Wyoming Seminary - Sem News

Sem News

Sem distributes awards at Commencement ceremony:

Summerhill Receives Maslow Teaching Award

The Rev. Dr. William R. Summerhill, Jr. of Kingston (pictured, left), senior chaplain and faculty member, recently received the prestigious Frances and Louis Maslow Upper School Award for excellence in teaching during the school’s 164th Commencement ceremony.

Summerhill received the honor in recognition of his effective teaching, support of the academic program and ideals of the school and administrative leadership, and for his positive influence on the lives of the students, said Dr. Kip P. Nygren, school president.

Since joining Wyoming Seminary in 1986, Summerhill has served as the school’s chaplain, director of studies and academic dean as well as a member of the faculty. In addition to his nine years of service in school administration, he has taught courses in history, English and religion and served as coordinator and judge of the school’s annual oratorical contest; he developed more than 15 new courses in Civil War studies, ethics and philosophy. He also assisted as a coach for the Mock Trial team, coached softball and basketball, and performed in many school plays, concerts and musical groups. As chaplain he presented more than 500 chapel services to the student body and faculty.

In 1997 Summerhill received the Exemplary Teacher Award from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church. He received the award in recognition of his outstanding ability to teach history, philosophy, public speaking and Bible courses, for his exemplary service as Sem chaplain and counselor and for his dedication to the ideals of teaching.
He also served with distinction as chair of the school’s 1993 self-evaluation process for the Middles-States/PAPAS accreditation. He is completing two terms on the prestigious University Senate of the United Methodist Church, serving with college and university presidents as a reviewer of educational institutions related to the Church.

Prior to joining Sem, Summerhill served as chaplain of the Quincy United Methodist Home, as an instructor of religious studies at the Mont Alto campus of the Pennsylvania State University, and as minister of the Roxbury United Methodist Church and assistant pastor of the Rockville Christian Church in Rockville, Md.

A graduate of Shippensburg University, he holds a master of divinity degree from Wesley Theological Seminary and masters and doctoral degrees in religion and culture from The Catholic University of America. He and his wife Patricia, Sem’s Dean of Middle School, are the parents of two grown children.

Students inducted into Cum Laude Society

First row from left: Nikisha Gomes, Alexandra Gordon, Mona Lotfipour and Erin Hannigan. Second row, from left: Kristen Dagenais, Luke Rogers, Benjamin Bell, Jacob Cole, Jeffrey Kratz, Scott Wilson-Flewelling, Jonathan Doblix and Zachary Roth.

Sem inducted 12 graduating students into the Cum Laude Society, the national academic honor society for college preparatory schools, during the 164th Commencement ceremonies.

The new inductees are Benjamin Bell, Shavertown; Jacob Cole, Hanover Twp.; Kristen Dagenais, Shavertown; Jonathan Doblix, Hanover Twp.; Scott Wilson-Flewelling, Kanata, Ontario, Canada; Nikisha Gomes, Dharan, Saudi Arabia; Alexandra Gordon, Kingston; Erin Hannigan, West Pittston; Jeffrey Kratz, Kingston; Mona Lotfipour, Trucksville; Luke Rogers, Clarks Summit and Zachary Roth, Shavertown.

The goal of the Cum Laude Society is the encouragement and rewarding of academic excellence. Wyoming Seminary’s chapter of the society was established in 1930, and each year since then previous members of the organization elect new senior class members in both fall and spring. Membership in Cum Laude is extended to the top 20 percent of students in the senior class.

Boyle and Lotfipour receive Dean Citizenship Prize

Wyoming Seminary graduates Kevin Boyle of Kingston (left) and Mona Lotfipour of Trucksville (right) received the Willis L. Dean Citizenship Prize during the school's 164th Commencement.

The award is given to a senior boy and girl who approach most closely the ideal Wyoming Seminary graduate in scholastic achievement, good citizenship and participation in extracurricular activities.

Boyle, son of Dr. and Mrs. William Boyle, gave the Student Address at Commencement and received the Quay-Adams Award during the ceremony, in recognition of his accomplishments in academics, athletics and leadership. Prior to Commencement he received the President’s Educational Excellence Award. In 2007 he was named a Levi Sprague Fellow, Wyoming Seminary’s highest student leadership award. He also has been named to the Dean’s List and was a National Merit Scholarship Commended student. In 2007 he was nominated for the Wyoming Seminary Alumni Service Award. Boyle has been very active in student government, serving as president of his junior and senior class, and a class officer, secretary and vice-president of student government. He served as captain of the varsity golf, basketball and lacrosse teams, and received a MVP award for golf and a Coaches’ Award in basketball. He also received the Anthracite Golf Award. He also served as co-chair of the Orientation Committee and was a member of Peer Group, Blue Key, Peer Mentors and Mock Trial. He served as a Sem representative to Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre and attended the Governor’s School for Global Entrepreneurship.

