Delaware Unveils Exciting New Esports Initiative for Schools

Residents of Delaware are showcasing their talents.

From the initiation of the first-ever statewide esports initiative to state championship victories in a cyber defense event, alongside over 20 students selected for United States Service Academies – the accomplishments of students are impressive. Furthermore, in the educational sphere, one charter institution is launching a “Wall of Honor” honoring two founding administrators who “were vital in shaping our current identity.”

In this weekly summary, we will update you on these and other developments you might have missed.

(Did we overlook another significant educational story? Tell me: kepowers@gannett.com)

Esports. It’s in the First State

Delaware is inaugurating a statewide esports program for K-12 students, as stated by the Delaware Department of Education, with the intention to “promote teamwork, analytical reasoning, and STEM abilities through competitive academic sports.”

The Department of Education is collaborating with local colleges – Delaware State University, Goldey-Beacom College, University of Delaware, and Wilmington University – along with a Delaware-based esports organization, Futures First Gaming. Since its establishment in 2020, this organization has organized local gaming competitions, competitive leagues, a blend of in-person and virtual events, among other initiatives to motivate careers in the gaming sector.

Now, a statewide initiative is commencing this month.

The program will initially feature virtual competitions during the winter and spring terms, according to a press release issued by the department last week, culminating in March and April with in-person championship invitationals hosted at each participating institution. Five esports titles are anticipated to offer a range of challenges for students with varying skill levels.

It’s beyond mere gaming. This initiative aims to link students with local universities, enhance their skills and introduce them to campuses, possibilities, and career pathways.

“We are thrilled to introduce such a dynamic initiative to the students of Delaware,” stated one partner, University of Delaware’s Esports Coordinator and Head Coach Kiernan Ensor, in a statement. “We aspire to encourage more students to contemplate higher education and delve into the expanding field of esports by organizing these championships.”

Who is Future First Gaming? Reflect back: The emergence of esports and how digital realms are dominating Delaware one game at a time

First State Military Academy students recognized in state camps during cybersecurity competition

In the largest national cyber defense contest, high school participants face challenges in safeguarding virtual infrastructures.

This is the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, which serves as a central element of the National Youth Cyber Education Program designed to motivate K-12 students toward careers in cybersecurity or other STEM fields.

At the state level, First State Military Academy excelled, capturing two state champion titles. Team “BEAR” has been recognized as Delaware’s…overall State Champion in every category, in the Gold Division, while team “SemperSec” clinched its title as the victor in the Silver Division. The semi-finals are scheduled for later this month.

The charter institution acknowledged cadets who achieved victories. Gavin Thompson, Kaylee Hogan, James Haas, David Moses, and Onna Crowley were members of team BEAR, while SemperSec was spearheaded by Evelynne Baker, Amaure Hendley, Angela Toby, and Olivia Wilson.

They may set their sights on nationals.

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Newark Charter School honors first names on ‘Wall of Honor’

Newark Charter School is commemorating its own.

This K-12 institution in New Castle County is recognizing its first inductees to the “Newark Charter School Wall of Honor.” The foundational names were pivotal to the establishment of the school: Gregory Meece Sr. and Jimmie Slagle.

Meece was the inaugural school director in 2001, serving for nearly twenty years. He observed the institution flourish from 450 students in makeshift trailers to over 2,000 strong, as stated in Newark Charter School’s announcement. From pupils to faculty, the institution attributed its culture of “respect, leadership, kindness, and encouragement” to Meece.

Slagle arrived in 2003. He served as the initial director of facilities until 2023, overseeing the expansion that included three new buildings, an athletic stadium, a performing arts center, and more across campuses. He departed from the public charter school regarded as “one of the most esteemed” facilities in Delaware, according to Newark Charter.

These men will receive recognition on March 28. A public ceremony will commence at 6 p.m. in the Otello Meucci Performing Arts Center.

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Newly appointed Sen. Blunt Rochester selects 23 students to U.S. service academies

In one of her final actions as a member of the House of Representatives, now-U.S. Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester nominated 23 students from Delaware for United States Service Academies on December 30.

