Nearly 23 months passed between the On-Stage Interview and Concert with Jessie Hooker-Bailey ‘06 on January 24, 2020, and December 12, 2021, the day the Kirby Center for Creative Arts reopened its doors to the public for the annual Holiday Concert.
While the creative arts had been void of an inperson audience for that extended period of time, the directors and students found innovative ways to present their performances to the public. Despite COVID-19, the show, in fact, did go on! The concert on December 12 was emotional for many reasons. The Chorale and Madrigal Singers delivered beautiful holiday selections, and together with the String Ensemble, they performed one of the most incredible versions of “Silent Night” that I have ever heard. It was truly so beautiful, I was in tears as I listened to it. The music was amazing, but so was the moment. To see these students on stage once again, doing what they love, and to see their proud family members and classmates in the audience, supporting them, was an emotional moment for us all. I’m certain that was the case for performances, sporting events and other in-person traditions that returned throughout the year at both divisions.
I look forward to writing a Journal letter that doesn’t include talk of COVID-19 or hints that it still has an impact on our community, but unfortunately, it’s still our reality. The good news is this edition of the Journal proves we are cautiously optimistic to soon be on the other side of the pandemic. The pages are filled with colorful images of in-person dance shows, instrumental concerts, school plays, athletic competitions and annual traditions from the start of the school year to the end of February. The next Journal edition will showcase even more events from the Spring Term and how we are inching closer to the other side.
The 2021-2022 school year has certainly been one of transition, adjustments and growth. We welcomed new leadership in Interim Head of School, Thomas C. Whitworth III, and we are grateful for his guidance, support and positivity throughout the year. On June 15, we will welcome Daniel J. Rocha, who will serve as Interim Head of School for the 2022-2023 academic year. Mr. Whitworth was a driving force in keeping Sem on path with excellence in learning and we anticipate the same from Mr. Rocha.
Thank you to both of these men for being a part of the Sem community and for helping us to continue to carry out our mission. While change is never easy, it is sometimes necessary. It builds character, creates new opportunities and reminds us how far we’ve come. Change can be challenging, but more so, it can be hopeful. Sometimes, it is just what is needed to get to the other side.
Jill Snowdon
Wyoming
Seminary Director of Communications
Journal Editor-in-Chief
jsnowdon@wyomingseminary.org
(570) 270-2195
Board of Trustees
2021-22
LEADERSHIP
Chair:
William E. Sordoni ’93
Vice Chair:
John Dowd
Treasurer:
Anthony L. Berger ‘73
Secretary:
Marjorie Henry Marquart ’78
TRUSTEES
Amy Valli Bennett ‘94
Frederick "Fritz" Bittenbender '89
Matthew Bruno ‘94
Charles J. Bufalino, III ‘78
Frank C. Carlucci, IV ’81
Dorothy Darling ‘68
Chip Edmonds
Gerald Gunster ‘85
David Hourigan ‘71
Joseph E. Kluger ‘82
Mary Lopatto ’72
Jeffrey Metz ’88
Charles Parkhurst ’79
Tanya A. Pyke
Stephen J. Rosenthal ‘93
Madhan Srinivasan '01
Robert Tamburro ’91
Christina Taylor
Lewis Thayne ‘67
Tara Mugford Wilson
Nicole Santo Yochum ‘03
TRUSTEES EX-OFFICIO
Danielle Bruno
Holly Leandri-May
Thomas C. Whitworth III
TRUSTEES EMERITI
Richard Goldberg ‘55
Rev. Charles F. Gommer
Leonard Insalaco
Sue Kline Kluger ’55
Arthur W. Sherwood ’56
Robert H. Smith ’56
LIFE TRUSTEES
Barbara Fassett Oski Beane ’53
Harold C. Buckingham, Jr. ’48
Harry F. Lee ’53
John F. Magagna ’52
Wyoming Seminary Journal
Summer 2022
The Journal is regularly published by Wyoming Seminary and is mailed free of charge to its alumni, parents and friends. We welcome story ideas and encourage letters to the editor.
Please send correspondence to: Jill Snowdon jsnowdon@wyomingseminary.org 570-270-2195
Jill Snowdon
Wyoming Seminary 201 North Sprague Avenue Kingston, PA 18704
Editor-in-Chief
Jill Snowdon
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A grateful reflection on my year at Sem
Wow … what a year 2021-22 has been!
Our guideposts this year have been, “We’re in this together — stronger together,” which says it all.
For more than two years, every member of our community has grappled with providing a healthy, safe and productive school experience for our wonderful students. During this school year, we closely followed CDC guidelines, as well as Pennsylvania Department of Health protocol, while attempting to return to as normal a schedule as possible.
Throughout this year-long journey of 2021-22, our faculty and staff showed flexibility and creativity in order to pull off this rollercoaster ride of COVID and its restrictions. Combine those efforts with caring, patient and trusting students and parents and that equates to a successful school year.
In this issue of the Journal, you will get a look at what this school year has been like and you will meet some of the incredible faculty, students, student-artists and student-athletes who have worked diligently to make this a banner year at Wyoming Seminary. Many school traditions have been reinstituted and were wonderfully successful. Artistic and athletic events were a constant part of our school-day diet (thank goodness). For all the highs of the past year, however, we do mourn the loss of a fantastic leader and model teacher/librarian, as well as other beloved members of our community who passed away.
I would be remiss if I did not thank each and every student, faculty and staff member, parent and trustee who made my 10 months in Kingston a truly incredible journey for this old man to remember. Thank you to each and every person involved in making us stronger together.
As our school year winds down at warp speed and the weather shifts to more spring-like conditions, it culminates with the graduation of 138 well-prepared young men and women on May 29. We are also about to welcome Daniel J. Rocha as our new Interim Head of School. I am very excited to pass the baton to Dan, for his experience and good work in independent schools speak volumes about his commitment to Sem. I wish Dan all the best in the coming year.
Thank you, Sem!
Now, enjoy this spring edition of the Journal and be proud of our school community.
Respectfully,
Thomas C. Whitworth III
Sem Presidents/Heads of School
Reuben Nelson 1844-1862; 1863-1872
Young C. Smith 1862-1863
David Copeland 1872-1882
Levi L. Sprague 1882-1936
Wilbur H. Fleck 1936-1950
Ralph Decker 1950-1959
Ben Hopkins Moses 1959-1966
Harold C. Buckingham 1966-1967
Wallace F. Stettler 1967-1990
H. Jeremy Packard 1990-2007
Kip P. Nygren 2007-2015
Kevin P. Rea 2015-2021
Thomas C. Whitworth III 2021-2022
Daniel J. Rocha 2022-Present
Honoring the past, planning for the future
To be invited to lead Wyoming Seminary at this crucial moment is at the same time greatly humbling and truly exciting.
I am humbled by the fact that I am only the 14th person to sit in the Head of School’s (formerly the President’s) Chair. Over the course of more than 175 years, the school has evolved from a rural academy to a prominent college preparatory school. In 1972, Sem literally rose from the floodwaters of Hurricane Agnes to become the fine school it is today. And the work continues.
I am certainly humbled that I am following Tom Whitworth into this position. Tom provided a strong, steady hand on the tiller in the time that he was here. The entire Sem community owes him a debt of gratitude for his service to the school. His leadership leaves a legacy far beyond the length of his tenure and I am conscious of the big shoes to fill as I begin my work at Sem.
I am excited by the future for Sem. While we serve the families of the Wyoming Valley, we must be conscious of the fact that our boarding program requires us to compete in a global market. While we can be proud of the current Sem program, competing in a global market means we are providing educational opportunities not just unique in the valley, but unique in the world. Serving students from toddlers to high school postgraduates means we must be intentional in the way in which we build community. That requires not only integrating the day and boarding students but providing opportunities for age-appropriate crossdivisional interaction between students. We must also consider how best to involve parents at every level, both boarding and day, in the life of the school. These challenges provide opportunities to evaluate programs, policies and procedures to ensure they represent best practices and that Sem delivers a world-class education.
But, while we honor the past and plan for the future, this Journal is a reminder of the remarkable school that is Sem today. As you browse through these pages, I hope you will give some thought to the ways in which you contribute to Sem’s success. Whether you are a student, faculty or staff member here each day, a regular visitor to campus, or great distance makes your presence with us less frequent than you or we would like, know that you are an integral member of the Sem Community and your ideas are always welcome.
All the best,
Daniel J. Rocha
Days after the announcement was made in April, the outgoing and incoming Interim Heads of School toured Wyoming Seminary together. Thomas C. Whitworth III, left, will be succeeded by Daniel J. Rocha, right.
Students and faculty sing 'We Shall Overcome' at the conclusion of the Day of Understanding presentation.
Sem's Day of Understanding program reflects on legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Madrigals perform at 9/11 remembrance service
Wyoming Seminary’s Madrigal Singers, under the direction of John Vaida, performed at the 9/11 Service of Remembrance and Resolve, held September 11 at The First Presbyterian Church in Wilkes-Barre. The memorial service, which commemorated the 20th Anniversary of the events on September 11, 2001, was arranged by The Interfaith Council of Churches, The National Guard Unit from Kingston and The Mayor’s Office. Members of the NEPA Music Society offered the prelude, while Sem’s Madrigal Singers provided the vocal music for the service.
As part of the Upper School’s Day of Understanding program, Sem students, faculty and staff celebrated the iconic life of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on January 25.
The powerful program included students sharing their own thoughts about King and racial justice. Students also recited some of King's speeches, while learning more about King through news reports and biographical anecdotes. The presentation concluded with students and faculty singing, "We Shall Overcome." Sem faculty members Jeni Brown and Morgan Howard-Penland organized the event.
UGOCHUKWU (JOSHUA) EZERIOHA '23, left, and IMABONG (IMA) ENODIEN '23 speak at the Day of Understanding assembly.
Aikens recognized by National Merit Scholarship Program
EMILY AIKENS ‘22 learned in early September she was one of 16,000 semifinalists in the 67th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
Aikens later received even better news, as she was selected as a scholarship award winner. Aikens earned this prestigious honor — and monetary scholarship — in part because of her outstanding performance on the ACT and SAT.
