13 Young People and 5 Groups to Be Honored with the Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards at May 24 Ceremony at Polytech

NEW CASTLE (May 22, 2017) – In recognition of their outstanding service to Delaware, Governor John Carney will honor 13 young people and five groups with the Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards during a ceremony May 24 at the Polytech Adult Education Conference Center in Woodside.

“Across the state, I am impressed by the level of commitment our young people have to serving others,” Governor Carney said. “I am proud to honor their energy, spirit and willingness as they help us to build stronger and healthier communities. Without question, they demonstrate that one person can make a difference in the lives of others.”

More than 200 people are expected to join the Governor in honoring the young volunteers for their outstanding service, community impact and inspiration to others. The event will begin with a reception at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and the ceremony starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and are available online.

“In a world in which technology can sometimes make us feel disconnected, these young people embrace the importance of human connection,” said Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services, which oversees the State Office of Volunteerism. “They understand the value of helping others, because they know it brings us closer together and enhances our collective sense of community. I join the Governor in thanking them for making volunteerism and helping others a priority in their communities.”

The 2017 award recipients participated in such diverse activities as assisting people with disabilities, educating peers, leading nature programs, supporting a fire company, coordinating blood drives and organizing fundraisers. They are representative of Delaware’s young people who are making a positive contribution to society, and inspiring others to do the same

“The recipients of Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards serve as role models by serving others and inspiring their peers to do something meaningful with their time,” said Georgeanna Windley, Chair of the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service.

The Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards are sponsored by the Office of the Governor and are coordinated by the State Office of Volunteerism and the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service.

2017 Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Award Winners

Individuals

Wei-Ling Moloy
Arts & Culture
Nominator: Angela Williamson

Wei-Ling Moloy is an active volunteer at Hagley Museum & Library, serving as a youth leader in its Youth Leadership Program (YLP) and as a camp counselor. As a youth leader, Wei-Ling facilitates and designs programs and activities related to Hagley’s stories of technology, science, and innovation. As a camp counselor, she supported the adult camp instructors by interacting with campers, assisting with activities, and maintaining the enjoyment and safety of campers. Beginning in 2014, as a shy, quiet volunteer, Wei-Ling has grown into a strong leader who is respected both by her fellow youth leaders and the adult mentors in the Hagley Museum & Library volunteer program.

Suprit Bodla
Community Service
Nominator: Jim Power

Since 2013, Suprit Bodla has volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America, Christiana Care Health System and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). He has organized a variety of fundraisers to benefit LLS and also to raise public awareness of the fight against blood cancer. Suprit is also a student mentor for the Science Ambassadors Program at the Charter School of Wilmington, where he, along with his peers, helped to organize a STEM tutoring program at Marbrook Elementary School and work with the Delaware Children’s Museum to provide science and match activities for Engineering Week.

Nadeem D. Boggerty
Community Service
Nominators: Adrienne Gomez

Dover High School honor student Nadeem D. Boggerty has been volunteering in his community for the past six years with his church, his school and through social organizations. One of the many organizations at which Nadeem volunteers is the Calvary Church in Dover, where he and his family help pack boxes and assist with dinner on Thanksgiving each year. Nadeem also participates in several social service organizations (the Omega Gents, a program steered by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; EMBODI, hosted by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; and BeB.O.L.D., a nonprofit youth mentoring organization in Dover) where he has helped feed the homeless, staff information tables at Back-to-School Fairs, toy drives, First State Community Day, and other activities that support the local community.

Sarah Davis
Education
Nominator: Michelle Neef

Fourteen-year-old Sarah Davis been volunteering with Faithful Friends Animal Society for four years. Sarah passionately promotes, educates and supports her community and has become a true leader and advocate for her generation. Furthermore, she displays great compassion while taking the initiative to ensure the safety of animals. Her tenacity has saved the lives of many dogs and cats, and improved the lives of neighbors who care for them. Sarah has provided long-term foster care to neonate kittens and delivered food from Faithful Friends Animal Society Pet Food Bank to pet owners with low incomes or those struggling in other ways to assist them in keeping their family pets in their home. She also rescued dogs and cats from perilous environments and has been instrumental for the Trap-Neuter-Return program, which works to reduce and improve the community cat population.

Cheyenne McGowan
Environment
Nominator: Emily Krueger

Cheyenne McGowan started with the Brandywine Zoo as a summer teen intern with its Zoo Camps during the summer of 2016. After the summer, she continued her volunteer efforts by signing up to help with various educational events at the zoo, including International Red Panda Day, Vulture Weekend, and Noon Year’s Eve. Her role for these events was educating the public at learning stations using animal artifacts, activities, or crafts. In addition, Cheyenne frequently came in to interpret the zoo’s animal exhibits to the public as a docent. Since she started volunteering a year ago, Cheyenne has helped educate hundreds of people at the zoo, which serves the greater Wilmington area, on different environmental topics, including climate change, animal adaptations, and specific animal facts.

