School employees who support the mental health of Delaware students are being recognized for their work.

The state will name its 2025 Delaware Behavioral Health Professional of the Year at a statewide celebration on Monday, May 19th. Delaware’s districts and the Delaware Charter School Network named local Behavioral Health Professionals of the Year for 2025. Following an application and interview process, one will be named the state honoree.

The Delaware State Behavioral Health Professional of the Year (BHPOY) program is administered by the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE). The program recognizes outstanding service by school employees who are health care practitioners or human service providers who offer services for the purpose of improving an individual’s mental health. The Delaware Charter School Network also is invited to participate. Employees considered for the award include:

• School counselors
• School social workers
• Licensed clinical social workers
• School psychologists
• School nurses

 

From those nominated at a local level, one behavioral health professional of the year moves forward to represent each district or the charter school community in the state program. Each district/charter network honoree receives a $2,000 personal award from the professional’s district or charter school. The state program then chooses one person annually to serve as Delaware’s Behavioral Health Professional of the Year. State honorees receive an additional $3,000 personal award from the department as well as $5,000 to be used for the educational benefit of the state honoree’s students.

The 2025 District/Charter Behavioral Health Professionals of the Year are:

• Appoquinimink School District: Ingrid Carr, school psychologist, Cantwell’s Bridge Middle School
• Brandywine School District: Stefanie Stiefel, school counselor, Talley Middle School
• Caesar Rodney School District: Sarah Mouhtarim, mental health counselor, Caesar Rodney High School
• Cape Henlopen School District: Sandra Concors, board certified behavior analyst, Sussex Consortium
• Capital School District: Krystal Little, school nurse, East Dover Elementary School
• Christina School District: Amber Logan, school counselor, West Park Place Elementary School
• Colonial School District: Tanya Aviola, school counselor, New Castle Elementary School
• Delaware Charter School Network: Juliane Hein, school counselor, Sussex Academy Elementary School
• Delmar School District: Sally Irwin, school nurse, Delmar Middle/Senior High School
• Indian River School District: Michelle C. Mitchell, school counselor, Southern Delaware School of the Arts
• Lake Forest School District: Keisha Baynard, school counselor, W.T. Chipman Middle School
• Laurel School District: Jamie Reynolds, school counselor, Laurel High School
• Milford School District: Lisa Caccamise, school psychologist, Milford High School
• New Castle County Vo-Tech School District: Ryan Hawthorne, school counselor, Delcastle Technical High School
• POLYTECH School District: Sean Kenney, school counselor, POLYTECH High School
• Red Clay Consolidated School District: Jaclyn Durant, school social worker, Richey Elementary School
• Seaford School District: Julianne Lodowski, school nurse, West Seaford Elementary School
• Smyrna School District: Rosemarie Tiberi, school counselor, Smyrna High School
• Sussex County Vocational Technical School District: Tonya James, school counselor, Sussex Technical High School
• Woodbridge School District: Mallory McConnell, school psychologist, Woodbridge Middle School

 

The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) will livestream the May 19th event following the dinner portion of the night. The livestream should start around 7:15 p.m. and will be visible on DDOE’s YouTube page and shared to DDOE’s facebook page.

Find photos of the 2025 honorees online here.

 

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006

Delaware Secretary of Education Cynthia “Cindy” Marten has chosen two experienced education leaders to help prepare for the first major overhaul of the state funding formula in more than 75 years. In her first senior staff appointments since taking office, Secretary Marten named Denise Carter as Deputy Secretary for Strategic Initiatives and Adam Schott as Associate Secretary for Student Support. Both are career public servants with extensive regional and national experience.

 

“The shift to a student-centered funding formula is a top priority for our Administration, and I have been impressed with the dramatic progress the Public Education Finance Committee is making in that direction, under the leadership of State Sen. Laura Sturgeon,” said Secretary Marten. “The appointment of Deputy Secretary Carter and Associate Secretary Schott will ensure our department is prepared to help schools implement the final program approved by the Legislature and signed by Governor Meyer.”

 

Carter is an experienced government efficiency and innovation leader, known most recently for leading significant organizational and information technology changes at the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid office which led to significant improvements in the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid implementation for approximately 17 million users. She previously led the U.S. Department of Education’s core operations, including finance, financial systems, acquisitions, grants, security, real property, and human resources, supporting the department’s 4,200 federal employees and 30,000 contractors. For her more than 30 years supporting and leading federal operations, Carter received the Meritorious Presidential Rank Award in recognition for her work in achieving successful outcomes.

 

Associate Secretary for Student Support Adam Schott is also an expert on education finance, who has dedicated his career to serving students by strengthening schools. A leader in the Pennsylvania Department of Education and on the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, Adam served most recently as the principal deputy assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Education, where he played a key role in implementing the American Rescue Plan’s $122 billion education relief fund. Schott has also served as a school board member for the School District of Lancaster and has degrees from Pennsylvania State University and Harvard University.

