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, which stand to bolster the state’s health care workforce. And nearby in Red Clay, a middle school just celebrated one historic gift from NASA.
Meanwhile, Indian River High School grads just want to give students money for college, and Delaware nonprofits hope to host Wilmington-area families this weekend for free brunch and winter clothes.
In this weekly roundup, we’ll catch you up on these and other education updates 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 on its Orlando J. George Jr. Campus with a ribbon-cutting event in Wilmington on Dec. 4, 2024. “Allied Health” covers a wide berth of professionals who work alongside other medical personnel on all things prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Twenty-two million dollars, 75,000 square feet.
Delaware Technical Community College marked the opening of its Allied Health Center of Excellence on its Orlando J. George Jr. Campus last week. “Allied Health” covers a wide berth of professionals who work alongside other medical personnel on all things prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Think: dental hygienist, paramedic, physical therapist assistant, surgical tech and much more.
Renovations to this 25-year-old building will expand the DelTech’s lab space for all existing programs, according to a press release following the ribbon cutting, while expanding paramedic and surgical technology degree programs to Wilmington.
The center boasts a new conference hub, classrooms, labs and more. In addition to degrees, it will offer opportunities for continued education aimed at those already in the workforce.
“The Allied Health Center of Excellence will enable Delaware Tech to help meet the demands of the health care sector in our state by providing high-quality teaching and learning spaces and convenient access to these critical programs in New Castle County,” President Mark T. Brainard said in his comments. The college leader also thanked Gov. John Carney, state lawmakers and Delaware’s congressional delegation.
“Building the health care workforce of tomorrow – and doing so here in Delaware – is vital if we are going to guarantee affordable, quality health care for every Delawarean,” said one fellow attendee, U.S. Rep.-Elect Sarah McBride, on a post to social media following the ribbon cutting.
No rest. Courses start in January.
U.S. Rep.-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 on its Orlando J. George Jr. Campus with a ribbon-cutting event in Wilmington on Dec. 4, 2024.
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What is a Moon Tree? Red Clay unveils gift from NASA
Skyline Middle is really telling 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 gifted 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 back in 2022.
“The tree is a symbol of scientific achievement and curiosity, grown from seeds that journeyed into space as part of the Artemis I mission,” Delaware’s largest school district said in a press release. “Skyline Middle School is proud to share this inspiring symbol with students, educators and the community.”
The small tree has already taken root on the school grounds. Teacher Erin Ahern, fellow educators and her students helped make it happen, the science teacher shared on social media, from digging in dry clay soil to coordination and planting celestial-themed native plants around the area.
“THANK YOU, Ms. Ahern for bringing the moon closer to home! Our kids love you to the moon and back!” Skyline Middle wrote on Dec. 3.
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Indian River High School Class of 1987 to award scholarship for 3rd straight year
The Class of 1987 Scholarship Fund will continue.
For the third year, the alumni-run scholarship will look to provide support to graduating seniors in need. It’s the first fund of its kind for Indian River High School. Now, the group is looking for donations, according to the district – as well as the next graduating senior “who demonstrates academic promise but may not otherwise have the financial means 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 for tuition, books, fees or other necessary educational materials at a two- or four-year college, university or trade school,” Indian River School District explained in a press release.
Indian River High School in Dagsboro held a ceremony for its 213 Class of 2021 graduates June 2.
Eligible IRHS seniors may apply by visiting their IRHS guidance counselor or emailing the fund for an application: classof87scholarships@gmail.com. Those looking to help boost the coffers can donate in several different ways.
There’s an online campaign, a text campaign (just text Classof87 to 53555 on your cell phone) and even restaurants to frequent next January or February (FINS in Bethany, JRs in Fenwick and FINS Ale House) to contribute proceeds on your bill. Details are being finalized, so email the nonprofit fund for more information.
“As a community, we believe every student deserves a fair chance 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 PJs Winter Celebration” will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 14, inside the Wilmington PAL. Organizers say a brunch station will be joined by pajama and winter clothes distributions, as well as other family activities.
Got 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 on X @kpowers01.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: What’s a Moon Tree? Delaware’s Red Clay district unveils NASA gift