Michael Robinette
Health & Special Needs
Nominator: Margaret Jenkins

Since 2013, Michael Robinette has volunteered with the Mary Campbell Center’s Children & Youth program. Mike works with more than 100 children each summer, in a variety of age groups with unique physical or intellectual disabilities. His responsibilities include assisting children in different activities throughout the day such as arts and crafts, games, swimming and cooking. Mike also supports staff with talent show planning and production. Additionally, he provides supervision and companionship for campers on field trips during the summer camp program. Mike gets to know the campers on a one-on-one level and is quick to learn their likes and dislikes, and when they need or want help.

Santiago Vizcaino
Health & Special Needs
Nominator: Richard Huber

Santiago Vizcaino began volunteering with the Delaware Division for the Visually Impaired in the summer of 2016. During his time with the agency, Santiago has provided assistance in producing resource material for students with visual impairments, assisting staff with departmental projects and developing training procedures for the organization. Beginning at the Instruction Resource Material Center, Santiago produced large-print reading material for students, which were provided to 247 students. He developed a process that allowed books to be converted to PDF format, which allows a student with a visual impairment to use an iPad or other electronic device to review the document via voice narration or zoom text option, depending on the individual student’s needs. In addition, Santiago helped to develop training procedures for other volunteers.

Joy Baker
Human Needs
Nominator: Joyce Sessoms

In 2016 alone, Joy Baker volunteered an estimated 200+ hours in a variety of capacities in the Delmar and Laurel communities. She serves on the Youth Board of Directors of The ARK Education Resource Center, volunteers at her church as an assistant to the program coordinator responsible for youth activities, and is a member of the National Honor Society. For ARK, Joy acts as a recruiter and fundraiser, and is also an active participant in ARK-sponsored events like the Back-to-School Extravaganza held in Janosik Park.

Katelyn Craft
Human Needs
Nominator: Emily Holcombe

In July 2016, Katelyn Craft began volunteering at Exceptional Care for Children (ECC), Delaware’s first and only nonprofit pediatric skilled nursing facility for children who are medically fragile. Through the Resident Playdate volunteer program, ECC is able to provide the residents the chance to interact with individuals who can offer something other than medical care. At age 14, Katy knew she wanted to bring smiles and joy to children who have extensive medical needs. She has spent more than 100 hours reading, playing games, watching movies, assisting with arts and crafts projects, or just spending quality time with children who have little family involvement. In addition, Katy volunteered her time assisting with special events and fundraisers, like the Gala Fundraiser and Visits with Santa.

Daevean DeShields
Human Needs
Nominator: Aaron Tyson

Following the inspiration of his grandfather, Daevean DeShields created Project HOOP, which stands for Helping Out Other People. The goal of Project HOOP was to fill 1,000 bags with supplies to be distributed to people who are homeless through Faith United Methodist Church’s Open Hands Sound & Clothing Ministry. After recruiting from his local and school community (including his school principal), Daevean was able to meet and surpass his goal with a remarkable 1,015 bags assembled.

Jakob Ryan Thomas
Public Safety
Nominator: Shirin Skovronski

For almost two years, Jakob Ryan Thomas has volunteered as a junior firefighter with the Mill Creek Fire Company. In 2016 alone, he responded to 488 calls of emergency responses to structure fires, motor vehicle crashes, medical assistance, and other miscellaneous calls, amassing more than 500 volunteer hours. Jakob’s actions assisted the community in multiple emergencies, which were often quite serious and dangerous in nature.

Richard Thomas
Public Safety
Nominator: Robert Bassett, Jr.

Richard Thomas has been a volunteer firefighter with Camden-Wyoming Fire Company for two years, assisting in more than 300 emergency situations such as car accidents and house fires. Richard also assists with teaching fire prevention to children. Despite his youth, Richard is well-respected at the fire company and is seen as a mentor for new firefighters.

Ananya Singh
Social Justice/Advocacy
Nominator: Meghan Pasricha

For the past nine years, Ananya Singh has been a member of the Global Youth H.E.L.P. Inc. (GYH), a Delaware nonprofit whose mission is to train and support young people to become leaders by serving their communities through community service projects. Ananya served first as president of the middle school chapter and is currently chair of the high school chapter. Her time and efforts have been vital for many different community service projects, including the Annual Backpack Donation for the YWCA Home-Life Center, the Christmas Hygiene Product Donation, the Annual Ice Cream Party for the YWCA Home-Life Center and the Premier Charities Feeding the Homeless. She also has taught English and karate to younger children.

