Category: News

 By Eshaal Ahmad’26

Students tested their luck at Casino night. After a long three-year break, Casino Night made a triumphant return, bringing back all the excitement, glamor, and friendly competition. The much-anticipated event, held on Friday January 31 in Fleck hall, was an overwhelming success, drawing in a number of students and faculty members eager to test their luck all in the name of earning society points and having fun. 

The event transformed Fleck Hall  into a vibrant casino, complete with blackjack tables, poker tournaments, and bingo. Casino Night gave students a chance to enjoy classic casino games like blackjack and poker in a safe, school-sponsored environment. Instead of real money, students received chips upon entry, which they could use at different tables. At the end of the night, they exchanged their chips for society points.  With every game played and every auction bid placed, participants gambled points that could make a difference towards the society day results. The competition was fierce, yet friendly, as students strategized their way through the tables, hoping to come out on top. Teachers also joined in on the fun, with some taking on the role of dealers, adding an extra layer of excitement to the night, dressing to impress in their finest semi-formal attire, adding to the glitz of the evening.

The Student Government spent weeks planning the event, ensuring that it was both entertaining and well-organized. Volunteers, including teachers and staff, acted as dealers at the tables, keeping the games running smoothly. “We wanted to create a space where everyone could have a good time, regardless of whether they knew how to play the games or not,” said Student Government Secretary Isis Gonzalez ‘25. “It was all about the experience.” 

With the success of this year’s Casino Night, students are already asking for an even bigger Casino Night next year. “I loved the energy and excitement,” said Olivia Deluca ‘27  who attended with a group of friends. “Even though I lost all my chips at the blackjack table, I still had a lot of fun!”

With Casino Night officially back in action, one thing is certain: the stakes have never been higher, and neither has the school spirit. As the night came to a close, laughter and cheers filled Fleck hall, marking another unforgettable evening for Sem students. Whether they won big or lost it all, one thing was certain—everyone left Casino Night feeling like a winner.

By Ryan Kersey ’25

For the third year in a row, Wyoming Seminary’s Health and Wellness Center held its Stress Less Fair in the lobby of the Kirby Center for Creative Arts. Tuesday night, October 15, from 6 pm to 8 pm, faculty and students enjoyed everything from massages to giveaways.

This year there were a variety of booths, featuring returning organizations as well as new local resources and businesses. Wyoming Seminary’s very own Metz Cooking Staff servers delicious and healthy refreshments for everyone at the fair to enjoy. The Thaxton Holistic Wellness Center of Scranton provided massages and some local community members brought in their therapy dogs.

Head Therapist and Counselor at Wyoming Seminary and main organizer of the event Laura Kluck said, “We like to host the Stress Less Fair because this gives an opportunity for students to learn different coping skills, learn what agencies are in the area that can help with Mental Health, and it gives students the opportunity to make different tools to help them relax.” Kluck went on to talk about those tools that students could make such as essential oil rollers, stress balls, and journals. Head Nurse and fellow fair organizer, Emily McHugh, echoed Kluck’s words when she said the Stress Less Fair “allows students a space and time to prioritize their mental health.”

McHugh also highlighted the importance of the Stress Less fair when she said “I believe the fair is important as there are not many events for our community geared specifically towards mental health and wellbeing. It aims to be a casual and carefree event in the midst of an otherwise challenging and rigorous environment.”

No matter what kids participated in it is clear this was a stress-free, calm, and caring environment.

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.