These future Class of 2029 students are set to attend the West Point, Navy, Air Force, and Merchant Marine academies. Each had to engage with selection panels in hopes of securing such a nomination. Now, they just await acceptance from the academies themselves.

“Every one of these exceptional students has showcased remarkable leadership qualities, strong ethical values, and a commitment to service,” Blunt Rochester stated. “I am immensely proud that they are one step closer to seizing the chance to represent our state and nation at one of our esteemed service academies.”

This may be her final set of nominations as Delaware’s congresswoman, however, the senator anticipates maintaining this tradition.

United States Military Academy in West Point, New York:

• Leah Norton of Claymont, DE, Brandywine High School
• Cade Donnelly of Frankford, Indian River High School
• Corinne Nolan of Hockessin, Sanford School
• Brian Alleyne of Wilmington, Salesianum School
• Jacob Massey of Frankford, Indian River High School
• Mckenna Dileen of Wilmington, Delaware Military Academy
• Brianna Hammond of Felton, Lake Forest High School
• Alaina Glaviano of Newark, Delaware Military Academy
• Elyse Fuller of Camden-Wyoming, Polytech High School
• Makinley Stuart of Camden-Wyoming, Caesar Rodney High School
• John Chakwin of Middletown, Delaware Military Academy
• Bailey Hainsworth of Historic New Castle, Delaware Military Academy
• Tyler Messick of Hockessin, Conrad Schools of Science
• Nicholas Gioia of Wilmington, Salesianum School
• Mason Fyock of Lewes, Cape Henlopen High School
• Alexander Bauer of Felton, Milford High School

United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland:

• Leah Norton of Claymont, Brandywine High School
• Jacob Girard of Wilmington, Salesianum School
• Jacob Massey of Frankford, Indian River High School
• Luke Housey of Wilmington, Salesianum School
• Mckenna Dileen of Wilmington, Delaware Military Academy
• Brianna Hammond of Felton, Lake Forest High School
• Alaina Glaviano of Newark, Delaware Military Academy
• Elyse Fuller of Camden-Wyoming, Polytech High School
• Makinley Stuart of Camden-Wyoming, Caesar Rodney High School
• John Chakwin of Middletown, Delaware Military Academy
• Bailey Hainsworth of Historic New Castle, Delaware Military Academy
• Tyler Messick of Hockessin, Conrad School of Science
• Nicholas Gioia of Wilmington, Salesianum School
• Mason Fyock of Lewes, Cape Henlopen High School
• Christian Wittmeyer of Middletown, Archmere Academy

United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado:

• Leah Norton of Claymont, Brandywine High School
• Cade Donnelly of Frankford, Indian River High School
• Jacob Girard of Wilmington, Salesianum School
• Timothy Hammack of Magnolia, Caesar Rodney High School
• Elyse Fuller of Camden-Wyoming, Polytech High School
• Makinley Stuart of Camden-Wyoming, Caesar Rodney High School
• John Chakwin of Middletown, Delaware Military Academy
• Bailey Hainsworth of Historic New Castle, Delaware Military Academy

United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York:

• Leah Norton of Claymont, Brandywine High School
• Kieran Morrisey of Rehoboth Beach, Cape Henlopen High School
• Mckenna Dileen of Wilmington, Delaware Military Academy
• Brianna Hammond of Felton, Lake Forest High School
• Makinley Stuart of Camden-Wyoming, Caesar Rodney High School
• John Chakwin of Middletown, Delaware Military Academy
• Bailey Hainsworth of New Castle, Delaware Military Academy
• Christian Wittmeyer of Middletown, Archmere Academy
• Mason Fyock of Lewes, Cape Henlopen High School
• Jacob Wojciechowski of Newark, Caravel Academy
• John Beers of Dagsboro, Massanutter Academy

Got a story? Kelly Powers reports on race, culture, and equity for Delaware Online/The News Journal and USA TODAY Network Northeast, with an emphasis on education. Reach her at kepowers@gannett.com or (231) 622-2191, and follow her on X @kpowers01.