Groups

Greater Milford Boys & Girls Club
Arts & Culture
Nominator: Kenny Monroe

Following the devastation of Hurricane Matthew (Sept. 28-Oct. 10, 2016) in the Caribbean, the Teen TITAN program members of the Greater Milford Boys & Girls Club developed the “Hope for Haiti Donation Drive.” In a relatively short time, the Team Titan program members spent 400 hours collecting clothing, toiletries, bottled water, educational material and other items. More than 300 items filled more than 10 boxes and were sent to the people in Haiti to be used as they began to rebuild and recover from the effects of Hurricane Matthew.

Cape Henlopen High School Army Junior Reserve Officers Training Program
Community Service
Nominator: Angela Thompson

For 10 continuous years, the participants of the Army Junior Reserve Officers Training Program (JROTC) at Cape Henlopen High School have learned that everyone belongs to a community and therefore has a responsibility to that community. The 45 young men and women who comprise the current JROTC roster continue that legacy of service by devoting an average of 2,000 man-hours to community service activities benefiting a number of organizations, including the Delaware Seashore State Park, Beebe Medical Center, American Red Cross Blood Drive, the Salvation Army, Brandywine Senior Citizens Center and the National Kidney Foundation.

A.I. du Pont Middle School – Walk in the Kings Footsteps
Education
Nominator: Michele Fidance

When posed with the question “What will I do to walk in the footsteps of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?” the student body of A.I. du Pont Middle School in Wilmington decided to answer the question literally. A small group of students, led by Jobs for Delaware Graduates (JDG) instructors, were given the project of researching the speeches of Dr. King in order to choose quotes that meant something to them. The students then inscribed their selected quote on a cut-out of a footprint, which was then affixed to the wall in the cafeteria as a means to inspire their fellow students. Once students beyond the JDG classes saw the footprints, they wanted to participate as well. The project helped to raise awareness among students of Dr. King’s life, teaching and legacy, and how it translates into community action and service.

P.S. duPont Middle School Student Council – Adopt a Family
Health and Special Needs
Nominator: Mallory Stratton

Each year, the student council of P.S. duPont Middle School in Wilmington spearheads its annual Adopt-A-Family Drive. The drive involves the school community at-large adopting the families of 15 to 20 P.S. duPont students who are need assistance to make the holiday season a little brighter. The donations of clothing, books and toys generated by the student council benefited upwards of 50 fellow students and their siblings in 2016.

Delmar High School – Wildcat Wellness Pantry
Human Needs
Nominator: Michele Fidance

The Wildcat Wellness Pantry is a food pantry at the Delmar American Legion, which provides nonperishable food and household items for individuals in need. The pantry is staffed by as many as eight Jobs for Delaware Graduate (JDG) volunteers. The JDG volunteers come in on Saturdays to assist families in need and taking inventory to ensure the pantry can reach even more people. An additional group of more than 60 volunteers collect the proceeds from canned food drives that occur during the school year to continually stock the pantry.

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The Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of life of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.


Delaware’s Foster Grandparent Program Celebrates 50 Years of Service with May 19 Event in Dover; Since 1967, Seniors Have Shared Love, Support and Knowledge with a Total of 70,000 At-Risk Children

NEW CASTLE (May 16, 2017) – Hundreds of volunteers, family members, and others involved in Delaware’s Foster Grandparent Program will gather Friday, May 19, at Dover Downs Hotel & Conference Center to celebrate the 50 anniversary of the program in the state.

Since 1967, hundreds of Delawareans 55 and older have been meeting one-on-one and with groups of children in day care centers, Head Starts, schools, early learning centers, and via programs at specialized facilities. These seniors have mentored and tutored an estimated 70,000 children with special or exceptional needs in Delaware during that time through the nationally recognized Foster Grandparent Program.

The program, funded by the Corporation for Community and National Service (CNCS), is administered by the State Office of Volunteerism (SOV), part of the Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of State Service Centers (DSSC).

Friday’s event in Dover is designed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Foster Grandparent Program and to recognize the volunteers and various public, private and nonprofit agencies that serve as volunteer stations for the Foster Grandparents to engage and develop appropriate relationships with the children being served.

“The personal commitment made by these senior volunteers as part of the Foster Grandparent Program is making a difference in the lives of some of Delaware’s most at-risk children,” said Governor John Carney. “Foster Grandparents share their love, time and experience with children who are vulnerable and in need of compassion, role models and friendship. I am proud of the success this program has achieved over the past 50 years in Delaware.”

Lottie Banks has mentored scores of children over her 35 years with the Foster Grandparent Program. Grandma Lottie, as she is known to the children she works with, celebrated her 100th birthday Dec. 10, 2016. She has been serving at NCC Head Start Lambson Center for the past three years and previously served at the LaFiesta Day Care in Wilmington and Community Day Nursery in New Castle.

