Author: Ivy Miller

Don’t Sleep On Sem’s Production of Once Upon a Mattress

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by Kayla Streight 25’ 

As the weather got colder, the Wyoming Seminary Players warmed up their skills for their production of Once Upon a Mattress. Performances were at the beginning of November. The cast and crew worked hard daily to prepare for a live audience. 

Once Upon a Mattress is a theatrical production about a strict queen, Aggravain, (played by Chloe Caputo ‘26), who doesn’t want her son, Prince Dauntless the Drab (played by Jacob Nivert ‘25) to be wed. In order to have Dauntless’ hand in marriage, potential suitors must pass a test, and the musical focuses on one particular suitor vying for his hand, Princess Winnifred (played by Rachel Lewis ‘25). 

The actors have worked hard on the show to ensure an optimal performance for viewers. Practices officially began September 9, only two weeks after the 2024-2025 school year began. After that, there were practices weekly. 

Practices consisted of music rehearsals, choreography sessions, and blocking practices. It was important to work on all of these individual pieces in order to put together the overall image. A constant effort was put into this show, which goes on behind the scenes. 

The cast hit the off-script date for all music lyrics, and the off-book date for lines was also achieved. Students were required to memorize their material a set date in advance to ensure that they were able to have more productive and successful rehearsals. 

The Sem theater department takes effort and engagement seriously. Students were required to attend every rehearsal unless they had a reason that was cleared by the director. If not, the student was at risk for their role to be given to another cast member. The actors were dedicated to giving their all for the benefit of the program. 

Reason to Believe at Wyoming Seminary

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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.

2024 Girls Lacrosse Season

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By Izzy Shoemaker ‘26

This year, the Lady Knights have had a more prosperous season than ever. As of May 1st the Girls were sitting with a 10-1 record, only falling to Abington Heights. After losing several key players in the class of 2023, the new talent on the team has not only filled positions, but completely changed the course of the team’s path.

The young team welcomed highly talented freshmen, like Ellie Kersey ‘27. Kersey, a midfielder specializing in draw control, already has several lacrosse accolades this year. Kersey has an average of 6.33 points per game, making her the Wyoming Valley Conference’s fourth highest scorer. On the attack line, captain Sienna Popple ‘24 has also made a significant impact, on the most recent count averaging 4.67 points per game. Defensively, goalie Eva Blaum ‘25 has a total save rate of 0.524%, the fourth highest in the conference. Goalie Celeste Perry ‘24 has a save average of 0.500%, the sixth highest save rate in the conference.

The girls took home a win at their senior night on April 26 against Belefonte Area, winning 21-5. Kersey also achieved her 100th draw control. Despite Belefonte Area getting the first point on the board, the Knights rallied forthwith, obtaining a several point lead by the nd of the first quarter. Captain Abby Williams ‘24 and Laine Cabell ‘24 put up several points in the first quarter. Williams ended with 6 goals total and Cabell ended with 2 goals. This win serves as a great confidence boost for the team as they looked forward to playing Scranton Prep and Crestwood. Crestwood holds the highly contended number one ranking, with Prep at number four, right behind the SEM girls in the three spot. Ryleigh McDonell ‘26 was very excited for the Crestwood game. She said, “Crestwood’s always a great team, but this year I think we are more evenly matched and I think we have a great shot at winning.” Emma Butcher ‘26 expressed a similar sentiment, saying “I think we are having a great season, and beating Crestwood isn’t out of reach.” The girls continued to be incredibly confident, as their skills speak for themselves. The Knights are motivated to keep leading the conference and to continue elevating their program as a whole. As fans, the SEM community is incredibly excited.