To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, individuals must fulfill several requirements to advance throughout the competition.
Aikens, who will attend Yale University, served as a Levi Sprague Fellow during her senior year at Wyoming Seminary.
Musicians participate in district, regional orchestra
Sem musicians participated in District and Regional Orchestra Festivals this winter with two musicians, YINI (LILY) QIU ‘22 and XIAOGUO (IVY) GENG ‘24, qualifying for the All-State Festival in the spring based on their performances at Regionals.
At the District Orchestra Festival in January, Qui placed first in Violin 1 and TRINITY KONG ‘24 finished in second. HARRY FENG ‘24 was first in Violin 2, while Geng placed first in Cello and ZACHARY KILE ‘23 was second.
Shoemaker wins Lower School Spelling Bee
IZZY SHOEMAKER ‘26 won the 2021 Lower School Spelling Bee on December 3 in the Amato Auditorium. The competition was open to all students in fifth through eighth grades.
Contestants went five rounds before Shoemaker edged BILLY HALL ‘26 in the final round.
VanScoy recognized for mental health work outside Sem
A familiar face around Wyoming Seminary, GARRY VANSCOY ‘68, a food service employee at the Upper School, was honored during a September assembly with a Certificate of Appreciation.
VanScoy was honored for his career in mental health and volunteer work, which has included providing support to disaster
survivors. He provided help to those affected by the terrorist attacks of September 11 and Hurricane Katrina, as well as the Wyoming Valley’s historic floods of 1972 and 2011, among other tragedies.
GARRY VANSCOY ‘68, left, poses for a photograph with Upper School counselor Breanne Finagan.
Lunar New Year celebrated at Upper and Lower School
February 1 marked the beginning of the Lunar New Year. Upper School students from China and South Korea, as well as students in Jess Gensel's Chinese III class, spent the morning in kindergarten, first and second grades. Together the students read books, shared gifts, danced, did crafts and talked about all of the traditions and different ways the holiday is celebrated.
There was also an assembly held for Upper School students as part of this day of celebration. Sem students from China, South Korea and Vietnam and the Asian Heritage Group presented information and shared their family traditions, while others performed beautiful dance selections and songs.
Chong named winner of 2022 Oratorical Contest
KEYING (ABBY) CHONG ‘24 was named the winner of Wyoming Seminary’s 2022 Oratorical Contest, which was held in February at the Kirby Center for Creative Arts. Chong’s topic was “My Superpower” in which she spoke about turning challenges into opportunities and support into motivation.
ERICA ZHU ‘23 and PAUL STEVENSON ‘24 also participated in the competition. Zhu’s topic, “Generalization Snowball,” focused on the generalization of situations, people and events.
Stevenson’s topic, “Defining Success,” focused on how success is measured.
The three finalists were chosen from a field of 12. A team of faculty judges scored the finalists on their delivery, stage presence, logic in argumentation and strength of supportive evidence.
From left: ERICA ZHU ‘23; PAUL STEVENSON ‘24; ABBY CHONG ‘24; and Ivy Miller, Wyoming Seminary Director of Libraries and public speaking teacher.
Sherwood leads science presentation
IAN SHERWOOD ‘14 returned to Wyoming Seminary Upper School on Wednesday, February 16, and inspired an up-and-coming generation of students interested in science.
Sherwood, a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed officer, spoke to a group of students and answered questions about his career in environmentalism and research, including his work aboard the Sikuliaq, a massive research vessel that is homeported in Alaska. One of Sherwood’s colleagues even provided students with a livestreamed tour of the Sikuliaq.
IAN SHERWOOD ‘14, right, poses for a photograph with BRIDGET DOWD ‘22, who arranged Sherwood’s visit.
Recreating and rethinking the Bell Tower
Dozens of Wyoming Seminary students in Grades 3-12 participated in The Nelson Bell Tower STEAM Maker Challenge, submitting works of art replicating Sem’s iconic Bell Tower. The exhibit, which was displayed inside the Kirby Center for Creative Arts for two weeks in December leading up to winter break, featured a number of physical and digital models.
DESTINY LORA ‘25, left, and AMELIA MURPHY ‘25 pose next to a table of submitted artwork, including their clay model of the school’s Blue Knight mascot.
Standing, from left: JACOB RUDERMAN ‘22, BENJAMIN ZHAO ‘22 and JIRARUN CHEN ‘22. Seated, from left: SAMANTHA QUINN ‘22, ALVIN TUO ‘22 and DOMINICA DELAYO ‘22
Seniors earn 'Commended Students' recognition
Six seniors were recognized at a school assembly on Monday, October 4, for being named Commended Students by the National Merit Scholarship Program. The students are recognized for exceptional academic promise demonstrated by their outstanding performance on the PSAT in their junior year.
The National Merit Scholarship Program believes that the Commended Students are a valuable national resource and are vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation.
Pizza and pink on Valentine’s
The Lower School celebrated Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14 with pizza served to all middle school students and a schoolwide celebration that included a red, white and pink dress down day. Various activities were held and treats were served, as organized by homeroom teachers and parents.
Left: EVAN DAVIS '28, left, and WILL MAY '28 celebrate with shades. Right: AUBREY FISHER '27, left, and BRIANNA FALCONE '27 show off their Valentine's Day outfits.
Sounds of ukuleles fill the Lower School
Seventh-grade students in Doug Piazza’s music appreciation class learned to play the ukulele during the winter trimester.
Mr. Piazza taught students about the instrument’s basic chords and progressions while helping them learn to play popular songs including the ukulele classic, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
Holding their ukuleles, MELIA BENETOS '27, left, and SIMRAN SHARMA '27 pose for a picture during class on Friday, February 18, at the Lower School.
Seated from left: DOMINICA DELAYO ‘22, YUWEI CHEN ‘22, ALYSSA SHONK ‘22 and YUSEN WANG ‘22. Second row: GIOVANNI RAMOS ‘22, ALLA STAROSELTSEVA ‘22, EMILY AIKENS ‘22, LILY KUTZ ‘22 and AVA HAZZOURI ‘22. Third row: AAREZ KHAN ‘22, NICK “WOLFGANG” FRABLE ‘22, MARSHALL CURTIS ‘22 and BENJAMIN ZHAO ‘22.
Seniors inducted into Wyoming Chapter of Cum Laude Society
Thirteen seniors were inducted into the Wyoming Chapter of the Cum Laude Society in October 2021. The inductees were announced by faculty member, Jill Stretanski, who serves as president of the Wyoming Chapter.
Cum Laude is one of the highest academic honors a student can attain at Wyoming Seminary, and it represents a standard of excellence that is significant to Sem’s academic community.
Students inducted have taken challenging courses and have met three criteria stipulated by the Cum Laude bylaws: their grade point average for their junior year was 3.4 or better; they are in the top 10 percent of their class; they uphold the concept of dignity and true worth as well as honor.
Four faculty members were also inducted into the Cum Laude Society, including Rachel Bartron, Peter Froelich, Stephanie Heerschap and Kristie Stevenson.
Sem
math team takes first place in competition
The Wyoming Seminary team of ROBERT BELETSKY ‘23, RICHIE DE LUNA ‘23, XINSONG (ROBERT) FAN ‘23 and THOMAS FIGURA ‘23 placed first out of 19 teams in December at the sixth annual
King’s College Math Competition. Upper School math teacher Jim Doherty accompanied the group. Fan also placed first individually out of about 70 students. From left: Beletsky, de Luna, Fan and Figura.
Annual holiday tea celebrated by 8th grade
Prior to winter break, Lower School eighth-grade students celebrated the season with a holiday tea event among families and classmates.
The event included students receiving ornaments that contained a wish they had made when they arrived at the Lower School.
Students shared their wishes with their families and enjoyed a slideshow that contained photos from their time at Sem, all the while making new memories in this event sponsored by the Lower School Parents Association.
and
Range of genres highlights winter concert
The sounds of traditional, jazz and classical music filled the Kirby Center for Creative Arts for January’s Winter Concert. The Wyoming Seminary wind, percussion and jazz ensembles presented the concert on January 23.
Due to the rise of COVID-19 numbers in Luzerne County at that time, the event was open only to musicians’ families, but was available for everyone to enjoy via livestream on YouTube.
From left, WILL SORDONI '26, ALEX CHEN '26
CALEB SMERALDI '26
Mock Trial teams participate in virtual competitions
The Wyoming Seminary Mock Trial teams participated in the University of Pennsylvania Tournament on January 23-24 and the Blue & Gold Invitational hosted by La Salle University on January 13-14.
Both tournaments were held virtually, and each team took one side of a case in a threehour trial and each team held four trials over both weekends. EMILY AIKENS ‘22 received awards for her role as an attorney at both events, while ABBY CHONG ‘24 and PAIGE KENEWELL ‘24 won awards as trial witnesses at the Blue & Gold Invitational.
The team is coached by Dr. Peter Froehlich, Upper School English faculty.
3rd grade enjoys annual Thanksgiving feast
Students in third grade gather together each year for a very special meal before leaving for Thanksgiving break.
This year’s annual Thanksgiving feast was held November 18, when students in SARA MOLITORIS ‘05 and Elizabeth Schmaltz’s classes enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by chef Stan Kardish and his team from Metz Culinary Management.
Clockwise, from left: Elizabeth Schmaltz, SARA MOLITORIS ‘05, ALI ROSENGRANT '31 and CHASE SNYDER '31.
Scientists, students create lava lamps
In February, scientists from Thermo Fisher Scientific visited Bridget Mack’s STEM Foundations class at the Upper School.
While spending the day at Sem, the scientists spoke about their careers and also worked with students to help create lava lamps.
,
,
Team A seated from left: BEN ZHAO ‘22, EMILY AIKENS ‘22, BEKAH KORNFELD ‘22 and JONAS RANFT ‘22. Standing: Dr. Peter Froehlich, PAIGE KENEWELL ‘24, DOMINICA DELAYO ‘22 and BRIDGET DOWD ‘22
Team B seated from left: CALLISTA PHAM ‘23, REESE LARRAMENDY ‘22, PAUL STEVENSON ‘24, GRACE KOWALSKI ‘24 and MARIA WANG ‘23. Standing: Dr. Peter Froehlich, RITA KUPSTAS ‘23
CAROL ZHANG ‘23
ANNA CHONG ‘24, ABBY CHONG ‘24, ISABELA SOFRENOVIC ‘25 and CELESTE PERRY ‘24
From left, ELLIE SCULLION '25 and KRISTEN CHUN '25
Family Movie Night held on Back Campus
The Wyoming Seminary alumni and development office held a Family Movie Night on the Back Campus of the Upper School on August 5.