“Having been Grandma Lottie’s FGP Supervisor for the past 12 years has been a joy, to say the least,” said Jane Williams, supervisor of the Foster Grandparent Program in New Castle County. “I am still amazed by this gracious lady every day. … I’ve heard many, including myself say, “When I grow up I want to be just like Grandma Lottie.”

Williams said the teacher in the classroom where Grandma Lottie currently serves says the children all flock to her when she comes in.

“Making a difference early in a child’s life can mean the difference between a child who will see the possibility of success in life and one unable to see many positive outcomes,” said Dr. Kara Walker, Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services. “The influence these seniors are having by spending time with and mentoring these children is priceless.”

Jane Smack has volunteered with the Seaford School District for 15 years through the Foster Grandparent Program. She works one-on-one and with a small group helping students learn to spell, improve reading skills and complete math work.

“It has been an honor to work for the past three years with Mrs. Jane Smack or ‘Mom-Mom Jane’ as she is known by the students in our first grade classroom at West Seaford Elementary School,” said Diana Zlock, a teacher at West Seaford.

“She encourages the students to try their best with their work and be kind to each other. Jane always seems to know the academic needs of the students before I even tell her what I need her to work on with a child, “ Zlock added. “The students in our school district who have had the privilege of learning from Mom-Mom Jane over the past 15 years will always remember her for believing in them.”

The Foster Grandparent Program is coordinated by the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, though the Division of State Service Center’s State Office of Volunteerism in conjunction with the Foster Grandparent Program Advisory Council. In 2016, the statewide program coordinated the activities of 205 Foster Grandparents at more than 115 volunteer stations, reaching more than 1,226 children. Through sharing their love, time, experience and talent, the volunteers in the Foster Grandparent Program spent more than 198,557 hours last year tutoring and mentoring at-risk children.

Delaware’s Foster Grandparents 50th celebration falls during Senior Corps Week (May 15-19), which highlights the nationwide impact of the Foster Grandparent Program, RSVP, and Senior Companion Program, and recognizes volunteers, community sponsors and partners. Across the country, Foster Grandparents are mentoring and tutoring students, Senior Companions are helping vulnerable seniors to remain in their own homes, and RSVP programs are providing such services as disaster relief, caring for the environment, supporting veterans and military families, and providing tax preparation services to low-income and elderly individuals.

Read about and or highlight the work of Delaware’s Senior Volunteers this week using the hashtag #SeniorCorpsWorks. Follow Volunteer Delaware on Facebook to see how Senior Corps is working in countless ways to make Delaware’s communities stronger.

For more information about Delaware’s Foster Grandparents Program: http://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dssc/servede/foster-grandparents.html.

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The Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of life of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.


Governor Carney’s First 100 Days

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney released the following statement on his first 100 days in office:

“During my first several months in office, I have traveled across our state, meeting with Delawareans from Claymont to Laurel, and everywhere in between. We have discussed our budget challenges, ways to create jobs and grow Delaware’s economy, improve public education, and protect our environment. We face challenges as a state, but I am more confident than ever that we will get through them together, and keep Delaware a welcoming place for everyone to live, work and raise a family. Thank you to all Delawareans who are engaging on these issues. I look forward to continuing our work together.”

Below are details on several of Governor Carney’s priorities, and ongoing initiatives, as he continues his first year in office.

Delawareans can visit de.gov/ideas to contact Governor Carney and offer their ideas for moving Delaware forward.

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BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FINANCIAL PLAN

Governor Carney has traveled the state, holding Budget Reset Community Conversations to discuss the state’s budget challenges alongside members of the General Assembly, and to gather ideas from members of the public. Since January, Governor Carney has held more than a dozen Conversations in restaurants, coffee shops and town hall settings, hosted by more than two dozen legislators.

In March, the Governor submitted a balanced, long-term financial plan to bridge a $400 million budget shortfall for Fiscal Year 2018, and put Delaware on a more sustainable path forward. The Governor’s budget relies on an equal mix of cuts and new revenue, and continues to make investments in education, healthcare and other services crucial to the welfare of Delawareans.

More details: de.gov/budgetreset

Executive Order #4 established the Government Efficiency and Accountability Review Board (G.E.A.R.) to identify opportunities for cost savings in state government, and to establish practices for continuous improvement. In conjunction with that order, the G.E.A.R. Board held their first meeting on March 24, 2017. On May 1st, the Director of OMB and the Secretary of Finance provided preliminary recommendations to the Governor for further review with the JFC in preparing the 2018 budget.

More details: de.gov/gear

Delaware’s Triple-A credit rating was re-affirmed by Moody’s Investors Service, Fitch Ratings, and Standard & Poor’s Rating Service, for the 17th year in a row. The Triple-A rating translates to reduced interest costs for Delaware, allowing the state to fund capital projects at the lowest available interest rates.

