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Sem
Wyoming Seminary • College Preparatory School

Contents
2 Academics
8 Faculty
14 Diversity
18 Arts
24 Athletics
30 Activities
34 Student Profiles
36 Outcomes
Only@Sem
Picture a dynamic independent school with unparalleled academic offerings, ranging from over
160 courses (including 25 APs and tempting interdisciplinary options, such as Creative Spirit) to
multiple independent study and research opportunities. Imagine a school which celebrates
excellence in all areas and focuses on writing and speaking in every course. Consider a 24/7
learning community composed of a passionately dedicated faculty and a talented mix of
students from the Wyoming Valley and around the world. Visualize an amazing arts and athletics
menu, featuring nationally-ranked teams and globe-trotting performance groups. Anticipate an
extensive college guidance program, which begins in the sophomore year and yields grateful
graduates who often return to report that, “College was a breeze!” or simply to say, “Thanks.”

Unparalleled
Academics

Becoming Self-Learners
“Helping students become independent
self-learners, away from the guidance of others,
is the best gift we can offer,” says Jason Thatcher,
math teacher. To that end, Sem’s curriculum
offers an extraordinary menu of choices,
avenues for self-discovery.
Elective courses, which supplement the
traditional college preparatory offerings, run
the gamut, from Forensic Science to China and
Confucian Civilizations to Shakespeare for Lovers.
Math and science students can study secondlevel
college Calculus, Advanced Physics, Biology
and Chemistry. Global Languages options
include French, Latin, Russian and Spanish. Every
course focuses on sharpening writing skills and
every student takes Public Speaking.
Thanks to the range of offerings and the depth
of individual support, students gain confidence
and competence as they navigate through Sem’s
extensive curriculum. They graduate prepared
to thrive as self-learners in college – and life.
25
10
AP courses (a figure matched by few
schools – public or private – in the U.S.)
Number of students per teacher
14Average class size
Number of different courses
offered by the math and
39science departments
Courses offered in
76the humanities

Student Profile • Page 6
Amy Shick ’12 started at Wyoming Seminary in
kindergarten and never stopped challenging herself
while learning as much as possible in the process.
“I received a good foundation at the Lower School
in preparation for the Upper School.”

Dynamic Faculty • Page 8
Dynamic
Faculty
Great Teaching at the Heart

Our Teachers on Teaching
There is no question our teachers are devoted to their calling.
Catie Kersey, U.S. history teacher, speaks for most of Sem’s
teachers when she explains that, “Teaching is not just my job,
it’s my life.”
John Dickinson, Ph.D., chair of the Science Department, says,
“We strive to help our students to think globally, to solve
problems, to see the connections between the arts and sciences
and to develop intellectual independence.”
In addition to imparting knowledge and sparking curiosity, our
teachers instill values and a greater sense of community. “What I
love about Sem is the community,” explains Jane Slaff, associate
director of college guidance and chair of the Global Languages
Department. “ From the president to the dining hall staff, from a
new freshman to the outstanding graduate, we all give our gifts
of time and talents to help each other develop into caring
individuals who live in the unique ‘unity’ of Sem.”
Whatever their academic expertise, our teachers go out of their
way to help students discover the power of their own potential.
That process might entail introducing a student to a new idea or
a new discipline. Or it might involve urging a student to consider
a new career or college possibility. Or it might simply mean
helping students graduate from Sem as strong self-advocates,
a role that will serve them well for life.

Steve Ris follows his own advice, exhibiting passion in all he does,
whether it’s teaching history (“We must understand the deep origins
of who we are as people”), public speaking (“Many schools focus on
writing, but very few of them address public speaking”), or a seminar
in American studies.
When he says of Sem that, “It’s amazing that this school does so
many things so well!”, he could just as easily be talking about his
own remarkable contributions to the life of the school.

Unmatched
Diversity
Friendships overcome stereotypes

Expanding Horizons
International Food Night, a popular annual gala, provides
the most tangible and tasty reminder of Sem’s extraordinary
diversity. But the benefits of our global student body extend
well beyond a single night of food and fun.
At Sem, you will develop a global perspective which will be
essential for successful professionals in the future. Students
will develop friendships with students from other countries,
ties which often result in invitations to visit during a break or
over the summer. And you’ll whet your appetite to participate
in a study abroad program in college, a valuable experience
for any student.

The Arts
are Alive
Part of the Fabric

“We are proud of the value Sem places
on the arts and unabashedly boast of
the high standards that can be found
in the art studios and on stage.”
Nancy Sanderson, Performing Arts Institute
Strutting Their Stuff
The nearly 300 students who become involved in the
performing arts at Sem have plenty of opportunities to
showcase their talent: 90-voice Chorale; 24-voice Madrigal
Singers; two orchestras; chamber ensembles; Jazz Band;
Handbell Choir; three annual dramatic productions; annual
dance production; and a summer Performing Arts Institute,
which attracts musicians, actors and dancers (students and
faculty) from across the globe.
Students at all levels – from the beginner to the serious
student who plans to study art in college – can hone their
talents in the visual arts at Sem. Courses span the spectrum,
from an introductory Drawing and Design course to courses
in Figure Drawing, Three-Dimensional Design and Ceramics.
Exceptionally dedicated students can take AP Studio, during
which they spend a challenging two years working on
drawing and design portfolios.