 

“The Delaware Department of Education is fortunate to have so many strong leaders, who are committed to providing our students with the opportunities they deserve,” said Secretary Marten. “I’m grateful so many national and regional leaders are prepared to support our efforts by bringing their experience to the First State.”

 

Deputy Secretary Carter has started her new position this week. Associate Secretary Schott began work last month.

 

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006

Ten Delaware schools have earned the Purple Star School designation, recognizing them for their commitment to supporting the unique educational and social-emotional needs of military-connected children.

The 2025 recipients are Caesar Rodney School District’s Allen Frear Elementary, David E. Robinson Elementary, Major George S. Welch Elementary, Nellie Stokes Elementary and Star Hill Elementary as well as Lake Forest School District’s Lake Forest Central Elementary, Lake Forest East Elementary, Lake Forest North Elementary, Lake Forest South Elementary and W.T. Chipman Middle.

The schools will be honored this afternoon when Governor Matt Meyer also signs a proclamation recognizing April as the Month of the Military Child. The Month of the Military Child is a national recognition of the sacrifices military-connected children make so their families can serve our country.

Jennifer Davis, Delaware commissioner for the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission, said, “Military members’ children make sacrifices just like their parents and caregivers, missing time with their loved ones when they are deployed overseas and sometimes making frequent school transitions when their families’ military stations change.

“These children face challenges and have needs unique to their non-military peers. I thank these schools for recognizing the hardships and seeking ways to better support these students,” Davis said.

For example, at Frear Elementary School, a school counselor facilitates specialized peer-to-peer support groups designed to assist students coping with parental deployment or adjusting to new environments.

“These groups provide a safe space for students to share experiences, develop coping strategies, and build supportive peer relationships,” the school said in its application.

W.T. Chipman Middle said in its application that by implementing structured transition programs, peer mentorship, dedicated staff support, and ongoing professional development, Chipman creates a school culture that values and understands the needs of military-connected families.

“Through targeted resources, personalized outreach, and active family engagement, W.T. Chipman is dedicated to easing transitions, promoting stability, and ensuring that every military-connected student feels a sense of belonging,” the school said.

To be designated as a Purple Star School, the school must designate a staff member to serve as a military liaison to: identify military-connected youth, serve as a contact between the school and their families, determine appropriate school services for the children and help coordinate school programs relevant to military-connected youth. In addition to participating in training on how to support the military-connected families with the specific challenges they face, the liaison also must conduct school-wide professional development to inform all staff of the unique needs of military-connected students and available resources.

Delaware Purple Star Schools also must have designated web pages with resources and information relevant to military-connected families and establish a transition program for youth. The school also must show support for military-connected children and their families through a recognition event or other support programs.

Delaware’s Purple Star designation is valid for three years.

 

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006

 

Secretary of Education Cindy Marten has recognized 96 public school students from the Class of 2025 as Secretary of Education Scholars.

Gov. Matt Meyer and other state leaders joined Marten last night to celebrate the students during a dinner in Dover.

“These students are leaders in and out of the classroom,” Marten said. “They are excelling — often in college-level courses — while leading school clubs, musical ensembles, sports teams and community service projects. They balance their studies while working part-time and volunteering in their communities. I was inspired by each and every one of them last night. I especially loved hearing their self-reflections on what inspired their success, which often pointed to the family members, educators and peers who supported them.”

Check out this video showcasing the students and those self-reflections.

The scholars also are being recognized on a website to showcase their outstanding achievements. The website includes photographs, principal nomination statements and student narrative statements as submitted by the students.

The state has named Secretary of Education Scholars every year since 1984. The number of scholars from each school is based on enrollment. Principals nominate the students based on their academic records, school leadership and community service.

 

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006

More than 40 employees receive recognition for their artistic excellence

 

Dover, Del. (March 24, 2025) – Creativity and artistic expression were on full display at the 14th Annual Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition, where employees and their families shared their talents with the community. Hosted by the Delaware Division of the Arts, this highly anticipated exhibition ran from February 25 – March 21, 2025, at the Arts Center/Gallery at Delaware State University in Dover. With an impressive 209 submissions from State of Delaware employees and their immediate family members, the exhibition provided a platform to celebrate creativity, recognize artistic excellence, and highlight the diverse talents within the state workforce.

The winners were officially announced on March 9, 2025, at a special awards ceremony held at the Delaware State University Arts Center/Gallery. The event drew an audience of 300 attendees, including state employees, family members, and community supporters. Attendees heard from Governor Matt Meyer, Secretary of Human Resources Yvonne Anders-Gordon, Delaware Division of the Arts Director Jessica Ball, and Deputy Director Kristin Pleasanton, who all shared inspiring remarks about the importance of the arts in fostering creativity, connection, and innovation within the state workforce.

