SDARJ honors Cape district students for excellence

The Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice recently honored select students at Love Creek Elementary, Mariner Middle and the Sussex Consortium for their exemplary leadership, effort and excellence.

Honorees were Cassidy Smith and Jordin Reddix at Love Creek, Kylee Powell and Tymhyne Matthews at Mariner, and Isaac Francois and Dwight Johnson at Sussex Consortium.

The students were recognized in a ceremony at their schools and received $20 gift cards to Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach.

As Leading Ladies of Love Creek members, both Cassidy and Jordin consistently model leadership through empathy, collaboration and service, their nominators said.

Cassidy’s teachers said she leads with kindness and respect, understanding the importance of lifting up others. She perseveres in her academic progress, and in the way she carries herself as a learner and leader. She approaches challenges with determination, reflecting a strong work ethic and a commitment to personal improvement.

Jordin’s teachers said she approaches her academic work with focus and persistence, showing a strong commitment to growth and understanding. As a Spanish Immersion student, Jordin embraces the challenges of bilingual learning with determination and curiosity. She leads with respect, supporting others with compassion and understanding, listening thoughtfully, and offering encouragement when it is needed most.

Mariner Middle School educators said Kylee strives for excellence in every aspect of her life. A dedicated and high-achieving student, Kylee is enrolled in Academic Challenge math and English language arts classes at Delaware Technical Community College.

Demonstrating her ability to manage time wisely, Kylee is a member of the volleyball and basketball teams, and an outstanding track star. She has been a Spanish immersion student since kindergarten and is an active member of the National Junior Honor Society.

Tymhyne’s nominators said he stands out as an all-around great student who leads by example and makes a positive impact every day at Mariner Middle School, where he consistently demonstrates strong character, leadership and responsibility. Tymhyne’s activities include serving on the Junior Justice League, where he helps promote fairness and leadership among his peers, and serving as a student council officer, taking an active role in representing his classmates and helping to improve the school environment. 

Also a committed student-athlete, Tymhyne plays both football and basketball, and he has earned the role of team captain through his teamwork, strong work ethic and ability to motivate others. Tymhyne is known for his respectful attitude and commitment to doing his best both academically and socially

Sussex Consortium educators said both Isaac and Dwight have shown increased independence in completing academic tasks, following classroom routines and utilizing supportive technology appropriately. Making steady progress toward their individual goals, both students have demonstrated improvement in their ability to engage in structured activities, participate in small-group instruction and remain focused for extended periods. Their nominators said Isaac and Dwight have also made positive strides in communication and social interactions with both peers and staff. Both students have grown in confidence as they experience success, and they consistently demonstrate effort, resilience and a willingness to learn.

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