Some of the projects to be funded with the proceeds of Delaware’s bond sales will include a new elementary school in the Laurel School District, renovations in the Red Clay, Lake Forest, Cape Henlopen, Smyrna, Caesar Rodney and Brandywine school districts as well as public library construction and renovations at Garfield Park, Lewes, Delmar, Selbyville, Harrington and Duck Creek.

More details: de.gov/rating

Governor Carney signed into law a critical piece of legislation, Senate Bill 13, that provides a comprehensive rewrite of Delaware’s unclaimed property laws. In an effort to align Delaware’s laws with other states, S.B. 13 retooled all aspects of unclaimed property examinations, voluntary disclosure agreements (VDAs), and compliance.

More details: de.gov/law

 

TRANSITIONING DELAWARE’S ECONOMY


On his first full day in office, Governor Carney signed Executive Order #1, creating the Economic Development Working Group to study a public-private economic development partnership that will help Delaware support innovation, entrepreneurs, and prepare Delaware’s workforce for success in the 21st century economy. The Working Group has submitted recommendations for implementing a partnership, and Governor Carney will work with the General Assembly to explore a path forward.

Exploring a new economic development model was an Action Plan recommendation.

More details: de.gov/dedoreport

Earlier this month, Governor John Carney announced the creation of the Delaware Innovation Space, Inc. – a nonprofit public-private partnership established by the State of Delaware, DuPont, and the University of Delaware that will catalyze the entrepreneurial growth of new science-based businesses and ventures in Delaware.

The Delaware Innovation Space will focus on key Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) areas that align with strengths both DuPont and UD bring to the venture. They include industrial biotechnology, renewable energy, advanced materials, chemical ingredients, nutrition and healthcare to help strengthen Delaware’s presence as a leader in those areas.

It also will provide education to entrepreneurs and startups, help accelerate the formation of new businesses, and connect Delaware’s students with the work of innovators and entrepreneurs.

More details: deinnovates.org/

 

STANDING UP FOR ALL DELAWAREANS

Governor Carney – in one of his first official acts in office – re-established the Family Services Cabinet Council to coordinate services for Delaware youth and families. Reestablishment of the Family Services Cabinet Council was an Action Plan recommendation.

Delaware families continue to face significant challenges – including the high cost of child care; violence and poverty in their neighborhoods; the impact of caring for an aging family member; and the challenges of navigating an economy in transition. The Family Services Cabinet Council, which the Governor is chairing, is charged with coordinating public and private services that are often fragmented, and proposing changes to current programs to make the delivery of state services more effective.

More details: de.gov/council

Delaware’s Office of Management and Budget created a single anti-discrimination policy across state government, the result of Governor Carney signing Executive Order #6.

Adoption of the uniform policy, an Action Plan recommendation, will allow state agencies to consistently respond to reports of discrimination, harassment and retaliation in the workplace. The policy also clearly outlines a consistent policy for state employees to report and resolve complaints of discrimination.

More details: de.gov/order

The Governor signed off on the state’s Every Students Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan, the result of months of collaboration with educators, community members, advocates and other stakeholders across the state. The plan articulates Delaware’s commitment to closing the achievement gap, and ensuring all students are prepared for college and/or the career of their choosing.

More details: de.gov/essa

 

ADDRESSING SECURITY IN DELAWARE’S PRISONS

Governor Carney has launched an Independent Review of the February 1 hostage incident at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center. Former U.S. Attorney Charles M. Oberly III and retired Judge William L. Chapman, Jr. are reviewing the causes of the incident and will report back to Governor Carney by June 1 with findings and actionable recommendations to address security of the Delaware correctional facility.

More details: de.gov/review

Governor Carney has taken important initial steps to address security risks for employees and inmates at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center, and across Delaware’s correctional system, following the February 1 hostage incident. The Governor has authorized an investment of $340,800 in new security and communications equipment to help officers respond to and prevent violent incidents. In his financial plan, Governor Carney has proposed to add 50 officers at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center, raise hazardous duty pay for correctional officers, and invest another $1.3 million in equipment and training.

More details: de.gov/steps

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Governor John Carney Takes Oath as Delaware’s 74th Governor

Hundreds attend Legislative Hall Ceremony and Public Greeting

Dover, Del. – Governor John Carney took the oath of office to become Delaware’s 74th Governor on Tuesday, pledging to lead Delaware’s economy through a period of transition, address the state’s long-term budget challenges, confront crime in Wilmington and strengthen Delaware’s education system.

Surrounded by family and friends, Governor Carney delivered an Inaugural Address to hundreds of Delawareans gathered on the east side of Legislative Hall in Dover.

“To the people of Delaware, thank you for your trust,” said Governor Carney. “It is a great privilege. It is a great responsibility. And we will not let you down.”

