Sussex Academy educators recognized by Center for Inland Bays

Sussex Academy educators were honored by the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays at its Annual Friends of the Bays Award & Volunteer Appreciation event held Sept. 25, in the Susan K. Ball Education Center at the James Farm Ecological Preserve.

Dean of Elementary Connie Hendricks and elementary science teacher Don Ott were presented with the Friends of the Bays Young Stewards Award, the center's top recognition presented to individuals and organizations that have positively impacted the center's mission.

Hendricks said Sussex Academy elementary’s dynamic partnership with the center deepens its commitment to environmental education and sustainability. She described it as a collaboration that goes beyond traditional field trips, integrating the center’s expertise directly into Sussex Academy’s curriculum and campus initiatives.

“Our students regularly visit the James Farm Ecological Preserve, a key center location, to engage in hands-on learning about the health of the Inland Bays and local ecosystems,” Hendricks said. “These field trips provide students with a direct understanding of their natural environment, connecting classroom lessons to real-world conservation efforts.”

In a move to enhance its sustainability efforts, Hendricks said Sussex Academy has also partnered with the center to bring environmental expertise directly to its campus. Center professionals have been instrumental in consulting on school-wide sustainability projects and have presented at school events including Science Night, where they shared valuable insights with students, staff and the community.

Ott said, "The Center for the Inland Bays is instrumental in helping students connect their daily actions — from waste management to preventing pollution — directly to the health of our environment and the future of the Inland Bays."