Families were invited to enjoy the movie, “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,” while being treated to popcorn, ice cream and drinks.
SEM FUND VIRTUAL 5K FUN RUN & WALK
The second annual Sem Fund Virtual 5K Fun Run & Walk was held September 2526 and raised $4,005 for the Sem Annual Fund. The event, which was organized by LIZ CLEMENTS KATYL ‘05, Director of Alumni Programs, was open to everyone in the Sem community, as well as any friends, family and supporters of Sem. A total of 30 runners and 32 walkers participated from locations across the country. Prizes were awarded in age-group categories for both virtual races and also for fun categories such as Cutest Pet, Most Sem Spirit and Most Creative Course Map, just to name a few.
Ella Novelli was the first-place finisher among female participants, as well as the top runner overall. She finished in 19:25. Nadalie Solomon, ANNABEL DOBASH ‘23, Jill Snowdon and Tanya Novelli rounded out the top-five female finishers. Solomon placed first in the female 36-50 age range; Dobash first in female 14-19; and ALLISON CONSIDINE ‘10 first in female 20-35. JACK NOVELLI ‘24 was the top male finisher, clocking in at 20:35. Greg Hillebrand, Brian Krypel, Patrick “Skip” Stevenson and JACK MORTON ‘07 finished Nos. 2-5 among males. Hillebrand was the first-place finisher among males aged 36-50; TOMMY MAJKOWSKI ‘25 was first, males 13 and under; DICK HUGHES ‘79 was first, males 51-65; GIOVANNI RAMOS ‘22 was first, males 14-19; and SPENCER YOUNGMAN ‘11 was first, males 20-35.
Top: GRADY KATYL '34 and JACK KATYL '32 enjoy a sweet treat at Movie Night. Bottom: Families gather on Back Campus to enjoy the outdoor movie.
The Wyoming Seminary Community Service Club has been hard at work during the 2021-22 school year, participating in numerous activities and raising thousands of dollars worth of items and monetary donations. Colleen Ayers, Denny Barber, Catie Kersey and JoAnne Rossi are the faculty advisors for this club, whose students have led projects benefiting everyone and everything from military members and first responders to needy families and animal shelters.
Wyoming Seminary students participated in more than 15 specific events in the first half of the 2021-22 school year, including:
In honor of Veterans Day, Wyoming Seminary students organized a letter-writing campaign and sent more than 75 notes of thanks to be distributed to active duty military personnel. Seated, from left: OWEN SWEITZER '22 and PHIL EVAN ‘22. Standing: MADDIE OLSHEMSKI ‘23, LEXY LICHTENSTEIN ‘24, IZZY PISANO
‘23, WILL YOUNGMAN ‘22, EMMA WATCHILLA ‘23 and COLEY LEO ‘22
The Wyoming Seminary community rallied at the start of the school year, raising funds for the family of LINA TORI JAN ‘16
While Tori Jan, who grew up in Afghanistan, left the country years ago, her family remained in Afghanistan until the recent Taliban takeover when they fled the country and safely arrived in the United States. Tori Jan’s family left behind all their belongings, however, and that is where Sem stepped in with fundraising efforts that included a “Dress Down Day” in September. Tori Jan returned to campus November 12 to meet students, greet old friends and share her story during an assembly.
More than $2,300 in donations went directly to helping Tori Jan’s family establish themselves in the U.S. From left: RYAN KERSEY ‘25, CLAIRE STRETANSKI ‘23, Tori Jan and SOPHIA HOLODICK ‘25.
Three members of the Wyoming Seminary community participated in the New York City Marathon as members of the Ryan’s Run team, which has raised more than $4 million to help individuals with disabilities throughout Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. Sem’s Upper and Lower Schools combined to raise more than $1,500. From left: Wyoming Seminary Director of Communications Jill Snowdon, teacher KATIE CALLAHAN '88 and parent Clancy Harrison.
Wyoming Seminary raised more than $500, which was donated to the Medical Oncology Associates’ Prescription Assistance Fund, through dress down day donations and “We Wear Pink on Wednesdays” lunch sales. From left: LIA STONE ‘24, CASSIDY SKORANSKI ‘23, and BIANCA ROMAN '06. This effort was part of Sem’s annual October Breast Cancer Awareness campaign.
Community Service Club raises thousands
Military letter writing campaign
Fundraiser for Lina Tori Jan '16
Medical Oncology Associates
Ryan's Run
Curing with kindness
Lower School Nurse Carol Kollar brings warm demeanor, skill during uncertain time
By Matt Bufano
In the eyes of a child, the Wyoming Seminary Lower School nurse’s office has it all: drinks, snacks, stuffed animals, toys and only the coolest and most colorful bandages.
“It’s a happy vibe,” said nurse Carol Kollar. “It’s a relaxed space and kids love to hang out here. This is what a nurse’s office should be. It’s the mom away from home.”
Of course, Kollar’s job — and that of any mom or nurse — is not all fun and games.
She treats scraped knees and runny noses, as well as the occasional bruised ego, all of which and more she previously handled as a home health and hospital nurse.
Someone with Kollar’s experience, skills and temperament seemed like a natural fit for her position, even as she and the rest of the world faced an unprecedented crisis.
“I started here in January 2020,” Kollar said. “The first-grade teacher across the hall, Mrs. Amy Lepore, comes in early as I do. We would say, ‘Did you hear the news?’ This is January, February when that buzz started.
“Then we went to spring break and we never came back from spring break.”
The coronavirus forced Wyoming Seminary to shutter its doors at the end of the 201920 school year, but Sem has since been a leader with regards to effective and safe in-person learning.
Kollar takes no responsibility for Sem’s successful handling of the pandemic, saying she was along for the ride and that modern medicine and other school leaders deserve the appreciation and gratitude.
However, colleagues say Kollar is just being modest.
Prior to her hiring, Kollar, a graduate of Wyoming Area and Misericordia University, had already been a familiar face around Sem.
She has a son, BRANDON SCOTTO D’ABUSCO '25, who’s attended Sem since he was 3 years old. Kollar also occasionally filled in over the years as a substitute nurse. Kollar’s knowledge of Wyoming Seminary marked yet another qualification that helped her earn the position of Lower School nurse.
Wyoming Seminary Lower School nurse Carol Kollar is known for her ability to lighten the mood on any day, especially when the opportunity to dress up presents itself on holidays and special occasions.
“Carol’s a nurse, but she’s also a natural educator,” said Dr. Kathleen Hanlon, the Lower School Dean. “She gets kids. She’s a mom. She completely understands how to relate to kids of all ages.”
Kollar’s nursing career is the realization of a lifelong pursuit. As young as 11 years old, when her mother was battling illness, Kollar worked weekends as a hospital volunteer.
“I couldn’t wait to put that uniform on,” Kollar said of the candy striper’s classic, pink and white attire.
Today, Kollar wants nothing more than to see Lower School children being happy and healthy, even if she must go the extra mile, such as coming in on weekends for a health check or dressing up as a mascot on holidays, to make it happen.
“I don’t claim to know everything, which I don’t,” Kollar said. “But what I lack, I make up for it in positivity.”
When the crisis of a lifetime hit the world in 2020, Wyoming Seminary confronted it with a team — a united front — and is all the better for having Kollar on that team to help create, implement and communicate policies to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
“I always say, ‘If I didn’t have Carol here, I don’t know what we would have done,’” said Hanlon, who served alongside Kollar on Wyoming Seminary’s Pandemic Crisis Response Team. “She was a perfect partner for me. We communicated well, we trusted and felt confidence in each other. It was essential.”
Kollar worked especially close with Hanlon and former Upper School nurse Beth Blaum, as well as a handful of other administrators and faculty and staff members. Kollar also highlighted the essential work done by the school’s maintenance team, which transformed school buildings for distancing and performed daily cleansing of the facilities.
“To be a school nurse in the middle of a pandemic — how do you do that?” Kollar asked. “You don’t do it alone.”
It’s a relaxed space and kids love to hang out here. This is what a nurse’s office should be. It’s the mom away from home.
SCENE & HEARD
Wyoming Seminary families and faculty got in the holiday spirit with a series of concerts leading up to winter break.
The annual Upper School Holiday Concert kicked things off in the Kirby Center for Creative Arts, where various music styles and instruments were played to a number of sacred and secular musical selections. The Chorale and Madrigal Singers performed under the direction of John Vaida, with Tsukasa Waltich serving as the accompanist. The String Ensemble, which performed the first movement of the Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 by Johann Sebastian Bach, was under the direction of Christiane Appenheimer Vaida and JOHN MICHAEL VAIDA ‘00
Next came a series of concerts performed by various groups, including the middle school band and middle school chorus, as well as the early childhood and primary school students, at the Lower School. These concerts, orchestrated by Lower School Choral Director Patricia Paciotti, were performed over three nights to a live audience and were also streamed live online.
One final gift was presented by the Wyoming Seminary Dance Company, which performed “Nutcracker Sweets,” an abridged version of the timeless holiday classic.
Director Bernadine Vojtko helped bring the classic ballet to life with a number of highlights, including Clara’s dance with the Nutcracker and several lovely dances from Act II.
Crowd goes wild for 'Footloose'
The Wyoming Seminary Players suffered nearly two years of canceled, delayed and subdued productions because of the coronavirus pandemic. February’s production of “Footloose,” however, marked a highly anticipated and full-scale return to the Kirby Center for Creative Arts stage. More than 40 students participated in this beloved musical, directed by JASON SHERRY ’91, in which they sang, danced and acted their way to standing ovations at all five showings.