Among the guests at Tuesday’s Inauguration Ceremony were former Governor Jack Markell, U.S. Senator Thomas Carper, Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester and former Governor Ruth Ann Minner. Delaware Chief Justice Leo Strine administered the oath of office to Governor Carney.

Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long also took the oath of office as Delaware’s 26th Lieutenant Governor during Tuesday’s ceremony. Delaware Supreme Court Justice James Vaughn administered Lieutenant Governor Hall-Long’s oath.

During his address, Governor Carney spoke about the values of hard work and working together. He promised to work across party lines, with the business community and with Delawareans across the state to confront many of Delaware’s challenges.

“The American Dream is not about winning the lottery, not about a few people getting lucky. It’s about working hard,” said Governor Carney. “The Delaware Way is not about a few powerful people behind closed doors. It’s about working together. Those things are timeless.”

ON THE ISSUES – Excerpts from Governor Carney’s Inaugural Address

The economy:

“Our administration will work to lead our state through a transition to an innovation economy, where we’re not only the First State when it comes to incorporating a company but also the First State when it comes to growing a company and deepening its roots here in Delaware.”

The budget:

“The hardest truth may be that we can’t do anything else unless we get our state’s finances under control. We have a revenue problem; but we also have a spending problem. In the coming months, we’ll put forth a plan for addressing our budget crisis not just for one year, but for years to come.”

Wilmington crime:

“Working hard and working together, with our new mayor and new county executive, we must break the poverty to prison pipeline. In the short-term, we will get serious about our crime problem. We’ll target resources to the most crime-ridden neighborhoods. And we will better prepare ex-offenders to come back to the community. Wilmington residents and the tens of thousands who commute into the city deserve to feel safe and feel proud of where they live and work. Businesses should feel confident investing there. We all have a stake, and a compelling responsibility, to make Wilmington healthy again.”

Education:

“Every Delaware child deserves a world-class education. Many of our schools have made great strides in recent years, and we have a lot to be proud of. But the truth is, we need to do better, especially for poor and minority students. Our Department of Education will be an agency that offers support to teachers. We will hold schools accountable, yes. But above all, we will partner with teachers and parents in serving the best interests of our students.

INAUGURAL ADDRESS – GOVERNOR CARNEY
*As prepared for delivery

On Saturday night, some of you here today braved the freezing rain and came out to the Clear Space Theater in Rehoboth for our first Inaugural event – a Celebration of the Arts.

In addition to a jazz band from Cape Henlopen High School and a traditional dance by members of the Nanticoke tribe, we heard from Polytech High School Senior Hannah Sturgis. Hannah’s a teenage poet, but she has a wise old soul.

She recited for us a poem she wrote called “Vision.” It struck a chord with me, and I think it sets the tone I’d like to set here today. I won’t do Hannah’s delivery justice, but I’d like to read a few excerpts now:

When I look up at the sky I see my dreams bouncing by

Like clouds of promise that keep me honest

Where they can go I don’t know but the road I walk might be long

I get vision when I know that life is changing and my goals are rearranging

I have vision because life is not a hopeless dream

Life is what we make it seem

And when we were young we were told to be like the sun and beam

So I keep on with that vision

As I made a list of thank yous for today, I realized that I could stand up here and do nothing but thank the people on this platform and in this audience. And that would be appropriate.

Lt. Governor Hall-Long, thank you for being part of my team, I look forward to our journey together;

President Pro Temp McBride, Speaker Schwartzkopf, Members of the General Assembly;

Governor Markell, Senator and former Governor Carper, Congresswoman Blunt Rochester, and Governor Minner.

Chief Justice Strine, Justice Vaughn, and Justice Seitz.

Thank you for your service to our state and for your presence here today.

Members of the State Police and National Guard, Staff Sergeant Scott and representatives from Dover Air Force Base, thank you for your service to our state and our country.

Dr. Williams, thank you to you and to our host, the City of Dover; Reverend Davis, Rabbi Beals, Monsignor Hopkins, and other members of the clergy, thank you for minding our spirits today and always.

Tracey, Sam, Jimmy, Mom, and all my brothers and sisters, and our whole family. Thank you for being a witness to this event and for being my foundation.

We’ve heard a lot recently about change –

• That our economy is changing. That we’re competing with the rest of the world, and that technology challenges us to keep our sights on human progress;

• That our kids need to be prepared for a future unlike our past, and unlike even our present;

• That our safety and security are challenged in new ways, and require new solutions and working together.

Change is the new normal for our world, our country, and our state.

But we should also remember that some things haven’t changed. And they should never change – the American Dream. The Delaware Way in its most valuable and valued expression.

The American Dream is not about winning the lottery, not about a few people getting lucky. It’s about working hard. The Delaware Way is not about a few powerful people behind closed doors. It’s about working together. Those things are timeless.

Yes, we need to become more agile. More creative. More determined.

