The Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice recently honored Shawnette Bree Owusu, a preschool student at Little Vikings, and Sussex Consortium student Jeremyah Hopkins. 

Shawnette Bree is always excited to see her friends and teachers at school each day. She is kind and patient with peers and staff. Shawnette Bree is eager to learn and follows classroom directions well. During read-alouds, she is often able to make connections and share experiences from home that relate to the stories. It is exciting to watch Shawnette Bree grow and learn every day, teachers say.

Jeremyah is a new student to Sussex Consortium as of this fall and has adjusted very well. He is great at navigating the school and often waves to others as he passes. Jeremyah does well performing domestic tasks in an apartment classroom, such as loading the dishwasher and folding laundry. 

Jeremyah also enjoys being active during physical education class, going on walks around the pond, swimming in the pool and swinging. He has a very large and expressive vocabulary, and often uses his speech-generating device to express his needs and wants. Jeremyah enjoys keeping up with his personal hygiene skills, such as brushing his teeth and taking showers. He has had a great start at Sussex Consortium. The Consortium is thankful to have him as a student, and staff all know he has a bright future ahead.

Accompanied by school staff, Shawnette Bree and Jeremyah were honored in a ceremony at the school, with each receiving a $20 gift card from SDARJ.

SDARJ initiated the African American Achievement Award to recognize students who represent the ideals of leadership, effort, and excellence in their schools. Students from each school in the Cape Henlopen and Indian River school districts are recognized throughout the school year. SDARJ is a nonpartisan organization that educates, informs, and advocates for racial justice, equality, and fair opportunity. For more information, go to sdarj.org.