“This exhibition is a testament to the immense creativity within Delaware’s state workforce and their families,” said Jessica Ball, Director of the Delaware Division of the Arts. “Art has the power to inspire, connect, and strengthen communities, and it’s wonderful to see how these employees bring that creativity into their professional and personal lives.”

“Providing an opportunity for state employees and their families to showcase their creative work fosters an appreciation for the arts in unexpected places,” said Kristin Pleasanton, Deputy Director of the Delaware Division of the Arts. “The enthusiasm and talent on display this year were truly inspiring, and we are honored to celebrate these artists.”

The exhibition was more than just a competition; it was a showcase of artistic passion and innovation. Through a range of mediums—painting, photography, sculpture, works on paper, craft, and mixed media—participants demonstrated the power of visual storytelling. Beyond the awards, the event fostered a sense of community, underscoring the importance of the arts in professional and personal life.

Submissions for the 15th Annual State Employee Art Exhibition will begin to be accepted in mid-December 2026.  For more information on next year’s deadlines (when posted), visit the Division’s website.

A gallery of winning artwork can be found here.

 

2025 Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition Winners:

(Click names to see their artwork)

 

Best of Show ($400): Brianna Shetzler, Department of Education, Clayton

Art Education Award ($200): Nawal Noon, Department of Education, Newark

 

People’s Choice Award:

Online: Kayleigh Vodvarka, Department of Education, Bridgeville

In-Person: Rick Slocum, Department of Health and Social Services, Smyrna

 

Special Awards:

Abstract: David Chambers, Voices (2024, Painting), Department of State, Smyrna

Landscape: Jung Marie Kim, Department of Education, Middletown

Monochrome: Cassie Hilliard, Department of Education, Magnolia

Pets: Sandra Henning, Department of Education, Frederica

Marine Life: Annabelle Taylor, Delaware Technical and Community College, Georgetown

Portrait: Sharif Sadiq, State Housing Authority, Seaford

 

Professional Category:

First Place ($350): Donald Doheny, Department of Education, Bridgeville

Second Place ($250): Cindy Morris, Department of Education, Hockessin

Third Place ($150): Sallyanne McLaughlin, Department of Education, Greenwood

Honorable Mentions: Caitlyn Rudolph (DOE, Vineland, NJ), Marciana Esteves (DHSS, Milford), Rick Burrow (DOE, Camden-Wyoming)

 

Intermediate Category:

First Place ($350): Elizabeth Chen, Department of Education, Middletown

Second Place ($250): Chloe Hannah, Department of Education, Camden

Third Place ($150): Michael L. Conlan Jr., Department of Health and Social Services, Wilmington

Honorable Mentions: Logan Farro (DHSS, Greenwood), Hyo Lee (DSU, Dover), Grume Abraham (DOT, Newark), Sydney Horton (OMB, Dover)

 

Amateur Category:

First Place ($350): Maureen McCambridge, Department of Education, Houston

Second Place ($250): Brady Lamers, Department of Finance, Middletown

Third Place ($150): Akane Miyazawa, Department of Education, Middletown

Honorable Mentions: Ben Ables (DOE, Georgetown), Ashley Jensen (DOE, Camden), Adenike Davidson (DSU, Dover)

 

Teen Category:

First Place ($150): Sophie Rissmiller, Department of Education, Coatesville, PA

Second Place ($100): Nathanael Taylor, Department of Education, Milton

Third Place ($50): Kendall Hill, Department of Education, Middletown

Honorable Mentions: Kamora Jones (DOT, Wilmington), Chase Puszkarczuk (DOE, Wilmington), Leah R. Cooper (DOF, Milford), Kaitlyn Ritts (DOE, Greenwood)

 

Youth Category:

First Place ($150): Elly Wendel, Department of Education, Wilmington

Second Place ($100): Leah Citron, Department of State, Wilmington

Third Place ($50): Izzabella West, DNREC, Camden

Honorable Mentions: Christopher Saxton Jr. (DNREC, Camden), Hannah Parnell (DOE, Wilmington), Norah Parnell (DOE, Wilmington), Sabrina Rambo (DNREC, Harrington)

 

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Contact: Andrew Truscott, Program Officer, Marketing and Communications

302-577-8280, andrew.truscott@delaware.gov

About the Delaware Division of the Arts
The Delaware Division of the Arts is an agency of the State of Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Funding for Division programs is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

About the National Arts Program

At the National Arts Program, we empower organizations across the country to host art exhibitions that showcase the creativity of their employees and families. By fostering a strong and inclusive community that builds confidence, encourages risk-taking, and values self-expression, we grow and strengthen workplaces and communities. We ensure that creativity is recognized and validated, sometimes for the first time, with prizes, scholarships, and awards programs. Learn more at https://nationalartsprogram.org/.