Not to keep up. But to shape our own future.

Do we have challenges?

Yes.

Will they be difficult to overcome?

Yes.

Can we meet those challenges by working hard and working together?

You bet.

And that is what we owe to the people of Delaware:

The family in Wilmington that deserves to live in a safe neighborhood, where they can go to work and their children can go to school without the fear of violence.

The workers in Newport and Seaford coping with a new economic reality.

Small business owners and entrepreneurs who have good ideas and need a government that supports their vision and then gets out of the way.

It’s about our collective future, and how we’ll create opportunities for all Delawareans to succeed.

And, as President Obama reminded us so eloquently last week, our collective future is our collective responsibility. It is my privilege, starting today as your governor, to work hard to live up to the trust of leadership in meeting that responsibility.

What does that mean?

It means that over the next four years, you will see me working every day:

In Legislative Hall.

In our schools.

In our prisons.

In board rooms.

In neighborhoods.

With our business leaders, our workers, our farmers;

With Democrats and with Republicans.

We are going to work together, and think in new ways about our future.

We can no longer expect any single industry or company to be responsible for Delaware’s economic stability, let alone our future.

Our administration will work to lead our state through a transition to an innovation economy, where we’re not only the First State when it comes to incorporating a company but also the First State when it comes to growing a company and deepening its roots here in Delaware.

We will work with private investors to retool our industrial sites and put Delawareans to work.

We’ll also rethink our economic development efforts.

We will support small businesses and entrepreneurs and teach our students the skills necessary to succeed in the jobs of the future.

Working hard, working together to bring jobs to our state, and to keep them here — that’s what will get my team and me up in the morning, and what will keep us working into the night.

We will work in partnership with business and labor. We will reach across the aisle. We will reach across state lines and national borders to grow the Delaware economy.

We will also reach into the neighborhoods of our largest city, because I truly believe that our state cannot succeed if Wilmington does not succeed.

Working hard and working together, with our new mayor and new county executive, we must break the poverty to prison pipeline. In the short-term, we will get serious about our crime problem. We’ll target resources to the most crime-ridden neighborhoods. And we will better prepare ex-offenders to come back to the community.

Wilmington residents and the tens of thousands who commute into the city deserve to feel safe and feel proud of where they live and work. Businesses should feel confident investing there. We all have a stake, and a compelling responsibility, to make Wilmington healthy again.

Part of the solution is in our schools. Every Delaware child deserves a world-class education. Many of our schools have made great strides in recent years, and we have a lot to be proud of. But the truth is, we need to do better, especially for poor and minority students.

Our Department of Education will be an agency that offers support to teachers. We will hold schools accountable, yes. But above all, we will partner with teachers and parents in serving the best interests of our students. And we will partner with struggling communities to improve education for our most disadvantaged kids.

The hardest truth may be that we can’t do anything else unless we get our state’s finances under control. We have a revenue problem; but we also have a spending problem. In the coming months, we’ll put forth a plan for addressing our budget crisis not just for one year, but for years to come.

We are at the end of the road on this one. There’s nowhere else to kick the can. Working hard and working together with leaders on both sides of the aisle in the General Assembly, we will begin to address our long-term financial issues without delay.

My cabinet nominees—a group of dedicated, talented people who are ready to serve our state, will be key leaders. They, too, will undertake their work in accordance with our state and our nation’s timeless principles, and our recognition of what the future demands of us.

Four years from now, when it’s time for the people of Delaware to render a judgment on this administration, I want them to say this:

That the economy is stronger because middle and working class Delawareans are better off;

That there are better-paying jobs that Delawareans value and where they feel valued;

That they feel safer in their neighborhoods and in our towns and cities;

That more of their kids are graduating ready for what comes next, with a sense of promise about the future;

That our state’s finances are strong and in order;

That Delaware had a governor who listened. And worked hard. For them.

We all know that it won’t be easy, that there will be tough decisions, that there will be times when we disagree.

But working hard and working together, we will find a path forward, and we will be better than we were before.

To the people of Delaware, thank you for your trust. It is a great privilege; it is a great responsibility. And we will not let you down.

God bless you and God bless the State of Delaware and God bless our great United States of America.

 

INAUGURAL ADDRESS – LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR HALL-LONG
*As prepared for delivery

To all elected officials and honored guests, Governor Markell, members of the military, my colleagues of the General Assembly, members of the judiciary, friends and family…

Thank you all so much. What an honor this is. To my husband, Dana, and our son, Brock. Thank you both for your endless support along our public service journey…which began with you, Dana, and your military service, which took us from Sussex County around the Country to the Pentagon. To all of you, to all Delawareans, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for allowing me the privilege to continue to serve you. It is an incredible responsibility, and I am truly humbled.

