School board honors Cape High substitutes

The Cape Henlopen school board recognized Cape High substitutes Kerry Sweigert and James VanSciver at its monthly meeting Sept. 28.

School board member Janet Maull-Martin said that Sweigert has been a long-term substitute and a consistent daily substitute, reporting every day to fill whatever need the school has, whether as a physical education teacher, science teacher, hall paraprofessional and everything in between. 

“He is dependable and reliable, missing only one school day over the last four years, and that was for his daughter’s graduation,” Maull-Martin said. 

VanSciver has been a consistent substitute for four years, Maull-Martin said, having served as a long-term substitute for at least six teachers in the building and is currently serving in a multilingual learners substitute position. 

“His strength is building relationships with students and our community,” Maull-Martin said. “He celebrates students’ academic and extracurricular talents, being spotted at sporting events, performing arts events and graduation. Last year, a student asked if they could nominate him as a Teacher of the Year candidate.”

Superintendent Bob Fulton said students recognize what Sweigert and VanSciver bring to the table, and it is invaluable.

“The two of you – we’re very fortunate to have you,” Fulton said. “You can always tell when someone is really good at what they do because kids gravitate to you all. They respect you and they depend upon you – they really do. You’re part of their life.”