Top row, from left: JULIA POOLE '22 and JACOB RUDERMAN '22; KIERAN SHERRY '22 and LIAM PHILLIPS-MCGRAW '23; JENNIFER ZEMETRO '22, RHIANNA LEWIS '22 and SOPHIA GALANTE '22. Bottom row, from left: KIERAN SHERRY '22 and ARIANA MARIEN '22; RHIANNA LEWIS '22, AINSLEY EIDAM '23, JENNIFER ZEMETRO '22 and SOPHIA GALANTE '22
CURTAIN CALL
By Jill Snowdon
John Vaida looks back, shares stories from nearly 50-year career at Sem
John Vaida’s office is tucked away on the second floor in the building he helped design in 2014, around the corner from the chorale room named in his honor in 2015, overlooking another building he helped create in 1977.
Vaida’s musical expertise influenced not only the interior construction of the Kirby Center for Creative Arts and the Buckingham Performing Arts Center, but he is responsible for building another major entity at Wyoming Seminary: the fine and performing arts department.
Vaida, the Director of Fine and Performing Arts, is a Sem icon for his career as a musician, educator and director. He retired in June. Prior to Vaida’s retirement, he enjoyed one final moment on the KCCA stage — a curtain call — when he served as conductor for the May 7 Spring Concert and enjoyed an outpouring of support. In addition to the incredible music played by current students, surprise solos, a pair of standing ovations and an encore highlighted an unforgettable night for the man affectionately known as “Maestro.”
Originally from Danielson, Connecticut, Vaida was teaching in New Jersey decades ago when he received a call from Jack Eidam. Seeking candidates to develop an arts program at Sem, Eidam, the former Dean of Admissions, tracked Vaida down
through the Westminster Choir College placement office.
“I remember he drove up in a green convertible Triumph,” Eidam said. “I met him on the sidewalk outside of Sprague Hall and I thought, ‘This is a cool fella.’”
Vaida was called soon after and offered the position by then-President, Wally Stettler. Eidam was in earshot of the conversation. Interestingly, Vaida learned of the offer hours later.
“When they called to offer me the job, I was hosting a party at my apartment in New Jersey. One of my friends answered the phone and told them I’d take the job. Polly Novak, God love her, must have known something I didn’t. She said ‘John, you have to take this job. It’s a good one for you,’” Vaida said, laughing as he recalled the memory.
Vaida moved into Carpenter Hall dormitory in July 1975. In his first year as a music teacher, there was one piano and six vocal students. He taught classes in the basement of Sprague Hall, which was also the venue for his first choir concert.
“It was interesting because once we had built the Chorale Program, we decided to build a dance program and then an instrumental program, which came about 10 years later,” Vaida said.
As the arts program grew, so too did the need for a proper space. Vaida was pivotal in the design of the Buckingham Performing Arts Center, which housed the instrumental room, as well as the purchase of the Great Hall, which housed the music program.
“I went over there with the Madrigal Singers when it was a bank and it was up for sale,” Vaida said. “I said to (former President) Jerry Packard, ‘Hey, we should buy this building,’ and he said, ‘Yeah, let’s do it.’ I suggested we call it the Great Hall, so I got to name that building.”
As a faculty member, Vaida created an honors class in the late 1980s called the Creative Spirit. The class combines art history and music history in a team-taught class and he partnered with art teachers Betsy Morris, Claudia Black, Dan Kruger and most recently Mark Webber to teach the class.
“John built a gigantic program here at Sem and he was sensitive enough to bring in the dance program and the arts program and he taught courses that were unique and interesting,” Eidam said. “His academic contributions are just incredible, with creating courses such as Creative Spirit and music theory, to developing courses where students develop their own compositions and have those compositions performed on campus. That’s a level of academic accomplishment and talent development that few schools, I think, can speak of, for sure.”
Vaida’s passion for music and his dedication to his students goes well beyond the Sem campus as he has served as a leader and chaperone of countless visits and extensive concert tours to China, Germany, France, England, Italy, the Netherlands and Hungary.
“We were in a very prestigious chorale competition in Hungary and got second prize and that was one of the big ones,” Vaida, who is a founding member of the International Federation of Chorale Music and the International Chorale Network, said. “Our first trip with the Madrigals was in 1978 and we went to Rome and competed in a competition and got a first prize.”
Opposite page: John Vaida exits the stage after his final number at the Spring Concert on May 7. Vaida was joined on the KCCA stage by former alumni and colleagues and was sent off with a standing ovation from the crowd. This page, clockwise from top left: Vaida poses with Madrigals during a trip to Asia; Vaida gives lessons to VALERIE CHAPIN '84; Vaida poses in concert attire; Vaida and his wife, Christiane, during a trip to Italy in 2022.
A sabbatical trip to Germany in March 1998 proved life-changing for Vaida.
“I went to Germany to teach and I came back with Christiane,” Vaida said proudly of his wife, Christiane Appenheimer-Vaida. “He invited me to come to the Performing Arts Institute and I played in the orchestra and I did a little teaching,” Appenheimer-Vaida said.
The Vaidas married on October 4, 2001, in a small ceremony in the Wyoming Valley, attended by Sem friends. Eidam served as minister of their ceremony. The Vaidas married again November 17, 2001, in a church wedding in Germany, surrounded by family and beautiful music.
Appenheimer-Vaida, a tremendous musical talent in her own right, joined the Sem faculty in 2007. In addition to teaching, she serves as Director of the String Program and Orchestra.
Vaida’s son, JOHN MICHAEL ‘00, is an Artist in Residence at Sem. Vaida also has a daughter, ARIA ‘98, who he hails as one of the most talented musicians in the family. Aria and her husband, James, live in Southern Connecticut with their children, Vicki (9), John (7) and Arianna (5).
The idea of spending more time with his family and grandchildren, traveling and enjoying hobbies such as skiing factored into his decision to retire.
Retiring for Vaida, however, doesn’t mean he will be stepping away from music. He will continue as Minister of Music at First Presbyterian Church in Wilkes-Barre and he will have more time for teaching private lessons. He also plans on doing a series of vocal workshops for choirs and remaining active with the Pennsylvania Music Education Association.
Appenheimer-Vaida’s office is on the opposite side of the building in the KCCA. She will remain busy with her own musical projects and students at Sem. She anticipates her husband will visit quite often, but Vaida’s retirement certainly marks an end of an incredible era.
“I’m no longer going to be able to walk over to his office to say hello and that will be a big change for me,” Appenheimer-Vaida said. “I have a hard time imagining the music department and the KCCA without him. He took such good care of these buildings and he loved working with the kids. But we’ll do more traveling and things we enjoy as a family and I think he will be very happy.”
A Q&A with Gayle Sekel, Director of
Summer Programs Summer fun!
There’s a reason it is called summer break.
It is a break from the norm — not necessarily a break from learning — but a chance to regroup between school years and maybe even use that time to pursue a passion.
Summer at Sem is a highlight for students and staff, including Gayle Sekel, who oversees the wide range of seasonal activities as the Director of Summer Programs.
We caught up with Sekel for an interview about the latest with Summer at Sem.
Q: How does Summer at Sem benefit students in the short term and in the long run?
A: Summer at Sem invites students to embrace their summer, or in other words, make the most of their summer break doing the things that are of the most interest to them. Summer at Sem allows students to discover new talents, complete an academic graduation requirement and experience boarding school life for the first time. Most importantly, it invites students to become part of the Sem community.
Q: What programs do you offer?
A: Summer at Sem offers day camps for primary and middle school students, along with day and residential programs for domestic and international students ages 12-18.
Campers entering prekindergarten-through-eighth-grade are sure to discover or expand on an area of interest in one of our many Summer Explorations Workshops. Activities range from coding, gaming, sports and much more.
The MS Code Breakers Camp is a full-day program for students ages 10-14, designed to challenge future programmers and gamers. Campers learn the basics of coding through a series of web projects and design challenges.The arts also flourish during Summer at Sem for students ages 12-18.
Our dance program offers instruction in ballet and pointe, along with modern and contemporary styles. This rigorous program is led by a faculty of professional dancers and choreographers who come together with the students in a closing performance that never fails to excite and thrill the audience.
The Summer at Sem theatre program is designed for actors who enjoy training and want to take their abilities to the next level. Master classes and workshop classes cover everything from the art and craft of performance to vocal techniques. We have a filmmaking camp, as well, which is open to beginners and those with film experience. It is a must for any student wishing to explore the world of film.
Our college prep institute offers current students the oppor-
tunity to register for concomitant courses over the summer in an online format. This program allows students to complete graduation requirements in a timely manner while freeing up space in their full-year course schedule.
Q: Who is permitted to sign up for Summer at Sem?
A: Our programs are open to all students, Sem or non-Sem, entering prekindergarten through Grade 12. We love to see both new and familiar faces in the summertime.
Q: Tell us more about the English Language Institute. Since Summer at Sem serves domestic and international students, this must be a major component of your offerings.
A: The English Language Institute is recognized around the world as a leader in teaching the English language and American culture. It is open to international students ages 12-18 and offers students a chance to improve their English language skills while also experiencing life in a U.S. boarding school. While this program is open to non-Sem students, it is also the perfect opportunity for our new international students to experience Sem in advance of the full school year. The schedule is full of activities, the learning is intense and the emphasis on American classroom culture is strong.
Q: Who is in charge of these programs?
A: As the Director of Summer at Sem, I have the pleasure of working with our talented program directors and dedicated faculty. Tim Early, our Director of the Dance Program, is celebrating his 23rd season with Summer at Sem. Jeremiah Downes, who leads our theatre program, is joining us for his fifth season. JASON SHERRY ‘91 directs our filmmaking camp and Jeni Brown is our Director of the English Language Institute. Many of our full-year faculty are also members of the summer team. We are very thankful for the time and effort they put into making our camps the very best for all students.
Q: When and where do these programs take place?
A: Our programs begin June 6 and wrap up August 21, 2022. We offer programs at both our Lower and Upper School campuses.
Q: If I or my child are interested in the 2022 or a future Summer at Sem, what are my next steps?
The Summer at Sem (https://summeratsem.org/) website is a great resource for those interested in finding out more about our programs and to register online. We are always happy to connect with interested students and families to answer questions either by email to info@summeratsem.org or by phone 570-270-2161. We hope to hear from you soon and to see you this Summer at Sem!
