Sussex Academy educators fêted at IDEA Awards banquet

Several Sussex Academy educators and students were recognized at the Delaware Charter Schools Network annual IDEA Awards banquet held May 8 at King Cole Farm in Dover.

The DCSN Innovation, Dedication, Education and Admiration Awards recognize the dedication and hard work of charter school community members, including teachers, students, leaders, legislators, parents and community members.

Sussex Academy Dean of Elementary Connie Hendricks received the Impact Too Award.

“I think charter schools have a responsibility to think outside the box,” Hendricks said. “I love that we get to be different, and I think the students embrace that.”

School counselor Juliane Hein and teacher Don Ott nominated Hendricks for the award. Ott said, “[Hendricks] has been instrumental in fostering a school culture that deeply values both academic rigor and a profound connection with the natural world.”

Hendricks received her master’s degree in elementary education and her bachelor’s degree in human resource management from Wilmington University. Before moving to the Milton area about 20 years ago, she previously taught in the New Castle County area.

Sussex Academy award nominees include sixth-grader Mikaela Walls, Dedication Individual Award (K-8); teacher Don Ott, Innovation Individual Award (K-8); teacher Sarah Dina, Dedication Individual Award (K-8); teacher Jessica Love, Innovation Individual Award (K-8); volunteer Joan Caputo, Cornerstone Award; Director of Secondary Student Services & Operations Sherry MacBury, Impact Award; and Head of School Kyle Bentley, Impact Award.

Junior Kimi Langroudi served as an ambassador to the DCSN, helping to plan and run the awards banquet.