Cape honors teacher of the year, retirees

Cape Henlopen School District officials recognized retiring employees and the district teacher of the year at an April 29 banquet at Atlantic Sands.

Shields Elementary teacher Brennan Clarke was named Cape’s 2020 district teacher of the year. Clarke will compete for state honors in October.

As an English as a Second Language teacher, Clarke works closely with the school’s English learners, who are predominantly Hispanic. Having taught English in four other countries, Clarke’s global perspective allows him to build respectful and positive relationships with his students and their families.

Shields Elementary Principal Kimberly Corbidge said Clarke is a loyal advocate for all children.

“Brennan not only is loyal to his students and their families, but to all students at Shields as well as the staff and the Cape community,” Corbidge said. “Our English Language Learners, their families and our staff are extremely lucky to have Brennan as part of our family.”

Clarke also engages in community outreach programs through local organization La Colectiva and creates school events such as Unidad en la Comunidad to build connections that support the county’s Latino community.

Cape Assistant Superintendent Jenny Nauman said although Clarke is pursuing an advanced degree, he still finds time to volunteer coach for Let Me Run, a running program that teaches boys good citizenship and how to stay active.

“In Cape we talk about going the extra mile, and Mr. Clarke exemplifies this phrase!” Nauman said. “He works tirelessly with his ELL students and their families to provide the best education for them. We are honored to have Brennan as our 2020 Cape Teacher of the Year.”

Retiring staff members received the Abraxas print “Beacon to the Cape” in recognition of their years of service to the district.

Patti Seabolt, Joan Williamson, Sherri Cook, Suzanne McKone, Deborah Sipple, Paul (PB) Rogers, Susan Anderson, Linda Betins, Terri Whitacre, Dave Carnavale, Laura Carter, Sandra Davis, Debra Dukes, Daniel Kimmel, Mary Marshall, George Moore, Dolores Salyards, Deborah Sharp and Matt Verderame were honored for their years of service.