FIELD HOCKEY
FINAL RECORD: 22-2
SPORTS ROUNDUP
WYOMING VALLEY CONFERENCE
DIVISION 1 CHAMPION
DISTRICT 2 CLASS A CHAMPION
PIAA CLASS A CHAMPION
The Blue Knights saved their best for last, ending the season with arguably their greatest performance of the season, a 6-0 win against Oley Valley for the state championship.
Sem is the first team in the state to win four consecutive PIAA field hockey championships.
EMMA WATCHILLA ‘23 scored a hat trick in the season finale, giving Sem its ninth state title under head coach Karen Klassner. ELLA BARBACCI ‘23 added two goals, while ISABELLA PISANO ‘23 scored once. Goalkeeper LAINE CABELL ‘24 recorded three saves for a shutout.
Barbacci and Watchilla were first-team allstate selections by the Pennsylvania High School Field Hockey Coaches Association. ANNA MOZELESKI ‘22, who was selected The Citizens’ Voice Player of the Year, also made first team, as did MADDIE OLSHEMSKI ‘23 MILAW CLAUSE ‘24 was a second-team choice and Cabell was an honorable mention.
BOYS BASKETBALL
FINAL RECORD: 4-19
After losing their first eight games, the Blue Knights picked things up in mid-January with back-to-back wins against Lackawanna Trail and Lake-Lehman.
ISAIAH STULL ‘23 was the leading scorer in both games, recording 26 points in a 63-28 win against Lackawanna Trail and tallying 23 points in a 50-42 victory against Lake-Lehman.
Stull was the team’s leading scorer for the season, followed by MARC JACKETT ‘25 and CHIEF MONTALVO ‘24.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
FINAL RECORD: 4-15
The Blue Knights closed the regular season on one of the hottest streaks in the Wyoming Valley Conference, winning four of their last six games.
Sem’s hot streak began at home on January 27, when LEXY LICHTENSTEIN ‘24 poured in 21 points and DALLAS HANSON-RICHART ‘25 added 12 in a 47-27 defeat of Hanover Area.
The next night, MARGARET GANTER ‘24 was the leading scorer with 12 points in a 45-7 rout of MMI Prep.
CROSS COUNTRY
BOYS FINAL RECORD: 6-10
GIRLS FINAL RECORD: 4-12
JACK NOVELLI ‘24 earned a seventh-place finish — and first among Wyoming Valley Conference runners — at the District 2 Class A championships at the Wyoming County Fairgrounds.
Novelli clocked in at 17:52.2, while JACK TUZINSKI ‘24 placed 28th with a time of 19:55.1.
Novelli then competed at the PIAA championships in Hershey, where he ran 18:25.1 and finished 71st.
ANNABEL DOBASH ‘23 was a 22ndplace finisher at the Wyoming Valley Conference championships at the Wyoming County Fairgrounds. She ran a 22:35.
GOLF
FINAL RECORD: 8-4
NICK WERNER ‘25 enjoyed a sensational start to his varsity career, shooting a 1-under-par 70 during the District 2 Class 2A Individual Golf Championships at Fox Hill. He was the silver medalist.
Werner earned another medal at the PIAA state championships in which he tied for sixth in a field of more than 70 players.
Among Sem’s most impressive wins during the regular season was a 161-166 victory over Holy Redeemer at Lehman Golf Club. Werner was the medalist, shooting a 36. SHANE HOLCOMBE ‘23 backed Werner with a 37, while THOMAS ISKRA ‘23 scored a 42 and QUINN KELLY ‘23 a 46.
BOYS SWIMMING
FINAL RECORD: 9-2
The Blue Knights’ 200 medley relay team of HARRY FENG ‘24, GABE DE LUNA ‘23, ZHANTORE AKYLBEKOV ‘24 and
RICHIE DE LUNA ‘23 finished first at the District 2 Class 2A championships. Sem’s 200 free relay team, which consisted of Akylbekov, Feng, Richie de Luna and JAKOB BAUR ‘23, also placed first at districts.
Akylbekov earned first-place in a pair of individual contests, too, the 100 fly and 100 breast. Akylbekov had a solid showing at the PIAA state championships in the same events, claiming sixth in the 100 fly and 100 breast.
GIRLS SWIMMING
FINAL RECORD: 10-1
RYLEIGH COLLINS ‘23 broke a pair of District 2 Class 2A records at the district championships at Wilkes-Barre Area High School, where she timed in at 55.64 and 4:53.90 in the 100 fly and 500 free, respectively. Collins won district titles in both events. Collins placed second in the 500 free at the PIAA state championships, while earning third in the 100 fly.
ALYSSA KELLY ‘24 was also a two-time district champion in individual events. Kelly won the 200 free and 100 breast. She placed seventh in both events at states.
Werner
Novelli
Collins
Feng
Akylbekov
Gabe de Luna Richie de Luna
Kelly and Collins teamed with CARA MCCALL ‘23 and AVA BETNAR ‘25 to win the 400 free relay. That same group placed fifth at states in the 200 medley relay.
FOOTBALL
FINAL RECORD: 5-4
The Blue Knights thrilled the home crowd at Nesbitt Memorial Stadium more often than not, posting a 4-1 record at home. Highlights included a season-opening rout of the Peddie School, 51-7. Sem had four players selected all-conference by the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council.
Defensive back ISAIAH WIMBUSH ‘22 and wide receiver ANTON BEEMELMANNS ‘22 made first team. MARIO KLJAJIC ‘22 was an honorable mention selection, as was CHIEF MONTALVO ‘24
ICE HOCKEY
FINAL RECORD: 13-13
Team captain GEORGE KOLOVOS ‘22 scored 11 goals to pace the Blue Knights with 17 points, followed by ALESSIO NARDELLI ‘23 (15 points) and ALEXIS BILLEQUEY ‘23 (14). PETRUS NYKANEN ‘22 and FORD BOOCK ‘23 served as assistant captains for the Blue Knights, whose season was highlighted by winning the St. George’s Prep Christmas Tournament.
GIRLS TENNIS
FINAL RECORD: 20-0
WYOMING VALLEY CONFERENCE CHAMPION DISTRICT 2 CLASS 2A CHAMPION PIAA CLASS 2A CHAMPION
The 2021 season was one for the ages — and for the record books.
The Blue Knights, led by head coach Raphael Cooper, capped their season with an intense 3-2 victory against Sewickley Academy for the PIAA Class 2A championship. It was Sem’s first team state championship in tennis since the boys won in 2001, but the first team state championship ever for the girls squad. Singles players ILANA ROSENTHAL ‘25, ELLA KRYPEL ‘23 and VICTORIA MARTINEZ ‘23 lifted the Blue Knights to victory in the state final. The doubles teams of MARGARET MIHALICK ‘22/ DOMINICA DELAYO ‘22 and MARIA NOLTE ‘24/VICTORIA SMULOWITZ ‘22 posted victories in the semifinals against Conrad Weiser.
Rosenthal was selected The Citizens’ Voice Player of the Year. Krypel and Martinez joined Rosenthal on the all-star team.
BOYS WRESTLING
STATE PREP CHAMPIONS
NATIONAL PREP CHAMPIONS
Continuing one of the greatest runs for any athletic program in school history, the Blue Knights were victorious for the third time in nine years at the National Prep Wrestling Championships.
Sem scored 346.5 points at the event in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, easing past second-place Malvern Prep (304.5) and third-place Blair Academy (294.5).
NIC BOUZAKIS ‘22, MEYER SHAPIRO
‘23, JOE SEALEY ‘24 and JUDE CORREA ‘25 won individual national titles for Sem, while DAVIS MOTYKA ‘24, COOPER HILTON ‘25 and DOMINIC
FEDERICI ‘24 earned silver medals. Head coach Cornell Robinson and the Blue Knights also won a team state championship at the Pennsylvania Independent Schools Wrestling Tournament. Hilton, Bouzakis, Shapiro, Sealey, Federici, Correa, LUKE LILLEDAHL ‘24, CARTER SCHUBERT ‘23 and WOLFGANG FRABLE ‘22 earned individual state titles. The PAISWT also selected Sem’s Joe Rovelli as the Assistant Coach of the Year.
GIRLS WRESTLING
The Blue Knights traveled to Orlando, Florida, in November, where they put on a show and won the Sunshine National Duals. Sem outscored opponents, 793133. CARINA GIANGERUSO ‘24, REESE LARRAMENDY ‘22, CHARLOTTE GILFOIL ‘25, FAITH BARTOSZEK ‘24,
ERICA PASTORIZA ‘23 and CLOE CHARLESWORTH ‘23 were all undefeated and crowned champions.
Two months later, Sem hosted the MyHOUSE Melee Duals at the Carpenter Athletic Center, an exhibition event that featured opponents from across the United States and also the European country Estonia. In March, Sem traveled to Estonia and finished first at the Tallinn Open.
KENNEDY BLADES ‘22 was honored as WBRE-TV’s Athlete of the Week in February, due in part to Blades’ performance at the MyHOUSE Melee Duals.
Mills '09 competes at the Beijing Winter Olympics
A lifelong dream came true at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, where Alena Mills ‘09 proudly represented her native country.
Mills, the captain of the Czech Republic women’s ice hockey team, carried her country’s flag at the opening ceremony. It was the Czech women’s first time ever competing at the Olympics. Mills and the Czechs placed seventh out of 10 teams, winning a pair of games in Group B preliminary play against China and Sweden.The Czechs lost in the quarterfinals, 4-1, against the United States of America. Canada beat the U.S., 3-2, in the gold-medal game.
Mills was a standout student-athlete at Wyoming Seminary in the late2000s. She was inducted into Sem’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.
Blades
Bouzakis Shapiro
Sealey Correa
1. ILANA ROSENTHAL '25 returns a shot while warming up for a match at the Lull Tennis Center.
2. REESE LARRAMENDY '22, left, prepares to grapple with an opponent during the MyHOUSE Melee Duals.
3. TONY PETRICK '23 skates on the Toyota SportsPlex ice during practice.
4. MARIO KLJAJIC '22 recovers a fumble during a home football game at Nesbitt Memorial Stadium.
5. ELLA BARBACCI '23, second from right, is mobbed by teammates after scoring a goal in the PIAA Class A field hockey state championship game.
