'Stay true to the mission.' Delaware school marks 10 years of new cadets: Education roundup

( This story was updated to add a photo gallery. )

Not every Delaware student can expect pomp and circumstance at the start of high school.

But one charter school just celebrated 10 years of welcoming new students, or cadets, with an Induction Day ceremony last week. The tradition formally kicked off a First State Military Academy school year already underway, with hundreds of guests and officials filling the ranks.

Near Wilmington, another organization aimed to bring female students together, by leveraging the game of golf. In Lewes, one nonprofit looked to fuel music lessons for two Delaware twins.

In this weekly roundup, we'll catch you up on some education updates you may have missed.

[Did we miss another good education story? Tell me about it: kepowers@gannett.com . ]

First State Military Academy marks 10th anniversary with new cadets

One Delaware school just ushered in some fresh cadets.

Last Friday, First State Military Academy welcomed the next class with its annual Induction Day ceremony. The event was special this year, with over 130 new students and families from across the state, as the charter high school marked its 10th anniversary.

"What I'm most proud of with the school is we have stuck to our traditions and our culture and made sure that we put that at the forefront over the last 10 years," Principal Blair Newman said ahead of the Sept. 20 ceremony. "We stay true to the mission and the vision of the school."

Induction Day is really an introduction to just that: school culture.

In this culture of "accountability and responsibility," according to Newman, faceted by Marine Corps and leadership fundamentals, upperclassmen actually planned the entire ceremony for the fresh recruits. They landed a special guest in Sgt. Maj. Carlos Ruiz – one of the highest ranking leaders in the U.S. Marine Corps – thanks to a former graduate's connection. Senior Marine Instructor Col. Robert Wallace helped a bit to make it happen.

Thinking of this anniversary, hundreds of members of school community gathered in Clayton, Col. Wallace thought about momentum.

"We have achieved a lot because we've grown a lot," he said. "They're doing amazing things. There are activities and sports and clubs, there's so much going on. Just trying to maintain that good momentum that we've had, because every year it changes."

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Delaware twins land $2,500 grant for music lessons

One Lewes-based nonprofit just awarded twins Darius and Adonest Weldon $2,500.

The Cape Henlopen High School alumni haven't been able to keep up with band since graduating in June, but this grant from Paul Kares aims to fuel further music lessons for both brothers. The nonprofit looks to support young performers and culinary artists in the region.

Darius plays trumpet, Adonest the trombone.

“They were members of the CHHS marching band, wind ensemble and jazz bands,” said Christopher Burkhart, director of Cape Henlopen High School bands since 2013, in a press release. “They’re wonderful, hard-working young men and strong musicians. Getting to continue studying privately after high school will be a huge support in helping them reach their musical goals as professionals.”

Paul Kares, benefitting from The Room at Cedar Grove’s events, makes grants to individuals, groups and programs, according to its release. The organization has also donated to the Cape Henlopen High Jazz Band and Delaware Technical Community College’s hospitality program. Qualified individuals are students in the Delmarva region.

The twins will continue studies with Terry Alvey, their private instructor.

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Organization aims to empower female students – using the game of golf

They teed-off for networking, leadership and empowering fellow women.

Last Thursday, "empowHERed" brought about 30 women – a mix of high school and college students, alongside early-career professionals hailing from Ursuline Academy, Tatnall, the University of Delaware, Drexel University, Philadelphia Union and more – out to its first "Future Female Leaders Golf Clinic."

The event, sponsored by all-female Catholic school Ursuline Academy, looked to teach the basics of golf, like etiquette and dress code, as well as "how women can overcome barriers to entry and leverage the game as a networking tool," organizers said in a release after the outing.

Following a presentation, attendees got to hit the Ed Oliver Golf Club all morning, with instruction on driving, chipping and putting. Then came lunch and special guests. Closing out the day was empowHERed founders Samantha Ward and Meghan O’Donnell, alongside sports industry leaders already navigating male-dominated fields: Brittany Redman, Philadelphia Union's director of fan services; Jeanmarie Biemer, a senior coordinator with Philadelphia 76ers; and Katie Godfrey, Salesianum School athletic director.

"The day was filled with opportunities to learn and connect," attendee Maya Jayachandran said in a statement. "It was amazing to be around so many women who are or want to be in the sports world like myself."

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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: 'Stay true to the mission.' Delaware school marks 10 years of new cadets: Education roundup