Lotfipour, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Asghar Lotfipour, has been named to the Dean’s List with High Honors and was inducted into Cum Laude, the national honor society for college preparatory schools. She attended the Governor’s School for Health Care. She served as editor of the yearbook, receiving the Gold Award in recognition of four years of exemplary service to the publication. She was active in the Science Research Group, Mock Trial, Blue Key, Peer Group, Student Activities Committee, Model UN, Web Design Club, Peer Mentors, Yoga Club and International Club. She played field hockey and tennis and served as a manager for the swimming and diving and boys tennis teams.

Girls Receive Wandell Award

Wyoming Seminary graduates (from left) Erin Hannigan of West Pittston, Molli Grossman of Kingston, Chloe Kalna of Shavertown and Janet (Callie) Hughes of Mountain Top, received the Jennie Hess Wandell Scholarship Award during the school's 164th Commencement.
The award is given in recognition of the students' academic achievements and school leadership.

Hannigan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Hannigan, was named to the Dean’s List with High Honors and was named to Cum Laude, the academic honor society for independent schools. Prior to Commencement she received the Jerry A. and Edith K. Iscovitz Memorial Good Sportsmanship Award, the Rachel Carson Book Award and the Bradford Stuart Kline Award for excellence in biological sciences. She was a varsity member of the cross-country, swim and soccer teams, serving as co-captain of cross-country and captain of the soccer team. As a senior she received the Coaches’ Award in cross-country and soccer. She also was active in the International Club, Science Research Group and the school’s Relay for Life team.

Grossman, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Ira Grossman, has been named to the Dean’s List with High Honors and Cum Laude. Prior to Commencement she received the President’s Educational Excellence Award and the Philip B. Parsons Memorial Scholarship. She was named a National Merit Scholar for 2008. She was a varsity member of the softball team, serving as team captain and receiving the MVP Award her senior year. She also played field hockey. She was co-founder and co-president of the Medical Club and was active in Blue Key, French Club, Orientation Committee, Peer Mentors, and the International Club. She also represented Sem as a member of Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre.

Kalna, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Kalna, also has been named to the Dean’s List with High Honors and to Cum Laude. She is a Trustee Academic Scholarship (TAS) recipient and was active in the art club, peer writing lab, Honor Council, Relay for Life team, Peer Group, Environmental Awareness, Wyoming Seminary Dance Company and the student newspaper The Opinator.

Hughes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hughes, received the Jennie Hess Wandell Scholarship Award at Commencement, in recognition of leadership within the student body. She also has been named to the Dean’s List. She was a member of the varsity golf team and served as manager of the girls lacrosse team. She was active in Mock Trial, Model UN, Peer Group, Blue Key, Debate Club and on the school’s Relay for Life team and was a peer tutor.

Boys Receive Wandell Award

Wyoming Seminary graduates (from left) Dominick Trombetta of Shavertown, Jacob Cole of Hanover Twp., Casey Klaips of Forty Fort, and Luke Rogers of Clarks Summit received the Mabel Scott Wandell and Sterling Leroy Wandell Scholarship Award during the school's 164th Commencement.

The award is given in recognition of the students' academic achievements and school leadership.

Cole, son of Mrs. Jennifer Knickman of Wilkes-Barre and Mr. Woodrow Cole of Hanover Twp., has been named to the Dean’s List with High Honors and to Cum Laude, the national academic honor society for college preparatory schools. He was a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. Prior to Commencement he received the President’s Educational Excellence Award, the All-Around Athlete Award and the Edgar S. Brace Memorial Award for excellence in academics and athletics. He has received an appointment to the U. S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. He has played varsity lacrosse and soccer and has received MVP awards in both sports. He also was active in the Rocket Club, Sem’s Jazz Band and Orchestra.

Klaips, son of Mr. William Klaips, has been named to the Dean’s List with High Honors and to Cum Laude. A National Merit Commended Student, he received the President’s Educational Excellence Award and the Lindsley Morgan Washburn Prize in Mathematics prior to Commencement. He also attended the Governor’s School for International Studies. He played junior varsity and varsity soccer and basketball and served as captain of the jv teams in both sports. He also served as a team leader for the school’s Relay for Life team and was active in Model UN, Mock Trial and the Student Activities Committee.

Rogers, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Rogers, has been named to the Dean’s List with High Honors and to Cum Laude. He was an active member of the school’s Blue Key service organization, Mock Trial team and Relay for Life team. He was a member of the school’s varsity lacrosse and soccer teams and served as manager of the girls ice hockey team.

Trombetta, son of Dr. Dominick Trombetta of Mountain Top and Dr. Susan Trombetta of Shavertown, has been named to the Dean’s List with High Honors and to Cum Laude. Prior to Commencement he received the President’s Educational Excellence Award. He was an active member of the Science Research Group, yearbook, Medical Club, Debage Club and the Peer Writing Lab.

