Sussex Academy

06/03/2026

Congratulations to graduating seniors Victoria Evans and Katya Geyer, who each received a $5,000 award from the American Association of University Women Coastal-Georgetown during the organization’s scholarship luncheon.

The application-based award was application-based on an essay in which students had to describe a new school course or extracurricular program that would effectively teach media literacy, what that program would include and why it would be successful in preparing students to identify misinformation.

In addition to an effective essay, successful applicants also needed to have a GPA of 3.0 and above, hold a leadership position within a committee or sport, and demonstrate community service through volunteerism, activities or employment.

06/03/2026

Congratulations to Sussex Academy Class of 2026 graduating senior Sarah Lester-Stranick, who was awarded a Wakefern/ShopRite First Tee Scholarship at the LPGA ShopRite Classic!

Sarah is a coach with First Tee Delaware and an advocate for expanding girls’ golf opportunities in Delaware. She has been active in advancing the DIAA girls’ golf pilot, which is expected to launch in Fall 2026, and encourages girls of all experience levels to get out, pick up a club, and play.

Students interested in girls’ golf are encouraged to attend the Girls Golf interest meeting at Sussex Academy tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. in the cafetorium and to explore girls’ golf opportunities and events through First Tee Delaware.

Congratulations, Sarah — and thank you to Wakefern/ShopRite, the LPGA ShopRite Classic, and First Tee Delaware for supporting Sarah’s golf journey, leadership, and advocacy. ⛳🏆

Sarah is pictured with ShopRite Classic champion Celine Boutier, Wakefern President Mike Stigers and his wife Renee Stigers, Wakefern Chief Sales Officer Darren Caudill, and fellow Wakefern/ShopRite First Tee scholarship awardees from across the Northeast.

06/03/2026

Junior Biloxi Buffington was recently recognized for her commitment to leadership, advocacy and community engagement through her participation in the Speak Out Against Hate Delaware Chapter Youth Ambassador Leadership Internship.

The year-long internship provides high school students with opportunities to develop leadership skills while promoting social justice, inclusion and positive change.

At the organization's annual awards ceremony, Buffington received a $500 stipend in recognition of her dedication and contributions.

“Biloxi's dedication to service, leadership, and inclusion reflects the values we strive to instill in all Sussex Academy students,” said Sussex County Mental Health Counselor Channel Chaplin.

Buffington's recognition highlights the positive impact student leaders can have within their schools and throughout the Sussex County community.

On May 29, Buffington spent the morning at Sussex Academy Elementary, completing her community service project with second-grade students.

“I thought of this project because I realized that hate is simply the absence of love,” said Buffington. “I wanted to plant seeds of kindness and empower students to be kind to one another. My hope is that these lessons will inspire them to uplift and support each other throughout their lives.”

During the event, Buffington read “The Recess Queen" by Alexis O’Neill and led a discussion about the story’s message of kindness, inclusion and empathy. Following the reading, students reflected on their own strengths and positive qualities.

Students then added their notes to a poster titled, “I pledge to lead with kindness—like true royalty, lifting others up, welcoming everyone, and making my community a place where everyone belongs.”

At the conclusion of the activity, each student received a “royalty crown,” symbolizing that kindness is one of the greatest gifts we can give to others.

“At Sussex Academy, we believe that leadership begins with service and compassion,” Chaplin said. “Biloxi's project embodies our mission by encouraging students to build a community where everyone feels valued, respected, and included.

06/02/2026

Congratulations to sophomore Lauren Pieshala, one of three rising high school juniors chosen by the Delaware Electric Cooperative to attend the 2026 Youth Tour this summer.

“I will join more than 1,800 students from across the country in Washington, D.C., where I’ll learn about co-ops, leadership and democracy all while sightseeing and making lifelong friendships,” Pieshala said. “I will also meet with government officials.”

Pieshala, whose family belongs to the cooperative, said she thought participating in the event would be a great opportunity after reading about it in the cooperative’s monthly newsletter. So, she applied and was accepted to the nationally recognized program.