6. KAI OWEN '22 emerges victorious during a wrestling match at the Carpenter Athletic Center.
7. NICK WERNER '25 follows his shot at Huntsville Golf Club.
8. THOMAS ISKRA '23, left, dekes past a Wyoming Area defender during the District 2 Class 2A boys soccer championship match.
HOMECOMING
Football team wins on Homecoming! Despite rain and wind that were heavy at times, as well as a stout opponent from Brunswick School in Connecticut, the Wyoming Seminary football team emerged victorious at its Homecoming game.
The student body showed off its school spirit during Homecoming week with daily, themed dress down days leading up to Saturday. The theme on Friday, October 15, was Homecoming, as students donned T-shirts that were designed by TOMO CHIKEN ‘22
CLASS OF 2001, from left: MADHAN SRINIVASAN, AMANDA YOUNG, ANDREW VOLPETTI and Adrienne Volpetti.
CLASS OF 2005, front row, from left: JESSIE CONYNGHAM, SARA ROSENBERG MOLITORIS, REBECCA HOWELL ZIEMAK, LIZ CLEMENTS KATYL, DAVE JANERICH and SASHA ANSELMI Second row: MADDIE KROPP, MELISSA KAMINSKI, JILLIAN SEELEY, STEVE WEST, JAMIE FLACK ECKMAN and CHRISTIAN SWITZER
CLASS OF 2006, front row, from left: JILLIAN NATAUPSKY, BRITTANY LAHODA and STEPHANIE WALLACE BRADLEY. Back row: RYAN MOLITORIS and MATT BRADLEY
CLASS OF 2010, from left: ALLISON CONSIDINE, JULIA CLEMENTS BJORLING, MIKE MCMULLAN, ADAM THALENFELD and KELSEY GROSSMAN
CLASS OF 2011, front row, from left: KATRINA WALLACE, ALISON PARKHURST, ASHLEE CASTERLINE PARR, LAUREN SKUDALSKI, CAT CLEMENTS, MARY THEDE and OMEED FAROUZI. Back row: JAMES CURTIS, CHRISTIAN SANTARELLI, PATRICK MCMULLAN, JOSH MCLUCAS, JESSICA SWOBODA, SPENCER YOUNGMAN and HARMAN AULAKH
CLASS OF 2016, front row, from left: TAYLOR TRACY, SARAH DENION, MEGAN OBEID and SAMARTH DESAI. Second row: VICTORIA LIEBETRAU, LOUISE CORNELL, LINDSEY LACOMIS and ISABELLA CORDARO. Third row: ALEX GROSEK and MARSHALL BURSIS
Alumni Service Awards
The Wyoming Seminary Alumni Council named EMILY AIKENS ‘22 and AVA HAZZOURI ‘22 the recipients of the 2021 Alumni Service Awards, presented on the afternoon of Saturday, October 16. This award is presented to two members of the senior class who demonstrated outstanding leadership and service to Sem and the surrounding community. Gathered on the Kirby Center for Creative Arts stage, from left: BENJAMIN ZHAO, ALVIN TUO, OWEN SWEITZER, JACOB RUDERMAN, CASSIDY RHODES-ANISKA, BRIDGET DOWD, AVA HAZZOURI and EMILY AIKENS. Absent is JAKE BAKER
Outstanding Young Alumnus Award
The Wyoming Seminary Alumni Council presented MADHAN SRINIVASAN ‘01 with the Outstanding Young Alumni Award in recognition of his work as a student and professional. A former standout tennis player, Srinivasan was inducted into the Wyoming Seminary Sports Hall of Fame in 2016. He currently serves on Sem’s Board of Trustees. His professional career includes work as a physician and health care systems engineer. Above: MADHAN SRINIVASAN ‘01 poses for a picture with his wife, AMANDA YOUNG '01, and two sons.
and
Top: EMILY AIKENS ‘22
AVA HAZZOURI ‘22, the recipients of the 2021 Alumni Service Awards. Bottom: RYAN MOLITORIS ‘06 introduces the students nominated for the 2021 Alumni Service Awards.
The 25th anniversary of Wyoming Seminary’s Science Research Group was celebrated with an exhibit, which opened Thursday, October 14, at the Rusty Flack Art Gallery inside the Kirby Center for Creative Arts. Dr. Andrea Nerozzi, founder of SRG, led a presentation, as did several guest speakers who graduated from Sem and participated in SRG.
1. The founder of Wyoming Seminary’s Science Research Group, Dr. Andrea Nerozzi, during
participants, from left: PAUL STEVENSON ‘24, DREW MAURIELLO ‘23, DOMINICA DELAYO ‘22 and ARIANA MARIEN ‘22. 3. A poster from the SRG exhibit. 4. JULIA LEWIS '24 reads the
STAROSELTSEVA '22 poses
Class Notes
1953
BARBARA HARTER KOEHL writes, “I have moved to ‘all seasons Naples, Florida’ after selling my home in Dallas and will be here permanently. The weather is great!”
1955
DAVID MICAHNIK had the pleasure of spending time with the daughter and grandson of former classmate, JANEE ARMSTRONG FRIEDMANN '55, who passed away in 2007.
Janee's daughter, Cynthia, and Janee's grandson, Fitz, spent the day with David at a fencing clinic at Pioneer Valley Fencing Academy in Easthampton, Mass. Fitz felt it was truly an honor learning more about fencing from Fencing Master David Micahnik.
Fitz is already an assistant instructor at the Academy, which is run by his coach, Fencing Master Paul Sise.
1956
JOHN HOPEN writes, “Lynn and I have cut down on our kayaking and camping. We are mostly now in New Jersey and are still growing peas, tomatoes, string beans, cucumbers and potatoes — the deer sometimes win! I still remember parts of my senior oration (Merchant Marine in U.S.), waiting on tables, and ‘Dr. Hughes’ and demerits!”
1957
JANE MUNCY CAMPBELL writes, “After living for 20 years in North Carolina, we returned to Hamilton, Ohio, to be closer to family. I would love to hear from anyone living in the greater Cincinnati area.”
CAROLYN MARKS SHIPMAN writes, “After our graduation in 1957, my mother, Ben Shipman (my Prince Charming) and I went directly to the courthouse to obtain our marriage license! Eleven days later, Ben and I were married! Sadly, Ben passed away in January this year. We were together all 64 years and were blessed with three children, nine grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren. It has truly been a wonderful life!”
DOROTHY EDWARDS YOUNG writes, “Life in St. Petersburg at Westminster Shores is great for us. We enjoy the many opportunities in the city, the stimulation and the company in a delightful community.”
1959
GAYLE WELLS MANDLE writes, “I have missed our last
few reunions, but fortunately have been in touch with several 1959 classmates via email (Bernie Wruble, Lynn Kurlanchek, Jane Graham, Rochelle Haimes and Judy Casper).
It is shocking to have turned 80, when I feel only 50! Please tell me I haven’t changed too much from our yearbook photo, even though one of the results of the last two years of the pandemic is my hair turning white. I would love to hear how everyone has been doing, before our Class of 1959 gets dropped off the list.
I have maintained my sanity by keeping very busy with painting, exhibiting, interior design projects, fundraising for our arts non-profit DATMA.org, and also working toward a Memorial Celebration of my dear husband Roger at Rhode Island School of Design this spring. I’m so very saddened by the state of our politics and the challenge to democracy around the world. I have faith that Wyoming Seminary is doing its share to educate the students about the importance of civic engagement and maintaining a balanced perspective.”
1960
JON GREENWALD has been honored by President Biden with an appointment to the U.S. Commission by Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad, which is an independent U.S. government agency established in 1985. Its mission is to identify and report on cemeteries, monuments and historic buildings in Central and Eastern Europe associated with the cultural heritage of Americans, and to obtain assurances from governments that these sites will be protected and preserved.
1961
HOWARD E. GARDNER writes, “ I have just published a new book with Wendy Fischman, ‘The Real World of College: What Higher Education Is and What It Can Be.’ I hope it will interest my five grandchildren … and perhaps some of my Sem classmates.”
1962
MARILYNN NICHOLSON writes, “Due to all the confusion caused by the pandemic, I decided to close my jewelry school and concentrate on my own jewelry and stone cutting designs. I sell my jewelry at art galleries and museums in Taos, Albuquerque and Santa Fe.”
CAROL SILBERMAN NELSON DEMBERT was a featured guest on "Keystone Edition Arts," broadcast live on WVIA-TV on February 21, 2022. Carol spoke about her award-winning documentary, "Lyman H. Howe's High
Class Moving Pictures," and Howe's ties to Wilkes-Barre. The program is co-produced and hosted by ERIKA FUNKE '70. The show can be found on the WVIA website: https://www.wvia.org/tv/keystone-edition/keystoneedition-arts/keystone-edition-arts-golden-age/
KARYNE B. WILNER writes, “My partner and I are having fun in Miami Beach and will be heading home shortly. Working on Zoom, in these COVID days, as a body-mind therapist has been exciting. I am not ready to retire, but it is nice not having to go to the office every day. Still enjoying teaching at Salve Regina University in Newport and writing a book on anger that everyone needs these days.”
1965
ESTELLE ANDREWS was one of the recipients of the Wyoming Seminary Distinguished Service Award on April 29, 2022. In 2021, Estelle established two additional scholarship endowments to honor her mother, Estelle H. Andrews: The Estelle H. and Estelle B. Andrews ‘65 Lower School (Grades 5-8) Scholarship Endowment Fund; and The Estelle H. and Estelle B. Andrews ’65 Lower School Endowed Teaching Chair Endowment Fund, the first Teaching Chair to be endowed at the Lower School. In 2015, Estelle established The Estelle H. and Estelle B. Andrews ’65 Upper School (Grades 9-12) Scholarship Endowment Fund.
MARLENE FUREY writes, “Proud to announce that after many hours of paper shuffling and providing tons of information to the French Prefecture we live in, we have been registered as a legitimate French Animal Welfare association. Our work continues with no end in sight! We currently have 18 dogs and 13 cats from Romania,
Class Notes
Bosnia and Egypt that we care for daily. Many are old or disabled.”
