the Halloween spirit,” said Gabby Adeghe ‘25. 

On October 10th, 2024 pumpkin carving, which will take place in Fleck at 2 pm, giving students a chance to get creative and create something of their own. Later they can use the pumpkins to decorate, and give an autumn touch to their dorms. In addition, Sem has offered various fall-themed trips for both boarders and day students. This past weekend, a trip to Brace’s Orchard was hosted. This activity involves apple picking, farm stand goods, and much more. As well as, a trip to Creekside Gardens in Tunkhannock lets students go on a pumpkin walk, explore the farmers market, and try various fall-themed foods in the area.

As for boarders, Carpenter, Swetland, and Darte all compete in the popular, “Haunted Hallways” competition where students dress up in their scariest outfits and put on their best acts to spook the other dorms. In preparation, on October 23, 2024, a community night with different halloween treats will be hosted for dorms to gather and finalize their plans for the big day! In the past 2 years, Swetland has taken home the crown. Can Darte and Carpenter rise with a win this Halloween?

Student Life has already started planning by setting up various trips and events to prepare. A local shuttle on October 19, 2024, from 2-5 pm to Halloween, Party City, Walmart, etc. Students eagerly wait for haunted hallways to approach and mention, “It’s a time where all the girls get together, and laugh and have fun. It’s such a fun night for all of us,” said Destiny Lora ‘25. Haunted Hallways is something everyone at Sem can enjoy, uniting the community.