Delawareans are showing off their skills.
From the launch of a first-ever statewide esports program, to state championship titles in a cyber defense competition, to more than 20 students nominated to United States Service Academies – the list of student achievement goes on. And, looking at educators, one charter school is kicking off a “Wall of Honor” with two founding administrators who “were critical in helping us become who we are today.”
In this weekly roundup, we’ll catch you up on these and other updates you may have missed.
(Did we miss another good education story? Let me know: kepowers@gannett.com)
Esports. It’s in the First State
Delaware is launching a statewide esports program for K-12 students, according to the Delaware Department of Education, in aims to “foster teamwork, critical thinking and STEM skills through competitive scholastic sports.”
The state Education Department is partnering with local universities – Delaware State University, Goldey-Beacom College, University of Delaware and Wilmington University – and Delaware-based esports organization, Futures First Gaming. Since its 2020 founding, the organization has hosted local gaming tournaments, competitive leagues, a mix of in-person and virtual events and more to inspire careers in the gaming industry.
Now, a statewide program starts this month.
It will first feature virtual competitions during the winter and spring seasons, the department said in a press release last week, culminating in March and April with in-person championship invitationals hosted at each participating institution. Five esports titles look to provide an array of challenges for students at different skill levels.
It’s more than just gaming. This program looks to connect students to local universities, sharpen skills and expose them to campuses, opportunities and potential career paths.
“We are excited to bring such a dynamic program to Delaware’s students,” said one partner in University of Delaware’s Esports Coordinator and Head Coach Kiernan Ensor in a statement. “We hope to encourage more students to consider higher education and explore the growing esports field by hosting these championships.”
Who is Future First Gaming? Look back:The rise of esports and how virtual worlds are taking over Delaware one game at a time
First State Military Academy students named state camps in cybersecurity competition
In the nation’s largest cyber defense competition, high school students are put to the test of securing virtual networks.
That’s the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, or the core fixture of the National Youth Cyber Education Program aiming to inspire K-12 students toward careers in cybersecurity or other STEM areas.
And at the state level, First State Military Academy just cleaned up, with two state champion titles. Team “BEAR” was named Delaware’s overall State Champion in all categories, in the Gold Division, while team “SemperSec” secured its spot as the champion in the Silver Division. Next up are the semi-finals later this month.
The charter school gave shoutouts to cadets landing the wins. Gavin Thompson, Kaylee Hogan, James Haas, David Moses and Onna Crowley worked on team BEAR, while SemperSec was led by Evelynne Baker, Amaure Hendley, Angela Toby and Olivia Wilson.
Their eyes could be on nationals.
High school sports:Ranking Delaware’s best high school wrestlers: 37 through 72
Newark Charter School lifts first names to ‘Wall of Honor’
Newark Charter School is honoring its own.
The K-12 outfit in New Castle County is celebrating its inaugural inductees to the “Newark Charter School Wall of Honor.” And the first names were critical to the school’s founding: Gregory Meece Sr. and Jimmie Slagle.
Meece was the founding school director in 2001 and held the role for nearly two decades. He watched the school bloom from 450 students in temporary trailers to more than 2,000 strong, Newark Charter School said in its announcement. From students to staff, the school credited Meece to fostering a culture of “respect, leadership, kindness and motivation.”
Slagle came in 2003. He worked as the first director of facilities until 2023, which means he led the school through an expansion of three new buildings, an athletic stadium, a performance art center and more across campuses. He left the public charter school as “one of the most admired” facilities in Delaware, according to Newark Charter.
These men will be honored on March 28. A public event begins at 6 p.m., in the Otello Meucci Performing Arts Center.
Delaware sports:Less hitting, more running: Delaware HS players, coaches transition from football to basketball
Newly minted Sen. Blunt Rochester names 23 students to US service academies
In one of her last acts from the House of Representatives, now-U.S. Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester nominated 23 Delaware students into United States Service Academies on Dec. 30.