The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour is a leadership opportunity for rural high school students served by the cooperative. It is coordinated by Virginia, Maryland and Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

As a delegate, Pieshala will develop leadership skills through workshops and real-world experiences as she connects with peers, experiences the area’s monuments and museums, and learns how electric cooperatives support rural communities.

“Right now I am also applying to be the one representative of Delaware Electric to represent at the national level,” Pieshala said.

06/02/2026

Each year, seniors have the opportunity to enroll in the Library Aide course, where they gain firsthand experience in the many functions of a school library while serving students, teachers, and members of the school community.

This year, Caroline Adamcik, Emma Feagans, Giovana Miranda, Carolyn Reese, Chase Ryan, and Debora Williams distinguished themselves through their exceptional commitment, reliability, and service. Their contributions helped make the library a welcoming, efficient, and well-organized space for everyone who walked through its doors.

From copying papers, laminating, helping others find what they need, shelving books, keeping supplies stocked, placing books on hold for others, scheduling rooms for use, showcasing new book releases, assisting with the copy machine, covering books, checking out items to those in need, and tackling countless behind-the-scenes tasks, their efforts are greatly appreciated.

We are deeply grateful for all they have done this year. Their dedication, kindness, and dependability will be greatly missed. We wish Caroline, Emma, Giovana, Carolyn, Chase, and Debora every success and happiness as they begin the next exciting chapter of their lives.

06/02/2026

We are requesting help from our Seahawk community for items for our Graduation Breakfast and Senior Awards Ceremony.

If you can assist, please review the attached link to select an item to bring into school to Caron Norton no later than the end of the school day on Tuesday, June 2.

If you would like to donate, but cannot bring things in, you can still donate via PayPal or Venmo Amy Goodhue

Sign up here: http://signupgenius.com/.../70A0944ABA72DA6FF2-64313408...
Thank you!

06/01/2026

Sussex Academy students are enjoying an outdoor classroom and oasis, thanks to the work of their peers, juniors Juno Turner and Marissa Davis, and senior Caitlin Redick.

All three students are members of the school Student Government Association. The idea arose at the end of last school year, Marissa said.

“Some people have anxiety and don’t want to be in the cafeteria for lunch,” she said. “I wanted to help others. School can be a lot sometimes.”

Caitlin also wanted to do something to help Sussex Academy before she graduates in June, and Juno wanted to be part of a lasting legacy at the school. So, the three SGA members teamed up to form a committee and research outdoor table and chairs options that could be installed in a small outdoor area just outside the school cafeteria.

Juno, Marissa and Caitlin then developed a proposal, brought it to SGA for a vote, which passed. The group allocated funds raised by SGA and ordered the selected picnic tables and umbrellas which are now assembled and in use by classes, groups of students, and anyone in need of a seat.

“It was open to seniors first, and now everyone uses it,” Marissa said.

“Teachers appreciated it too,” Juno said. “Next year, we plan to add flower pots in our school colors.”

“It’s nice for kids to be able to come out here and get fresh air,” Caitlin said.

Students said they hope to add more features to the project next year, and want to include other school clubs in continuing to make the outdoor space a welcoming area for students.

06/01/2026

A reminder from our senior class!

06/01/2026

Sussex Academy Elementary students marked their last Friday assembly of the year by thanking the volunteers who have dedicated hours of their time helping the school.

Student leaders spoke about the parents, mentors and Read Aloud Delaware volunteers who make their day special by planning and fundraising for activities, mentoring, reading to them and assisting in the classroom.

High school student mentors Debora Williams, Katerine Amador and Annahbella Crisci, and mentor Lenny Truitt, were presented with gifts by their younger mentees. Read Aloud Delaware, classroom volunteer and parent volunteers Jo Ann Mondrus, Stacy Penaranda, David Smith, Mary Kay Williams, Joan Caputo, Rebecca Timmons and Paige Taylor each received special recognition from school leaders.

06/01/2026