A consistent High Honors student, Josh was especially impressed
by Sem’s English Department. “We had a wide range of offerings,
studying authors from throughout the ages, from ancient Greece
to contemporary India, South America and the U.S.”
In looking back over his years at Sem, Josh reflects, “I’ve developed
time management skills, which enable me to have fun while getting
my academic work done. I’ve learned to put things in perspective
and live a balanced life.”

Winning
Athletics
An Extraordinary Legacy

Unparalleled Athletics • Page 26
700
4
Number of Sem football players who
have gone on to play college football
over the last 30 years.
Consecutive years the wrestling
team has won the Pennsylvania
Prep State Tournament.
Undefeated seasons for the field
hockey team (plus six appearances
in state championship games, 11
first-team All-Americans, and three
17alumnae on the U.S. National Team)
Athletics for All
If you want to suit up for the Blue Knights, you'll have plenty of
options. Sem offers the following sports: field hockey, tennis,
golf, cross country, swimming, basketball, lacrosse, softball, ice
hockey and soccer for girls; football, soccer, golf, cross country,
basketball, ice hockey, swimming, wrestling, baseball, tennis
and lacrosse for boys.
If you’re less competitive or athletically inclined, you can
pursue an independent study option in physical education,
which allows you to design your own fitness program.
Whatever athletic option you choose, you’ll experience the
exhilaration of testing your limits while working towards a
common goal. Along the way, you’ll learn lessons about living
a productive life from skilled mentors who view themselves
as teachers, not just coaches.
1
Where the boys tennis team placed in
st
the 2009-10 district championship
4Consecutive years the boys’ basketball
team has won their division title

Led by a Legend
Klassner’s field hockey teams have won four Pennsylvania state
championships, and she’s been an esteemed leader within state and
national field hockey associations. Her players have gone on to star
at top NCAA Division I field hockey schools, and one player earned a
berth on the U.S. Women’s Olympic field hockey team in Beijing. In
2008, Klassner was inducted into the National Field Hockey Coaches
Association (NFHCA) Hall of Fame.
“ I demand a lot of my athletes, and that helps them later on,” Klassner
says. Even as she pushes them to meet and exceed their goals, her
athletes know that she cares more about them as students than she
does about winning.

Incomparable
Activities
Discover Your Passions

“At Sem, students have the
opportunity to do what they love.
ey pursue their interests and
passions to the fullest.”
Caleb Bowers, ‘10
A Time to Explore
At Sem, you can follow your interests wherever
they lead thanks to the wide variety of clubs —
everything from the Art Club or Mock Trial to the
Student Government; from Model U.N. or the
Poetry Club to the Self-Defenders Club. You can
even start your own club or organization.
Whatever your slate of activities, service will be
included as students must complete 40 hours
of community service over their four years at
the Upper School, 30 of which must be outside
the school.
On weekends, you can enjoy a potpourri of
on-campus events, such as dances, a mini-carnival,
talent shows, game nights and dodge ball games.
Sem also sponsors ski weekends at Killington,
Vermont and frequent trips to New York City,
Philadelphia or Baltimore to take in the many
cultural offerings.

Student Profile • Page 34
Steven Zhang
Devin Holmes
Lauren Skudalski
Chib Onwunaka
Blessed with boundless energy, Steven Zhang has
made a big impression since coming to Sem from
Shenzhen, China. He helped start the water polo club and
leads the photography and poetry clubs. “I’ve turned all
my hobbies into clubs,” jokes Steven, who is also captain
of the swim team and a leader in the Student Activities
Club and the International Club. After Sem, Steven hopes
to go to college in California and eventually pursue a
career in communications.
Devin Holmes served as president of the Freshman Class
during her first year at Sem. The next year, she was elected
president of the Sophomore Class. “To be a good leader,
you have to put yourself out there,” says Devin. “Be friendly
so that other students will get good vibes and won’t be
afraid to approach you if they have ideas to bring to
Student Government.” In addition to being a natural
leader, Devin is a top student as well as a starter for both
the field hockey team and the softball team.
Lauren Skudalski handles her many activities with
enthusiasm and focus: member of the Orchestra, the
String Ensemble and the Chorale; captain of the field
hockey and basketball teams, member of the lacrosse
team; senior representative to the Student Government
and member of the Peer Club and the Medical Club. As a
resident assistant in the dormitory, Lauren has embraced
the opportunity to meet people from different cultures
from all over the world. “Before Sem, I just wanted to be
something in life. Now I want to reach for the stars.”
“At Sem, people are there for you in times of trouble,
and they share your joy when things are going well,” says
Chibueze (“Chib”) Onwunaka. “One time, I knocked on
the door of my math teacher at 12 a.m., and he helped
me with my work. That’s unheard of!” A talented athlete
on the soccer field and the basketball court, Chib has
experienced extraordinary growth at Sem. “I was shy
when I first came to Sem, but I’ve discovered my inner
self. I’ve learned that I’m a good student, a great athlete
and a fine guy. My confidence has skyrocketed!”