These future Class of 2029 members are headed to West Point, Navy, Air Force and Merchant Marine academies. Each had to meet with selection panels in hopes to land such a nomination. Now, they just need to be accepted by the schools themselves.
“Each of these outstanding students has demonstrated extraordinary leadership skills, strong moral character, and a passion for service,” Blunt Rochester said in a statement. “I am incredibly proud that they are one step closer to having the opportunity to represent our state and nation at one of our prestigious service academies.”
This may have been her last round of nominations as as Delaware’s congresswoman, but the senator looks forward to continuing the tradition.
United States Military Academy in West Point, New York:
- Leah Norton of Claymont DE, Brandywine High School
- Cade Donnelly of Frankford, Indian River High School
- Corinne Nolan of Hockessin, Sanford School
- Brian Alleyne of Wilmington, Salesianum School
- Jacob Massey of Frankford, Indian River High School
- Mckenna Dileen of Wilmington, Delaware Military Academy
- Brianna Hammond of Felton, Lake Forest High School
- Alaina Glaviano of Newark, Delaware Military Academy
- Elyse Fuller of Camden-Wyoming, Polytech High School
- Makinley Stuart of Camden-Wyoming, Caesar Rodney High School
- John Chakwin of Middletown, Delaware Military Academy
- Bailey Hainsworth of Historic New Castle, Delaware Military Academy
- Tyler Messick of Hockessin, Conrad Schools of Science
- Nicholas Gioia of Wilmington, Salesianum School
- Mason Fyock of Lewes, Cape Henlopen High School
- Alexander Bauer of Felton, Milford High School
United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland:
- Leah Norton of Claymont, Brandywine High School
- Jacob Girard of Wilmington, Salesianum School
- Jacob Massey of Frankford, Indian River High School
- Luke Housey of Wilmington, Salesianum School
- Mckenna Dileen of Wilmington, Delaware Military Academy
- Brianna Hammond of Felton, Lake Forest High School
- Alaina Glaviano of Newark, Delaware Military Academy
- Elyse Fuller of Camden-Wyoming, Polytech High School
- Makinley Stuart of Camden-Wyoming, Caesar Rodney High School
- John Chakwin of Middletown, Delaware Military Academy
- Bailey Hainsworth of Historic New Castle, Delaware Military Academy
- Tyler Messick of Hockessin, Conrad School of Science
- Nicholas Gioia of Wilmington, Salesianum School
- Mason Fyock of Lewes, Cape Henlopen High School
- Christian Wittmeyer of Middletown, Archmere Academy
United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado:
- Leah Norton of Claymont, Brandywine High School
- Cade Donnelly of Frankford, Indian River High School
- Jacob Girard of Wilmington, Salesianum School
- Timothy Hammack of Magnolia, Caesar Rodney High School
- Elyse Fuller of Camden-Wyoming, Polytech High School
- Makinley Stuart of Camden-Wyoming, Caesar Rodney High School
- John Chakwin of Middletown, Delaware Military Academy
- Bailey Hainsworth of Historic New Castle, Delaware Military Academy
United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York:
- Leah Norton of Claymont, Brandywine High School
- Kieran Morrisey of Rehoboth Beach, Cape Henlopen High School
- Mckenna Dileen of Wilmington, Delaware Military Academy
- Brianna Hammond of Felton, Lake Forest High School
- Makinley Stuart of Camden-Wyoming, Caesar Rodney High School
- John Chakwin of Middletown, Delaware Military Academy
- Bailey Hainsworth of New Castle, Delaware Military Academy
- Christian Wittmeyer of Middletown, Archmere Academy
- Mason Fyock of Lewes, Cape Henlopen High School
- Jacob Wojciechowski of Newark, Caravel Academy
- John Beers of Dagsboro, Massanutter Academy
Got a story? Kelly Powers covers race, culture and equity for Delaware Online/The News Journal and USA TODAY Network Northeast, with a focus on education. Contact her at kepowers@gannett.com or (231) 622-2191, and follow her on X @kpowers01.
