Moon trees and college degrees.
In some Delaware education news, Delaware Technical Community College and its new Allied Health Center officially marked an end to $22 million in renovations in Wilmington that should strengthen the state’s health care workforce. And nearby, in Red Clay, a high school just celebrated a historic gift from NASA.
Meanwhile, Indian River High School graduates simply want to give students money to attend college, and Delaware nonprofits hope to host families in Wilmington this weekend for a free brunch and winter clothing.
In this weekly overview we will keep you informed of these and other education updates that you may have missed.
(Did we miss another good education story? Let me know: kepowers@gannett.com)
Radiology, physical therapy, dental hygiene: DelTech’s Allied Health Center opens in Wilmington
Delaware Technical Community College marked the opening of its new Allied Health Center of Excellence at the Orlando J. George Jr. Campus with a ribbon-cutting event in Wilmington on December 4, 2024. “Allied Health” covers a wide range of professionals who work with other medical personnel on all things prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Twenty-two million dollars, 75,000 square feet.
Delaware Technical Community College last week marked the opening of its Allied Health Center of Excellence at the Orlando J. George Jr. Campus. “Allied Health” includes a large number of professionals who work with other medical personnel on everything related to prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Think of: dental hygienist, paramedic, physiotherapist assistant, surgical technique and much more.
Renovations to this 25-year-old building will expand DelTech’s laboratory space for all existing programs, according to a news release following the ribbon cutting, while expanding paramedic and surgical technology training to Wilmington.
The center features a new conference center, classrooms, laboratories and more. In addition to diplomas, it will provide opportunities for further education, aimed at those already working.
“The Allied Health Center of Excellence will enable Delaware Tech to meet the demands of our state’s healthcare industry by providing high-quality teaching and learning spaces and easy access to these critical programs in New Castle County,” said President Mark T . Brainard said in his commentary. The college leader also thanked Governor John Carney, state lawmakers and Delaware’s congressional delegation.
“Building tomorrow’s health care workforce – right here in Delaware – is critical if we are to ensure affordable, quality health care for every Delawarean,” fellow attendee, U.S. Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, said in a post to social media after the cutting the ribbon.
No rest. The courses start in January.
U.S. Representative-elect Sarah McBride (far right) joins many attendees, from state and local officials to college faculty and students, as Delaware Technical Community College marked the opening of its new Allied Health Center of Excellence at its Orlando J. George Jr. Campus with a ribbon cutting event in Wilmington on December 4, 2024.
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What is a moon tree? Red Clay unveils gift from NASA
Skyline Middle really tells students to reach for the stars.
The Red Clay School just unveiled Delaware’s only Artemis I Moon Tree last week. That’s a loblolly pine donated by NASA, according to the district, and part of a unique collection grown from seeds that traveled 270,000 miles into the moon’s orbit in 2022.
“The tree is a symbol of scientific achievement and curiosity, grown from seeds that traveled into space as part of the Artemis I mission,” Delaware’s largest school district said in a news release. “Skyline Middle School is proud to share this inspiring symbol with students, teachers and the community.”
The tree has already taken root on the school grounds. Teacher Erin Ahern, fellow educators and her students helped make this possible, the science teacher shared on social media, from digging in dry clay soil to coordinating and planting celestial-themed plants native to the area.
“THANK YOU, Mrs. Ahern for bringing the moon closer to home! Our children love you to the moon and back!” Skyline Middle wrote on December 3.
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Indian River High School Class of 1987 to be awarded a scholarship for the third year in a row
The Class of 1987 Scholarship Fund will continue.
In its third year, the alumni-run scholarship will provide support to graduating seniors in need. It is the first fund of its kind for Indian River High School. Now the group is looking for donations, the district said — and for the next graduating senior “who demonstrates academic promise but may otherwise not have the financial resources to pursue higher education.”
“The selected recipient, who will be carefully chosen by an impartial scholarship selection committee, will receive a one-time award of $1,000 to be used toward tuition, books, fees, or other necessary educational materials at a two- or four-year college or trade school ,” Indian River School District explained in a press release.
Indian River High School in Dagsboro held a ceremony June 2 for the 213 graduates of the class of 2021.
Eligible IRHS seniors can apply by visiting their IRHS guidance counselor or by emailing the fund for an application: classof87scholarships@gmail.com. Those who want to help grow the coffers can donate in several ways.
There’s an online campaign, a text campaign (just text Classof87 to 53555 on your mobile) and even restaurants you can visit in January or February (FINS in Bethany, JRs in Fenwick and FINS Ale House) to raise the proceeds from your invoice to contribute. So details are being finalized email the nonprofit fund for more information.
“As a community, we believe that every student deserves a fair opportunity to achieve their dreams,” the district wrote.
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‘Pancakes and PJs’ at Wilmington PAL
Local nonprofits One Step at a Time and Humbly Assisting Humanity are hosting an event for families in need of support this holiday season.
The second “Pancakes and PJ’s Winter Party” runs from Saturday, December 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.mat the Wilmington PAL. Organizers say a brunch station will be supplemented with the distribution of pajamas and winter clothing, as well as other family activities.
Do you have a story? Kelly Powers covers race, culture and equity for Delaware Online/The News Journal and USA TODAY Network Northeast, with a focus on education. Contact her at kepowers@gannett.com or (231) 622-2191 and follow her at X @kpowers01.
This article originally appeared in Delaware News Journal: What’s a Moon Tree? Delaware’s Red Clay District unveils a NASA gift