Enviable
Outcomes
The Right Fit

Enviable Outcomes • Page 38
Building Relationships
“We build a relationship beginning in the students’
sophomore year in order to take the stress and mystery
out of the process,” explains Jane Slaff, assistant director
of college guidance. “While we try to find the right fit, we
always respect the students’ dreams, doing what we can
to help students realize their dreams.”
The process begins in the 10th grade, when each student
receives highly personalized college counseling. In addition,
students work with an interactive web site to help determine
their college and career needs and aspirations.
10
55
The grade at which the college
counseling process starts.
The percent of our students who gain
admission to the top two tiers of colleges
and universities considered “highly” or
“most competitive.”
The number of different colleges
and universities attended by a
typical graduating class of 100 to 80120 students.
As juniors, students take the weekly College Seminar,
where they learn how to research colleges, practice filling
out applications, write essays, and receive targeted lists
of colleges to consider.
During the summer before the senior year, students begin
to visit the colleges on their lists. The five members of the
college guidance staff also spend much time in the summer
visiting colleges. By so doing, they get to know colleges and
colleges get to know Sem. As Harvie Ruggles, director of
college guidance, notes, “Because our students perform so
well in college, Sem has developed an excellent reputation
around the country.”
number of colleges and
universities nationwide which
200The
enrolled Sem students between
2005 and 2009.

United States
Wyoming
Seminary
★
Pennsylvania
Harrisburg
Scranton
Wyoming
Seminary
★
.
. .
Philadelphia
See for yourself
We strongly encourage you to visit Sem’s campus
to sense first-hand the excellence, vitality and diversity
of this special place.
For information on campus visits, Visitation Days,
admission or financial aid, please go to our web site:
www.wyomingseminary.org.
We also encourage you to contact our admission
office (570-270-2160) if you have any questions about
admission, financial aid or merit scholarships.
Contents
2 Academics
8 Faculty
14 Diversity
18 Arts
24 Athletics
30 Activities
34 Student Profiles
36 Outcomes
Parental Impressions
Perhaps no one appreciates Sem more than the parents
of our students who have witnessed firsthand how Sem
transforms lives. For example:
“ere’s a freedom at Sem which
encourages students to be responsible.
My kids have developed a tremendous
work ethic; they truly inspire me.”
Sharon Hourigan, parent of Meghan ’11 and Kevin,
Performing Arts Institute alumnus.
“When I visited Sem, I was struck by the
self confidence of the students. I wanted
that for my son. Happily, Sem is very
generous with financial aid. If you think
you can’t afford it, you might be surprised.”
Denise Martin, parent of Tyler ’12
“ Wyoming Seminary changed our son's
life. It expanded his vision of the world,
extended his academic reach, ignited
leadership skills, and empowered him to
take on a plethora of new challenges in
college with deliberate confidence.”
Jo DeMarco, parent of Peter ’04
DIrections to Wyoming Seminary
From Interstate 80, take Exit 284. Follow 115 North
approximately 24 miles. Near Wilkes-Barre, 115 North
becomes 309 North. Take Exit 4 off 309.
From Interstate 81, take Exit 170B. Follow 115 North
which will become 309 North. Take Exit 4 off 309.
From the Northeast Extension (Route 476) of the
Pennsylvania Turnpike, take Exit 105. Follow 115 North
until in becomes 309 North. Take Exit 4 off 309.
To Upper School
From Exit 4 off 309: Having taken Exit 4 marked
“Kingston/Forty Fort,” stay in the left lane of the ramp and
at the traffic light turn left onto Rutter Avenue. Continue
on Rutter to the second traffic light (Pierce Street). Turn
right onto Pierce and drive two blocks to the intersection
of Pierce Street with Route 11 (also known as Wyoming
Avenue). Turn left (south) on Route 11. Make the second
right turn onto Hoyt Street and then immediately turn left
onto North Sprague Avenue. Drive ½ block to Wyoming
Seminary. Visitor parking is available in the lots on the left
and right side of the street as well as on Sprague Avenue.
Wyoming Seminary Upper School
201 N. Sprague Avenue, Kingston, PA 18704
Wyoming Seminary admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin
to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally made available to
students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual
orientation, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational
policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or
other school-administered programs.

W Y O M I N G S E M I N A R Y
f
201 N. Sprague Avenue • Kingston, Pennsylvania 18704
Phone (570) 270-2160 • Fax (570) 270-2192
E-mail admission@wyomingseminary.org • www.wyomingseminary.org