1968
DR. JOHN D. PFEIFFER IV writes, “As a patron of the classical arts I was thrilled to attend the first post-COVID performance of ‘Swan Lake’ at the Philadelphia Academy of Music in March.”
WILLIAM STEVENSON writes, “I recently received ‘The Lifetime Achievement Award’ from the Delaware Small Business Chamber for 2022. I founded Stevenson Van Transport in 1970, two years after I graduated from Sem. Then, I founded The Stone Balloon Tavern and Concert Hall in 1972. It is considered one of the top college bars ever. Bruce Springsteen, Hootie & the Blowfish, Pat Benatar, Ray Charles, Metallica, Hall and Oates are just some of the bands that appeared there.”
1969
MARGARET TOWNEND TILLAPAUGH and MARTIN TILLAPAUGH write, “We recently took a weeklong trip to Punta Cana … the first vacation that we have had without children and grandchildren (there are 17 of them!) in years, maybe decades! Lovely sun, pool and beach — we did nothing all week but relax, sleep and read. Heaven!”
1971
LEE EPSTEIN writes, “After 30 years as an environmental lawyer and program manager at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (and prior stints in private law practice, as an Assistant Attorney General in Maryland, and work as an urban planner in Northern Virginia), I retired at the end
of April 2022. My wife, Trang, retired as an economist in the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2021. Hiking, some tennis, reading and writing, drawing, a little civic work and regular domestic and international travel should keep us busy. Our two sons live and work in Minneapolis and Los Angeles — great spring-summer and fall-winter destinations, respectively! We still live in Silver Spring, Maryland.”
1972
MADELYN NEWMAN EICHEN and her husband Rich have recently moved to Asheville, N.C., and are looking forward to Life 2.0, retired and in Western North Carolina.
ELLIOT MILLER writes, “In the past year my wife, Jenine Cohen, and I have celebrated our 41st anniversary. We welcomed our granddaughter, Kirby, into the world, and my firm Montrose Park Advisors turned seven last May.”
RACHEL MILLER writes, “Five decades, wow. Since 1972, RIT’s education gave me 20-plus years in the printing industry (aka Imaging Sciences! Went back for my master’s … who knew we’d need computer training, lol!). Stayed busy with a multitude of activities: EMT for 12 years; National Ski Patrol member for 40; DJ’d on my college radio station AND got paid for a couple years (celebrity in my own mind!); organized an AIDS fundraising walk and still raising money for the patrols I’ve worked for. No spouse, no kids, but may qualify for crazy cat lady status (long story).
Teaching aquafit these days — COVID reduced my classload, but that gave me more time to work at Habitat. Five homes so far! Life’s good, not quite what I expected, but I’m pretty lucky overall! Looking forward to the reunion!”
HARRY ROBERT MORSE writes, "BRIGG Psychedelic Folk, recorded January 1973. The following link may be of interest to some. It comes from a European publication. Cheers! https://www.psychedelicbabymag. com/2021/12/brigg-interview-heavy-rock-frombasement-with-rural-hippie-vibes.html.
ELLEN GROSEK STEIN writes, “Both of my boys, Sam (34) and Jack (30), got married this year to wonderful women. They also both got puppies. I don’t have grandchildren yet, but we have granddogs that we babysit. I am doing volunteer work at an animal shelter as an adoption counselor and my husband, Paul, is still doing his real estate and development thing.”
ROSA LANE WILLIAMSON writes, “I retired in March 2020 from a wonderful career in nursing. I received my undergraduate degree in nursing from Hampton University and my graduate degree from the Medical College of VA as an OBGYN Nurse Practitioner. I taught nursing in Richmond, Va., until I retired in a dual enrollment program with J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College and Richmond public schools. I am now ready to enjoy the fruits of my labor in retirement.”
1975
BETTY HUNTER has a new publication available, titled, “Success: An American Memoir.” This bestselling book
is about the timeline of U.S. history from 1832 to 2021. Seven generations of an American family that embraces a vision to foster a more perfect union. Standing strong for human rights and participating in social and economic justice, they are successful in building the United States into one unified great nation. “Success: An American Memoir” is available for purchase at Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com.
1977
DAPHNE VERAS JORDAN writes, “I will be running for my third term for the NYS Senate this fall on the Republican and Conservative lines. I am proud to have twice received the 100% rating from the Conservative Party of NYS. I live in Saratoga County and am a strong voice for Upstate N.Y.”
1992
HEATH BATES and family are living in Paris, France. Heath and his wife, Kara, both work for Boston Scientific and plan to remain in Paris through the summer of 2023. They moved to Paris from Houston at the beginning of 2020. They got settled just before the COVID pandemic began. However, they have managed to see many sights in Europe and look forward to one more year of travel before moving to Boston.
1994
JASON GUBBIOTTI writes, “Despite what has happened to culture during this pandemic, I managed to use lockdown to be highly productive and creative. With all of this and things starting to open up in Europe, I have been fortunate to have some outlets for my work. During the spring, I had a two-person show in Gent, Belgium at Cecilia Jaime Gallery. In August, I will be
in a group show in London, titled, ‘Autumn Attic,’ at Flowers Gallery at their Hockney space and I had a solo exhibition planned for late 2021 at my gallery in Washington, D.C., Civilian Art Projects. Last but not least, I made a painting to act as the cover to my classmate, Natalya Cherry's book ‘Believing into Christ,’ which was to be released in fall 2021.”
PENNY ANN TREAS SCHADE writes, “I recently caught up with Mr. Vaida in Bad Homburg, Germany, for breakfast. We had a wonderful time catching up and talking not just about Madrigal and Chorale memories, but about all our wonderful Sem memories. What a joyful opportunity!”
1996
THOMAS RYAN WARD writes, “I am excited to share with the Sem community that my first feature film, ‘VORTEX: A Film Anthology,’ is now streaming on Amazon Prime (and soon to be on Apple TV, Google Play, Tubi and others).
During my single but memorable senior year at Sem, I was very active in the theatre, Madrigals, musicals and always inspired by Carver Collins to tell a good story. My amazing team of writers, directors and performers accomplished just that … nine actually, as ‘Vortex’ is an anthology of short films with a dynamic 'wrap around' involving Nikola Tesla, his greatest rival and some otherworldly adversaries. Those who love ‘The Twilight Zone,’ ‘Black Mirror’ and other story anthologies will enjoy the mix of scifi, horror, suspense, film noir and more.
In addition to my first feature film, I just finished a granted film project on Hilton Head Island with students with disabilities, I am directing the premiere of two original plays at prestigious Two River Theater of Red Bank, N.J., for an end-of-April TED Talk, and I have been chosen to be this summer's visiting teaching artist at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina of Hilton Head Island, working with general population and special needs performers.”
1998
REMONA GRAY ANTOINE published her first book in February 2022. ‘Equilibrium: A Biblical Guide for the Weary to Find Rest’ offers hope for spiritual, mental and physical rest. It is available on Amazon.com.
Remona would love to share her story and present an encouraging message tailored for your audience at your next corporate, spiritual or educational event at a discounted rate for Sem alumni. Contact her at EquilibriumMinistries.com.
1999
JAMIE ANZALONE has been named President of The Northeastern PA Trial Lawyers Association and is the youngest to hold the position. He has also achieved board certification in Civil Trial Law by NBTA — only 3% of attorneys in the country are board-certified.”
2004
DANIEL HOLLANDER writes, "After nearly eight years serving the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as an Assistant District Attorney in the counties of Luzerne and Chester, I have resigned my post and entered private practice. My time as a prosecutor was incredibly rewarding. I had the opportunity to try cases ranging from thefts and assaults to gun possession and first degree murder. The experience in the District Attorney's office prepared me for the next step in my career. I am excited to join the law firm of Noone & Borger in West Chester, Pennsylvania. We represent clients throughout the greater Philadelphia area (and, often, throughout the Commonwealth) in matters related to criminal defense, personal injury, family law and business litigation. On a personal note — my wife, Melissa, a cardiac nurse at Chester County Hospital, and I, live in West Chester, Pa., with our two sons, Samuel, age 3 1/2, and Jacob, 1 1/2."
2005
DR. DAVID JANERICH joined his father in private practice and formed Janerich Pain Specialists in January 2021. After finishing his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, he went on to complete two fellowships. The first in cervical dystonia and spasticity management where he learned about neurotoxins, such as Botox, to treat neck pain stemming from tight muscles and stiff limbs or joints, which very often occurs in patients with stroke, MS and other neurological disorders. His second fellowship training is in interventional spine and musculoskeletal medicine, which gave Dr. Janerich
training using the most up-to-date technology and medical advancements to help those suffering from acute and chronic pain. After many years of training, he is excited to finally be back at home serving the local community.
2006
BRITTANY N. LAHODA, DMD, graduated from Penn Dental Medicine in 2016 and completed a General Practice Residency at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health in 2017. After several years of private practice in Philadelphia, Pa., and Scranton, Pa., she joined Nataupsky Family Dentistry, Kingston, Pa., in September 2021 alongside alumnus, JASON G. NATAUPSKY, DMD ‘03, Gary M. Nataupsky, DMD, and Christa Musto Colaizzi, DMD. She is excited to bring her talents back to Northeastern Pennsylvania and serve the families of the surrounding community. She and her husband, DAVID A. JANERICH, DO ‘05, reside in Dallas, Pa.
2011
DUSTIN MAGAZINER is CEO of PayBright, founded in 2021 with the motto ‘Merchant Services, Done Right.’ In the top 1% of merchant processors in the U.S. and growing, PayBright is focused on providing agents and ISOs, and in turn their merchants, with the best experience in the industry by offering the absolute best rates, no contracts, and free terminals and POS for each merchant with true transparency.
Dustin runs the sales organization for PayBright, recruiting, training and managing over 300 agents. PayBright is the top ISO for one of the largest publicly traded payments companies in the world and is on track to grow beyond 500 agents in 2022.