Kratz Receives Popky Leadership Award

Wyoming Seminary graduate Jeffrey Kratz of Kingston, son of Ms. Mary Agnes Kratz, received the Samuel Stephen Popky Leadership Award during the school's 164th Commencement, in recognition of his service to the school and his concern for his fellow students. He also received the Leroy E. Bugbee Prize for excellence in history and social studies.

Prior to Commencement he received the Wyoming Seminary Government Leadership Award, the Presidents Educational Excellence Award, the PIAA Scholar-Athlete Award, the Irving Robin Memorial Prize for excellence in civics and leadership, the Teresa Jordan and Frank J. Mehm, II Scholarship Award and the Times Leader’s Best and Brightest Award in Civics. He also was a 2007 Alumni Service Award recipient in recognition of his outstanding service to Wyoming Seminary and the community. He has been named to the Dean’s List with High Honors and to Cum Laude, the academic honor society for independent schools. Kratz was a very active member of student government for four years, serving as student government president in his senior year and as a class officer and president of his class.

He played varsity soccer, basketball and lacrosse and was active in Blue Key, Mock Trial, International Club, the student newspaper The Opinator, Orientation Committee and Peer Mentors. He served as a Sem representative to the HOBY Leadership Conference and to Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre.

Sharkey Receives Wilson Award

Wyoming Seminary graduate Kathleen Sharkey of Moosic, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Sharkey, received the Harry W. Wilson Memorial Award during the school's 164th Commencement, in recognition of her outstanding ability and versatility in sports and for her inspiring sportsmanship.

A member of the varsity field hockey and softball teams, she has served as a co-captain for both sports and has received MVP awards in both. She has received many awards in field hockey and has been named to the First Team All-State and both the NFHCA Regional team and first-team National All-American, the only Lackawanna County field hockey player to achieve the national honor. She also has been named the Sunday Citizens’ Voice Field Hockey Player of the Year and was named to the Times Leader All-Star Team, where she also received Athlete of the Week honors. She has been named to Sem’s Dean’s List with High Honors and was active in the French Club.

Seniors Receive President's Award

First row from left: Nina Santarelli, Diya Das and Hannah Roman. Second row, from left: Brielle Winslow-Majette, Maxwell Saidman, Oliver Williams, Ian Delehanty, and Alexandra Gordon.

Eight Wyoming Seminary graduates received the President's Award for Outstanding Service during the school's 164th Commencement.
The award is given in recognition of the students' outstanding special service to the school community, leadership and academic performance.

Award recipients are: Alexandra Gordon, Kingston; Nina Santarelli, Dallas; Ian Delehanty, Shavertown; Hannah Roman, Mt. Top; Diya Das, Wilkes-Barre; Oliver Williams, Kingston; Brielle Winslow-Majette, Orange, N.J.; and Maxwell Saidman, Kingston.

Onofrey Receives Ruggles Outstanding Graduate Award

Wyoming Seminary cum laude graduate Lauren Onofrey, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. David Onofrey of Waverly, received the Harry W. and Emma R. Ruggles Award for Outstanding Graduate, in recognition of her scholarship, character and contributions to school life during the school's 164th Commencement. She also received the Horace Parker Prize for excellence in creative and expository writing.

Onofrey, a recipient of the Sem Trustee Academic Scholarship, has been named to the Dean’s List with High Honors and has been named to Cum Laude, the academic honor society for independent schools. In 2007 she attended the Pa. Governor’s School for the Sciences and has also attended the Vermont Governor’s School for Science. Prior to Commencement she received the President’s Educational Excellence Award, the PIAA Scholar-Athlete Award, the Second Mile Award, the Edward Griffin Memorial Spanish Award and the Lindsley Morgan Washburn Prize in Mathematics. She previously received the Adelade Jeffers Prize for academic excellence, the Brown University Book Award for excellence in English, the Ruggles Memorial Prize for creative writing, the Frederick Rudolph Prize for excellence in history writing, the Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award and the Stella Purvin Leadership Memorial Award.

In addition, Onofrey is a 2008 National Merit Scholarship recipient and received the 2007 Alumni Service Award. In 2006 she represented Sem at the Hugh O’Brian Youth Foundation Leadership Seminar (HOBY).

A Levi Sprague Fellow her senior year, she served on the executive committee of the Community Service Group, where she chaired the school’s Relay for Life project and participated in the Kid’s Café program. As a member of the Wyoming Valley chapter of the American Red Cross, she served on the chapter’s board of directors and the youth council and chaired the school’s blood drives. She also was active in Blue Key, the Orientation Committee, the Library Advisory Board, the Math Club, Model UN, the school newspaper The Opinator, the Action and Awareness Committee, the Outdoor Club and the Spanish Club. She served as a peer tutor, performed as a violinist with the Wyoming Seminary orchestra and was a member of the varsity cross-country team, serving as co-captain her senior year.

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