Category: News

by Cate Griffin ’23

From January 26th-29th, 18 members of Sem’s Model UN team traveled between two school vans to the University of Pennsylvania (actually, the Marriott Philadelphia Downtown Hotel) to participate in the Ivy League Model United Nations Conference, or ILMUNC. Over the course of four days, the students attending the conference not only engaged in debate with students from all over the country and even the world, but learned how to build Croatian-style stone walls by hand and the history of these aforementioned stone walls, alternative methods to heating up pizza (such as with a hotel room iron), and that the fastest way to make enemies in Philly is to express any form of dislike towards the Eagles. 

Overall, the club had an enjoyable and educational weekend in Philadelphia. Although the only award received was Outstanding Delegate, awarded to Robert Beletsky ’23 for his performance in the Jurassic Park crisis committee, the general consensus was that Sem’s chances at award-winning may have been increased had they not been assigned at least 13 roles acting as the country of Zimbabwe. Despite the modest success award-wise, Sem delegates gained invaluable experiences at ILMUNC, both in committee sessions and out exploring Philadelphia or going to conference events. Through competing with over 1,500 other delegates from Pennsylvania to Mexico and by creating stronger bonds with fellow Sem students, Model UN had an unforgettable experience at ILMUNC.

By Helena Prusak ’23

Jane Slaff, who has been at Sem for 37 years, is retiring at the end of this academic year. She says that, just like the senior class, she is graduating.

Watching each class graduate has been extremely important to Slaff. “That moment when they are getting ready to start the next leg of their journey is special,” she says. “They are just starting their lives, which fits the word ‘commencement.’”

For years, Slaff held the role of Graduation Marshal, where she led graduates and faculty during the ceremony. This role is just one among numerous other positions that she has held at Sem.

She was hired as a French instructor, and she has been teaching French at Sem for all 37 years. Additionally, Slaff taught ELL for roughly 20 years, ran the ELI summer program for 18 years, taught Spanish and English, and mentored new faculty members.

Slaff is also the current Director of College Counseling. She has been working with college guidance for 34 years. Her ability to connect with students and guide them through the difficult college process has been integral to the success of so many.

Regarding her own college experience, Slaff attended Tulane University in 1969 as an informational engineering major. She did not love this course of study, and she did not love dealing with computers that were as big as an office. But, Tulane required that students study a “living language,” so Slaff took French, a subject she actually hated in high school. She fell in love with French literature, and soon called her parents to tell them she was switching majors.

“I’m not spending $5,000 a year for you to read a menu!” her dad said when she told him this news. But the money was not wasted, as she went to graduate school to study Medieval French literature, as has had a 50-year long teaching career.

Slaff has a deep love for learning that she carries with her through every aspect of life. At Sem, she says that the most profound learning experiences she has are not in the classroom. Instead, “the time outside of the classroom where [she] can interact with students from all over the world has been the most special.” She says, “I love how Sem brings the world together on our campus. … There are 46 countries that I know I’ve taught kids from. I’ve learned so much.”

Her first piece of advice to all of her students is to “be kind and listen.” Her second piece of advice is to keep all opportunities open. She says, “It’s okay to tell your dad you’re going to study French. Happiness will follow the things you work hardest at because those are the things you take the most pride in.”

If you see Mrs. Slaff on campus, in class, or in the college guidance office, make sure to congratulate her on her retirement. We are so grateful for all she has done for the Sem community.

By Parker Mosely ’23

The 2022 FIFA World Cup took place in the Middle Eastern nation of Qatar, and it was the first time that the World Cup was held in November and December, rather than the traditional June and July. 32 teams from across the globe descended upon Qatar to compete for the coveted title of World Cup champions.

Lionel Messi, one of the world’s greatest soccer players, was able to lead Argentina to their first world cup win since 1986. Many Sem students stated that their favorite moment was  “Messi conquering his final peak.” With this win, Messi now has won every major tournament in the soccer world. Three Argentinian players won individual awards as well. Lionel Messi won the Golden Ball (World Cup MVP), Emiliano Martinez won the Golden Glove (Best Goalie), and Enzo Fernandez won the FIFA Young Player (Best Player 21 Years Old or Younger). Kylian Mbappe of France also solidified himself as one of the greatest players in the world leading France to second place. He had a hat trick in the world cup final becoming the second player to ever accomplish this feat and he did it at only 23 years old. He also came home with this year’s Golden Boot (Highest Goal Scorer).

The Sem community supported the event in full force. Watching the games on Pablo Casla’s ‘26 laptop at lunch, watching the final in the SLRC,  blasting “World Cup” by Speed, and hearing “Suuuuuiiiiiiii!!!!” throughout the entire campus, this year’s World Cup was electric on Sem’s campus. 

Sem’s unique trait of having borders from all over the world is what made the World Cup so special. 14 of the 32 world cup countries are represented within the Sem community. Alex Kang ‘23, who saw South Korea defeat Portugal and Ronaldo in the 91st minute said “I was excited and never knew that it was gonna happen”. The mix of emotions in the game was high for many Sem students. 

The ongoing desire for a Messi vs Ronaldo final led many students to cheer for Portugal and when South Korea won, emotions were at an all time high. No one knew what upset was going to come next. Dino Perusko ‘24  was able to see Croatia’s best player, Luka Modric, play in what will most likely be his final World Cup. Perusko said, “When the score was 1-0 for Brazil and only 5 minutes left until the end I already lost any hope, but then Croatia had a huge comeback. Watching the penalties at lunch with everyone else watching and Croatia winning is definitely a memory that I will cherish. I am very proud of my country and our players. Croatia stands next to countries that are so much bigger than it, so the third place is truly an achievement.”

Adam Ahabchane ‘24, who saw his home country of Morocco get 4th place, the best placement the country has ever had, said “Everyone is proud of them and despite not winning the world cup, for us Morrocans, they won our hearts.”

There were many students watching matches who were sitting with kids they didn’t even know, making new friends, and sharing their love for the world’s game, soccer. The World Cup is a great representation of what it is like at Sem – a melting pot of different cultures and nationalities all joining together for the same goal.