Share: 

Irish dancers entertain, educate students at Sussex Academy

Students from the McAleer-Paulson School of Irish Dance perform at Sussex Academy Elementary School for St. Patrick’s Day. Shown in back are (l-r) Patrick Keller, Lilly Keller, Lucy Keller, Adalynn Hughey, Caroline Mitchell, Claire Denham, Madeline Mitchell and Fiona Nehrbas. In front are Micah Denham, Evelyn Denham and Cecilia Bartels-Bernard. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
March 17, 2026

Eleven Sussex Academy students who attend the McAleer-Paulson School of Irish Dance performed during a St. Patrick’s Day-themed assembly at the elementary school March 13. 

“It’s an annual assembly in March,” said Dean of Elementary Connie Hendricks. “Our elementary students are in awe of their talent and skill. It’s a nice way to celebrate students’ outside interests.”

McAleer-Paulson has three locations in Delaware and all of these dancers attend in Lewes.
 
Sussex Academy Elementary School students enjoy the McAleer-Paulson School of Irish Dance at their St. Patrick’s Day assembly. Shown are Claire Denham, Lucy Keller, Evelyn Denham, Patrick Keller, Micah Denham, Lilly Keller, Madeline Mitchell, Adalynn Hughey, Caroline Mitchell and Fiona Nehrbas. Missing from the picture is Cecilia Bartels-Bernard.
Caroline, 14, and Madeline Mitchell, 14, perform a Irish partner dance.
Cecilia Bartels-Bernard and Adalynn Hughey lead a pair dance.
Claire Denham, 15, performs an Irish dance for the students at Sussex Academy.
Cecilia Bartels-Bernard, 9, makes a jump during her dance solo.
Evelyn, 8, and Micah Denham, 8, perform a dance.
Adalynn Hughey, 14, makes a jump during her solo dance.
Fiona Nehrbas, 12, makes a jump during her solo.

Most Popular

Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

Most Popular