Delaware Department of Education (DDOE)

06/12/2026

A good map does more than show us where things are. It helps us understand how things are connected.

Delaware students used research, data, geographic thinking, and storytelling to explore real-world sustainability challenges through this year's ArcGIS StoryMap Competition.

Their projects examined sea-level rise, flooding, conservation, environmental health, and community resilience. Most importantly, students used evidence to help the rest of us see these issues more clearly and think about what comes next.

Congratulations to this year's winners and to the educators and GeoMentors who supported their work.

1st Place
Sea Level Rise in Delaware: A Sustainability Challenge by Eric Lewis

2nd Place
Vanishing Wings: Mapping the Osprey Decline on Delmarva by
Jasmine Diaz Guerrero and Katheryn Castillo

3rd Place
The Cost of Survival: Poverty Across Delaware Communities by Luis Hernandez

4th Place
From Brown to Blue: Restoring Delaware's Waterways by Zyah Douen

Honorable Mention
Delaware: A Touch of Cleanliness and Shine by Carlos Lopez Diaz
Hurricanes and Flood Zones in Delaware by Pedro Perez Hernandez

Learn more about the program and check out their projects on our website here: https://education.delaware.gov/award-programs/arcgis-online-competition/

Delaware Department of Technology and Information (DTI)

06/11/2026

As Secretary Marten joins high school commencements across the state, she continues to be inspired by the perseverance, growth, and accomplishments of this year's graduates.

At each ceremony, she has been asking a simple question: What advice would you give your younger self?

The answers have been thoughtful, honest, and powerful—reminders that success is not about having all the answers from the beginning. It's about learning through challenges, staying focused on what matters, and continuing to move forward even when the path is not easy.

For Secretary Marten, these conversations are a reflection of what graduation represents: not just a milestone, but the resilience, determination, and growth that students carry with them into whatever comes next.

Christina School District Newark High's newest alumna, Adel Williams, shared her advice last night: "Make yourself known! Make a new friend. Join a club. Chat with your teachers. Keep your loved ones close. They are exactly what you need."

Congrats to the Class of 2026!

06/10/2026

“For years, my resume was written through the lives of the people I raised, siblings, children, and even grandchildren. I’ve prioritized their futures and made sure school was important. But today, I’m stepping up for myself. Taking this step for my own education feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s proof that it is never too late to write your own next chapter.” -Sheeron Fuller

Congratulations to Sheeron and all of the Red Clay Schools
Adult Education graduates. Secretary Marten was honored to celebrate this milestone with you last night!

06/10/2026

Thank you to Lieutenant Governor Kyle Evans Gay for meeting with some of Delaware’s 2026 District and Charter Behavioral Health Professionals of the Year and to the Delaware General Assembly for recognizing these outstanding educators in both chambers yesterday.

Students thrive when they have the support they need to learn, grow, and navigate challenges. During the visit, 2026 Delaware Behavioral Health Professional of the Year Taylor Richey of the Woodbridge School District addressed lawmakers and shared a powerful message: Early intervention matters. She advocated for increased behavioral health supports for our youngest learners, emphasizing the importance of identifying needs early and connecting students with resources that help them succeed.

We are grateful for the dedicated professionals who work every day to support the well-being of Delaware students and families.

06/09/2026

“Delaware is building a statewide literacy strategy around a simple promise: Every child deserves a teacher who knows how to teach reading well,” Secretary of Education Cindy Marten said. “That requires strong instruction in our classrooms, strong support for the educators already serving students and strong preparation before new teachers begin their careers. The General Assembly gave us a clear framework for this work, our higher education partners opened their programs to a rigorous review, and we are now using what we learned to strengthen implementation. This is how investment becomes better teaching and better outcomes for students. We are grateful to Delaware’s educator preparation programs for their partnership and their commitment to continuing this work with us.”

Delaware's statewide effort to improve early literacy is gaining national recognition as the state strengthens how future teachers are prepared to teach reading.

06/06/2026

Today Hajra Sultan and the rest of the Indian River School District - Delaware Sussex Central High School Class of 2026 celebrated the end of their high school careers.

According to her school leaders, Hajra’s journey reflects both resilience and determination: "Coming from a diverse, multilingual background and speaking English, Urdu, and Punjabi, she has overcome challenges along the way while continuing to excel academically and take advantage of every opportunity available to her. Through Educators Rising, Upward Bound, and the Green Beret Garden Project, she has worked with younger students, developed leadership skills, and discovered how much she enjoys teaching and mentoring others. Her positive attitude, strong work ethic, and commitment to helping others make her someone we are proud to recognize as part of Delaware’s future educator pipeline."

Secretary of Education Cindy Marten asked Hajra what advice she would give her younger self.

"Believe in yourself, take every opportunity and never give up. Never be afraid to ask for help. Growth comes through hard work and courage," Hajra said.

Congrats to Hajra and the entire Class of 2026!

06/05/2026

Colonial School District - New Castle, De Director of Health & Wellness Jon Cooper first met Lola Wallin when she was in middle school, "during a time when both and school and relationships were very challenging for her.

"In time, Lola made the choice to learn from these tough times and make changes in her life that have brought her to graduation today. I could not be more proud of this impressive young lady," Cooper said.

Secretary of Education Cindy Marten had the chance to celebrate Lola and the rest of the William Penn High School graduating class tonight. Marten asked Lola what advice she would give her younger self.

"Your mistakes do not define you. Learn from them, work hard and become the person your younger self never thought was possible!" Lola said.

Thank you for inspiring us, Lola. Congratulations to you and the entire Class of 2026!

06/05/2026

What a picture perfect day to turn your tassels and become Capital School District Dover High School alumni! Congrats to the Class of 2026, including Willie Jackson! Secretary Marten asked Willie what advice he would give his younger self.

"Protect your peace, value your heart, and never beg for acceptance. The right people will love you without conditions or forcing you to abandon yourself," Willie said.

Congrats to all the graduates and to the families, friends and community members who stood behind them to get to this milestone!

06/05/2026

In 2026 Laurel School District Teacher of the Year Stacy Puerto’s classroom, students don’t just learn English — they learn that their voice, culture, and story matter.

At North Laurel Early Learning Academy, students are given the tools and support they need to become confident readers and learners. Through intentional instruction focused on foundational literacy skills, oral language development, and meaningful learning experiences, students build the skills needed for lifelong learning. Every lesson is designed so students feel safe enough to take risks, speak up, and grow in confidence.

What makes her classroom special is the sense of belonging students feel the moment they walk through the door. Languages are celebrated. Families are welcomed. Differences become connections.

Through experiences like Multicultural Night and joyful classroom learning, students see something powerful: who they are is an important part of the community around them.

That kind of learning stays with children long after they leave the classroom.

06/05/2026

Congratulations to the 31 high school seniors selected to receive the 2026-2027 Charles L. Hebner Memorial Scholarship!

Each student will receive a $1,250 merit-based scholarship to support their full-time undergraduate studies at any accredited institution. The award is renewable for 3 additional years.

We wish all of you continued success as you embark on your college journeys!

For all state scholarships, please visit: education.delaware.gov/families/college-career-life/college-scholarship-financial-aid/scholarships-and-financial-aid-resources/dheo-scholarships

Delaware Department of Education (DDOE)
Delaware House Democrats
Delaware State House of Representatives - Republican Caucus