Category: Features

Izzy Shoemaker ‘26

The 2024-2025 mock trial season is well underway for the team at Wyoming Seminary. After graduating all 12 of the varsity team members from last year, this year’s team stepped up and filled in. Twelve new team members filled in, four of whom had never done mock trial before. Additionally, four other members had never competed before this season. In addition to new team members, the team also welcomed Lieutenant District Attorney Tony Ross as a coach alongside returning coach, Dr. Froehlich. Ella Magida ‘26, Nick Delayo ‘25, Isis Gonzalez ‘25, and Kavin Patel ‘25 were named as captains for this season. 

The season began with two invitational tournaments in Philadelphia, LaSalle Blue and Gold and UPenn Benjamin Franklin Invitational. The Blue and Gold and Ben Franklin Invitational are two of the highest level competitions in the state. At the Blue and Gold, Wyoming Seminary went 1-2-1. The next weekend, at the Benjamin Franklin invitational, the Knights went 1-1, as they were unable to compete the next day as a result of weather events in the Philadelphia area. Following the two invitationals, the team had a few days to refine their case materials before moving on to preliminary rounds of district mock trial at the Luzerne County Courthouse.

Sem has done remarkably well in districts thus far. In their first trial, the varsity defense team defeated Marian High School in a unanimous decision by all five judges. Kavin Patel ‘25 and Mirabaai Reitsma ‘26 were awarded best advocate and best witness respectively. Patel said, “It’s great to get results like this in districts. We had big shoes to fill from last year’s team, and I think we are in a good position to have a shot at back to back district titles.” 

A week later, the varsity prosecution team was back in the courthouse against Pittson area. The prosecution swept the judges in a unanimous 5-0 decision once again. Josie Carpenter ‘26, awarded best witness at the trial said, “I think everyone is feeling really good moving into the next rounds of districts. The team will continue competing in high level district competition through the rest of February, culminating with the district championship. If the team comes out victorious, they will continue on in the regional championship, a title last one by the Sem 2023-2024 varsity team. 

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.

By Jake Bacon, ‘26

A mysterious orange cat has been showing up on campus within the last week, quickly gaining popularity and becoming a favorite among students. Its sudden presence has become a fun and unexpected addition to the students’ day.

No one knows exactly where the cat came from, but it has quickly become a public figure in students’ eyes. However, some students don’t like the idea of having a furry little friend around, “I want to punt the cat… someone has to do it. It’s harmful to the ecosystem, has malicious intent and drives security crazy.” Said Nathan Desmond ‘25.

The cat, which some students have nicknamed “Whiskers,” seems completely at ease with the hustle of school life. It’s often seen lounging near the benches by the main entrance or walking through the bushes around back campus during lunch breaks. Unlike many stray animals, this cat appears comfortable around people.

According to Desmond ‘25, who has been keeping track, “the once-plentiful squirrel population on campus has been rapidly decreasing ever since the cat’s arrival.” Many of the students worry the cat’s hunting methods are disturbing the local environment, since the squirrels play a role in seed dispersing and maintaining the health of nearby trees.

Some students have suggested relocating the cat to a local shelter, while others feel the cat should remain as long as no immediate threats arise. “It’s just being a cat, There’s no need to kick the cat out, it hasn’t caused any issues.” Said Jude Correa ‘25.

As the debate continues, students and faculty are keeping a close eye on Whiskers, waiting to see if the cat’s presence on campus will lead to a more significant environmental impact. 

However, for now, Whiskers remains a popular figure on campus, representing both a loved companion and a reminder of the difference in balance between humans, animals, and nature.