Category: News

Wyoming Seminary Envirothon

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By: Emily Lin ‘25

Envirothon is an annual competition that happens at Camp Kresge in White Haven, PA. The competition challenges students across five core disciplines: Aquatic Ecology, Forestry, Soils and Land Use, Wildlife, and a rotating Current Event, which for this year was, “Roots and Resiliency: Fostering Forest Stewardship in a Canopy of Change”. This year Wyoming Seminary sent a total of 3 teams: Team A, the “Woodcocks,” consisted of Gia Cella ‘25, Kaelee Potoski ‘25, Emily Lin ‘25, Gwen Simbar ‘25, and Eva Blaum ‘25; Team B consisted of Daisy Gao ‘28, Chi Ebi-Ekweozoh ‘25, Coco Kong ‘26, and Nicole Yang ‘26; Team C consisted of George Malloy ‘28, Thomas Li ’28, Kevin Yang ‘25, Ellie Hannon ‘26, and Moira Poepperling ‘25. In the months leading up to the competition, the teams worked together to study the five different topics, creating various study materials and engaging in weekly group sessions where they practiced applying their knowledge to real-world scenarios. 

The competition, which recently took place on April 29, 2025, gave students a chance to connect classroom learning with environmental issues and develop skills in problem-solving, fieldwork, and teamwork. They applied their preparation during the field-based event, completing practical assessments like identifying aquatic organisms, classifying soil types, and analyzing forest health. Through this process, students learned not only scientific facts but also gained a deeper understanding of environmental systems, the challenges facing modern ecosystems, and the importance of forest stewardship in the face of climate change. Team A member Eva Blaum ‘25 especially appreciates the opportunity Envirothon offers to be fully immersed in nature: “Envirothon has really helped me broaden my horizons of environmental knowledge. It’s really helped me see the beauty in all of Pennsylvania’s wildlife diversity and natural systems.” 

The team was wildly successful this year: Team A medaled, coming in second place, and will be going to states which will take place on May 21st at Windber Recreation Park. Gia Cella ‘25, also a member of Team A, when asked about the future “really encourages students to try [Envirothon] out. It’s a uniquely collaborative, informative, and interactive experience that I promise, you won’t regret!”

2025 Sem Bowl: Kicking Off End-of-Year Festivities 

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By: Abby Ryu ‘26

Wyoming Seminary’s annual trivia competition, lovingly referred to as Sem Bowl, is a fan-favorite among students. Christopher Pons, Wyoming Seminary teacher, cat enthusiast, and Sem Bowl master of ceremonies (MC), asks questions contributed by faculty members, ranging from “NEPA” (Northeast Pennsylvania) to theatre. Participants come from every grade level to represent all four societies (Athenian, Oxonian, Alexandrian, and Florentine). The competition, which this year took place Monday, April 28th during morning assembly time, gives participants a special chance to show off knowledge that they most likely would not elsewhere. 

As fun as it might sound, the experience also puts immense pressure on the participants; as a former Sem Bowl competitor myself, one answer really can feel like a life or death choice. When asked about his experience, staple Sem Bowl Oxonian participant Jacob Nivert ‘25 responded “It’s definitely my favorite part of the year. It’s a challenge, and I always feel like I’m about to throw up, but having your whole society behind you, cheering you on, and getting to collaborate with a team makes it all worth it. I’m really going to miss it.” 

While only 16 students actually buzz in, Sem Bowl brings together the whole school community. When asked about her thoughts on the event, devoted Sem Bowl “mega-fan” Eva Blaum ‘25 gushed “I always get really excited for this time of year. The auditorium feels electric–kind of like a lacrosse game–which is really fun!” The entire audience, regardless of society membership, participates, cheering for right answers and holding back frustrated noises for wrong answers. 

As the years have gone by, Mr. Pons’ pre-SEM bowl announcement has certainly become longer and longer, with more reminders that it’s just a game, and no, students should not get that upset over someone incorrectly identifying the sunshine state as California instead of Florida (Shoutout Paul Stevenson ‘24). It is definitely strange to witness as an outsider; nowhere else can you see kids so happy over someone being able to identify the sum of the interior angles of a nonogram. But what else can I say besides “we at SEM show up” (and society allegiances really do run deep).

Getting Through the Winter Blues

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By Liz Mantush ’25

Winter is a difficult time for everyone. Temperatures are below freezing, the sun sets at 4:30, and everything seems to move so much slower. In some cases the change in seasons can lead to SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder. Johns Hopkins Medicine describes SAD as a type of depression that is caused by shorter days and less daylight.

As students, the winter can feel never-ending. The stretch between Christmas and Spring Break feels like it is crawling by and it can be hard to keep ourselves motivated.

One of the main causes for SAD, also known as Seasonal Depression is a decrease in serotonin production in the body. Serotonin is a chemical produced in the body that affects mood and sleep- a lack of it can cause both anxiety and depression. One of the main boosters of serotonin production is sunlight, natural vitamin D is absorbed in the skin when exposed to sunlight which leads to a higher production of the chemical in your body.

Do you ever wonder why you feel so much happier in the summer? You’re spending your days being consistently exposed to the sun, which is why the winter seems so much harder. Despite all of this, there are ways to alleviate the symptoms of seasonal depression.

Although it’s cold, one of the easiest and most effective ways to increase serotonin levels is spending time outside. Going on a walk, even if it’s for five minutes, increases not only serotonin but also endorphins in your body, which are clinically proven to make you feel happier. If spending time outside isn’t your vibe, sunlight lamps are a very effective way to boost serotonin levels in your body.

One of the most overwhelming symptoms of seasonal depression is self isolation. It’s so easy to get caught up in your own head when there isn’t much else to do. The truth is, sometimes staying home and taking a nap sounds more appealing than doing absolutely ANYTHING else, but falling back on your support systems is an amazing way to keep yourself above water in these hard months. 

Almost everyone is feeling the same way, and by reaching out to people who care about you connects you with something bigger than yourself. By being with people you love like family and friends, you are given an outlet to get out of your own head. Laughing has actually been proven to boost endorphin levels, the same chemicals that are released during exercise which can clinically boost your mood. Having people who can lift you up during dark times will make you feel more fulfilled in the end, even if it’s hard to reach out.

If you’re feeling sluggish, unmotivated and sad during this time, you are not alone. It may feel like there’s no other option but to wait it out, but actively being aware of ways to help yourself can make the winter feel much less hopeless and grim.