Sussex Academy seniors make history with graduation
Sussex Academy's Class of 2017 made history Friday night, June 2. The 38 seniors became the first graduates of Sussex County's only public charter high school.
"You've set the bar high," said keynote speaker Gov. John Carney. "Together you've built this school. You created the first clubs and the first teams and all the while achieving some of the highest test scores in the whole state of Delaware."
Dr. Patricia Oliphant, director of Curriculum and Instruction for Sussex Academy, noted that 37 of the 38 graduates will be going to college in the fall, and one graduate is going into the U.S. Army. She said all of the graduates took at least one International Baccalaureate course, 28 sat for the International Baccalaureate exam and 14 are seeking International Baccalaureate diplomas. "These graduates are ready to tackle the next set of challenges," said Oliphant.
Dr. Susan Bunting also addressed the graduates, their families and friends. She is Carney's secretary for the Department of Education and former superintendent of Indian River School District. She used STARS as the focus of her commencement message.
Seize. "Seize the opportunity to grow," she said. Teams. "Work as a part of teams," quoting from basketball great Michael Jordan, who said teamwork and intelligence win championships. Achieve. "That some achieve is proof to others that they can, too." Reflect. "Reflect what you'd like to see in others - things like love, honesty and respect." Finally she recommended that the graduates work to Shine. "Shine, even if no one thanks you."
Carney dipped into Sussex County culture to emphasize his central message to the graduates - loyalty to their classmates. "There have been times when I've come to the end of a long work week and have to make my way on a Friday night to a chicken dinner at an American Legion in Sussex County." He said what energizes him to make those trips is the knowledge that the ladies cooking the chicken are among his earliest and strongest supporters.
"Maintain your loyalty to your friends and your principles. Make time for your friends. It's my high school and college friends and teammates who are my best supporters. That loyalty will make our world just a little bit better," he said.
The first graduates of Sussex Academy, located on the east side of Georgetown, come from all corners of Sussex County, taking advantage of the tuition-free charter school with its strong focus on academics.
