Pa. field raises ire for ‘kids for cash’ name
KINGSTON, Pa. (AP) – Dedication ceremonies for a prep school’s newly renovated athletic stadium are canceled following complaints about a name connection to the so-called “kids for cash” scandal in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Wyoming Seminary in Kingston named the refurbished athletic facilities “Mericle Field” on the scoreboard, wall signs and a plaque.
Critics call it a tribute to real estate developer Robert Mericle, who prosecutors say paid $2.1 million in kickbacks to former Luzerne County judges who placed kids in two for-profit juvenile detention centers his construction firm built.
The elite prep school said the signs were honoring Mericle family members who’ve financially supported it for years – not the convicted felon.
The signs are coming down and school officials say Saturday’s dedication is canceled. Varsity and alumni soccer games will be held as scheduled.