Since its inception, PayBright has worked with thousands of businesses across all 50 states. With solutions for virtually every business type, PayBright runs tens of millions of transactions per year, generating an estimated $5 billion in sales for their local communities.
Additionally, Dustin is on a mission to change the industry. Dustin aims to disrupt the industry by offering a better home for experienced merchant services agents. Oftentimes, agents in the industry feel that there’s a lack of transparency from their ISO, unethical handling of merchant relationships, and sadly, that they are being taken advantage of. Dustin and his team work to show these agents and others like them that they can focus on what they know best — growth.
2012
ALI AHMED writes, “I recently finished a short film that I wrote, directed, produced and played the lead in — it's called ‘Buried & Forgotten.’ It's a neo-noir drama exploring addiction in the context of a South Asian family. The film has been submitted to major film festivals. This is my debut short film as a director or producer.”
2013
DEREK JOLLEY writes, "I am excited that my band, cuddledrug, which I started in 2010 when I was a sophomore at the Upper School, has celebrated its 12th year anniversary by releasing a full-length album,
entitled, "Bed of thorns,'' which addresses mental health advocacy and addiction recovery access in a positive and uplifting way. Proceeds from our album are benefitting area organizations aimed at helping less fortunate people get the help they need. Grateful to Sem for helping me start this project. All the info could be found at cuddledrug.com. I hope everyone is well and staying safe!"
WEDDINGS
2011
MIA MEDICO BORNER married Matthew L. Borner on October 30, 2022, surrounded by family and friends that included other Sem alumni.
2012
KRISTIAN STEFANIDES LOOMIS married Tyler Loomis on July 9, 2021, at Stroudsmoor Country Inn in Stroudsburg, Pa. They met during her senior year at Villanova during the 2016 men's basketball championship run.
BIRTHS
1997
MEGAN CONWAY and her husband, Paul, welcomed their son, Archie Justin, on August 25, 2021. He’s
NORA KORNFELD HUEBER married Scott Hueber on July 17, 2021, in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by family and friends, including Sem alumni.
Archie Justin, son of MEGAN CONWAY '97 and husband, Paul
Nathan, son of JAMIE FLACK ECKMAN '05 and RICHARD ECKMAN '04
Maguire, son of ALLISON USTYNOSKI COX '08 and husband, Clint
KRISTIAN STEFANIDES '12 married Tyler Loomis
NORA KORNFELD '11 married Scott Hueber
MIA MEDICO '11 married Matthew L. Borner
Class of ‘71 reunites
The Wyoming Seminary Class of 1971 celebrated its 50th reunion on October 2-3, enjoying dinner at Kevin’s Bar and Restaurant in Kingston and brunch at Huntsville Golf Club in Dallas. While the 50th reunion typically takes place during Alumni Weekend, Wyoming Seminary, like many other institutions, was unable to stick to that plan in 2021. However, a wonderful time was had by all, even if it did not look like past reunions. First row, from left: SYLVIA SANTARELLI KROPP, JACK EVANS, MIKE FLOWERS, CHUCK HOWLAND Second row: TOM DICKINSON, DAVID ABELSON, CAROL WASNICK DOMSKY, DEBBIE BROWN DRISCOLL, LINDA MERTZ COHEN, DEBBIE OTTO JAMES, JOHN DICKINSON Third row: RALPH BARNES, CHUCK KELLNER, DAVE HOURIGAN, WESLA LIAO FLETCHER, SCOTT GELNETT, JOHN SHAFER Fourth row: JIM CALKINS, DAVE RINEHIMER, CARL GRIVNER, MIKE ZINN
growing so fast and they are enjoying every special moment with their little boy!
2004
RANA RAZAVI DEANGELO and husband, Justin DeAngelo, welcomed their second daughter, Ava Mae, on November 3, 2021.
LINDSAY STACKHOUSE MCCABE and husband, William McCabe, welcomed their fourth child, a son, Levon, into their home on April 7, 2022.
2005
JAMIE FLACK ECKMAN and her husband, RICHARD ECKMAN ‘04, welcomed their son, Nathan, on June 17, 2021.
2008
ALLISON USTYNOSKI COX and her husband, Clint Cox, welcomed their son, Maguire Cox, on June 6, 2021, at 9 pounds, 14 ounces. He’s been rolling over and practicing his jump shot since the day he was born! His big sister, Hazel, is glad he’s here and loves reading to him.
Ice hockey alums, current players gather
A Wyoming Seminary Alumni Ice Hockey Game was held at the Toyota SportsPlex in Wilkes-Barre on September 11. Current players and coaches, as well as former coaches and alumni, laced up their skates for fun on the ice. Following the game, a reception was hosted at Arena Bar and Grill in Wilkes-Barre. First row, from left: MARTIN MOUCHA ‘03, WILL MCLAUGHLIN ‘06, DUSTIN GOOD ‘04, LUKAS BILEK ‘10, TIM HANLON ‘12 and NICK LIEBACK ‘10. Back row: STEVE HARASHAK ‘06, MATT PACKARD ‘03, TYLER WILDING ‘16, ANTHONY GANDOLFI ‘15, MATT KATYL ‘03, LUKAS PAVLICEK ‘99, CHRIS KATYL ‘04, CHRIS ECKMAN ‘03, Erin Caretti, MIKE DENNIS ‘04 and Justin Lyle, Sem Ice Hockey coach.
Ava Mae, daughter of RANA RAZAVI DEANGELO '04 and husband, Justin
Levon, son of LINDSAY STACKHOUSE MCCABE '04 and husband, William
IN MEMORIAM
Our condolences are extended to the families of the following alumni and friends who passed away recently.
Marilyn Coughlin Rudolph ‘42
Betty Ann Estock Jabore ‘43
Paul Dalton Griesmer, M.D. ‘43
Charles Nicholson Jr. ‘43
Dorothy Weaver Kraft ‘43
Miriam Goldstein Spero ‘43
Barbara Cohen Feinstein ‘46
Stanley Swiecicki ‘46
Edward Hartman ‘47
Natalie Isaac Henkelman ‘48
Dolores Mangione D'Alessandro ‘48
Marian Berk Schoenfeld Barr ‘49
M. Clark Conlon ‘49
Emilie Davis Casey ‘51
John Fassett '51
Thomas Robinson ‘51
Andre Lee Jernee ‘52
Bruce Howe '52
Robert Gimble ‘52
Frederick Trumbore '52
Robert Morgan '52
Nancy M. Banz '52
Bernard Kazmeroski '53
Joseph Neary ‘53
John Valenti Jr. ‘55
Constance Morgan Scanlon ‘55
Joseph Williams Jr. ‘56
Clinton T. Schafer ‘56
Barry Greenspon '57
Walter E. Dean Jr. ‘57
Channing M. Greene '57
Jacqueline Campbell Salus '57
William Engler '57
Dominick Ortolani ‘58
G. Carl Roberts ‘58
Michael Ufberg '59
Neil Turner ‘60
William Lawry '60
Raymond John Bolek ‘61
Thomas Antrim '61
Susan Laramy Fox '63
John Sieminski ‘63
Lynda Rosenthal '63
Kenneth Jones ‘64
Mary Ann Petrick Stadulis ‘64
Jonathan Stegura '64
David F. Lacy ‘66
John Kush ‘67
W. Roger Scott ‘69
George Sowerby ‘72
Denise Strojny Hall ‘73
Ruth Graham Conaghan ‘73
W. Brian Hunsberger ‘79
Douglas Maslow ‘84
David Zarzecki ‘84
Audrey Louise Lilly ‘89
Kacey C. Gipson ‘99
FORMER FACULTY
Reverend Bryant Terry Hudson
Imants Gailis
Leonard Michael Insalaco, 78, of Pittston, passed away Monday, March 14, 2022, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, N.Y.
Born in Pittston on December 7, 1943, he was the son of the late Leonardo and Concetta Scalzo Insalaco.
Leonard was a 1961 graduate of West Pittston High School. He received a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Villanova University in 1965 and a master's degree in Physics from Wilkes University in 1967.
In 1971, Leonard joined the supermarket business full-time when his brothers opened a second store in Old Forge. He soon went from engineering to running a whole business, but Leonard was sharp and a fast learner, quickly becoming skilled in labor management and budgeting. Along with his brother-in-law, Leonard Dixon, he worked alternate, 14-hour days running the store. He later became the company's grocery buyer and excelled at interviewing salespeople and negotiating deals.
Leonard believed in giving back and was active in his local community. He served as a board member of Affiliated Food Distributors and Associated Wholesalers, chairman of the Sure Save Group (which he and his family established), president of the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce, a director of the First Bank of Pittston, treasurer of the Wyoming Seminary Board of Directors for 19 years, and a director of Wyoming Valley HealthCare System for 12 years.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Lita Pupa Insalaco; daughters, Deanna Eliashevsky (Alex), Naples, Fla.; Maria Insalaco (Joseph Lin), McLean, Va.; Christina Insalaco, San Francisco, CA; and Gina Insalaco (Nicholas Vennekotter), Brooklyn, N.Y.; grandchildren, siblings, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Wyoming Seminary mourns the loss of Lois Feibus, a longtime member of the Sem community who worked as a teacher and librarian at the Lower School and was the mother of two Sem graduates.
Feibus died Jan. 25 in Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, surrounded by family.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, Feibus was the daughter of the late Bernard and Roz Goldstein Kleiman.
Feibus had been employed by Wyoming Seminary since 1996 when she developed Sem's Little White House Preschool Program. Over the years, Feibus taught preschool, pre-kindergarten and second grade and most recently served as the Lower School librarian.
Feibus received the Frances and Louis Maslow Award for excellence in teaching in 2006.
Feibus' obituary, via Rosenberg Funeral Chapel, stated her work at Wyoming Seminary was "a job she truly loved."
"She met many families," the obituary read, "and became lifelong friends."
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Feibus, a Wilkes-Barre City police officer. She is survived by a daughter, Elly Feibus, of Pittsburgh; son, Joseph Feibus, of Kingston; siblings, Mindy Zafrany and husband, Emile, of Wilkes-Barre; Keith Kleinman and wife, Joan, of Dallas; and many nieces and nephews.
201 North Sprague Avenue
Kingston, PA 18704-3593
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