Delaware could not have chosen a better, more prepared, steady leader with a vision for our state, than John Carney… and I look forward to serving with you, Governor Carney. Am I the first person to call you that officially?

I’ve had the chance to know John Carney since I was first elected in 2002. I’ve worked alongside John and with him. There is no better person to lead our state in this next chapter and no better champion for all Delawareans… Governor, your heart, your commitment and your dedication to our state is unmatched, and I can’t wait to get started.

I believe Delaware is unlike any other state in our union… Despite our state’s small geographic size, its coastline location ,varied industries that call it home, from farms and manufacturing plants – to banks and beaches make it unique… but Delaware is only as unique and diverse as its most precious resource…our people, our citizens.

We, like so many other states, are facing an unknown road ahead. As I travel the state from Brandywine to Blades, I hear the many opportunities and challenges for our great state. We know the path that lies before us may not always be an easy one. These same challenges touch nearly every family in Delaware… the mothers and fathers struggling to make ends meet and provide the very best for their children. Whether it is the military veteran struggling in Western Sussex who skips taking their medications in order to pay the electric bill….or the young family of 4 in Dover living out of their car …our friends, our neighbors, our veterans…those who struggle with their mental health and those who are battling addiction…the countless number of people who just feel like they can’t get a fair shake from their government. We are undoubtedly at a crossroads in our state’s future… the good news, is that Delaware is filled with many talented and dedicated people to help us tackle.. and solve, those challenges.

Just yesterday, we celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr…It was he in fact, who reminded us all that “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Dr. King’s message was simple… We share a commitment to one another, that we as a society are only “as strong as our weakest link”…that if our fellow man is downtrodden, then we share in that duty to help lift him or her up and ease their struggle. Our state’s pathway to prosperity is rooted in the belief that no matter your zip code, equal opportunity must reign supreme, and that these things… health care, an excellent education, a job that pays a livable wage…these are paramount for our success

As most of you have heard me say many times throughout this long election season…the seeds of public service were planted in me from a very early age. My parents Carolyn and David Hall instilled in my brothers, Don & Dean and me, that we have an obligation to the community of which we are a part…To help in making the lives of others better, stronger and healthier. My father was a man of deep faith and conviction

And he firmly believed that “to whom much is given, much is expected”…that a society is judged by how it treats the least among us. It’s a phrase you’ve heard often, and one that I refer to frequently, but it rings true. It is the reason I became a candy striper at Beebe Hospital in Lewes at 13 years old… Even at that age, I knew I wanted to care for others. I have been fortunate, as a member of the nursing faculty at the University of Delaware and a public health nurse, to witness firsthand the dedication and care of the nurses and doctors in our state to those who were sick and at their most vulnerable point in life. It was incredible and compassionate… and I knew that it was something I wanted to be a part of.

That care and compassion is what led me here today. My own grandmother, Nellie Mae, had to quit school in the 8th grade in order to go to work the family farm. The sacrifices she made enabled me to pursue higher education and stand here today. And like my grandmother’s generation, our state’s future and success will require sacrifice on all of our parts as well. As you have heard Governor Carney and I discuss this past year, We are dealing with an ever-changing economy that looks vastly different from the one we knew years ago. To meet the demands of this modern global economy, we must continue to invest in our businesses and our most valuable resource….our people. Delaware has the best and brightest workforce in the nation. We are home to some of the greatest innovators of our world… from the DuPont Company in New Castle to our higher education institutes working with entrepreneurs on science technology (STEM) across the state. We have shown time and again that Delawareans always rise to the challenges of our times. And that’s why now – more than ever – as Governor Carney and I have said so many times over the last year, we need to make sure our teachers have the tools they need to prepare our children for this new economy (their future), that our businesses have the environment and workforce that will make them successful, and that the working class gets a fair and even shot at the American dream.

Delaware is facing challenges and new opportunities alike, but we are fortunate that we are a state with great people who will help us meet those challenges, head on. There is too much at stake for us not to. It is true, we often find ourselves at odds, politically, with our friends and our neighbors…sometimes even in our own homes, as this past election has proven. But in my 14 years as a legislator working in this building, I’ve been witness to many wonderful, amazing statesmen… The story that does not often get told, or get attention, is how often we work together, republicans and democrats, union and non- union members, shoulder to shoulder and across the aisle, to advance an agenda that works for Delawareans.

I want to thank you again for the trust you have shown in me by electing me your Lieutenant Governor. I want to thank the family of countless volunteers and organizations who have helped shape me as a public servant…to help improve the lives of our citizens today, and also to protect what we pass on to future generations. I will work every day for the next four years to show you that I deserve the faith you, and all Delawareans have placed in me. As I stand here before you today, I promise you that I am ready, and I will do what I have done every day as a mother, nurse, teacher and public servant – I will work as hard as I can with Governor Carney to make Delaware stronger and healthier.

Thank you.