Delaware's Future Educators and Artists Shine Bright

Educators Rising Conference

Delaware is buzzing with excitement as young minds showcase their talents and ambitions in various fields. The University of Delaware recently hosted nearly 400 students from across the state, all eager to explore careers in education. This event, known as the Delaware Educators Rising conference, was a hub of activity with competitions, workshops, and networking opportunities. Students from high school, middle school, and college levels participated, making it a truly inclusive event.

Standout Participant

One standout participant was Octavio Castellanos, a sophomore from Sussex Tech. He competed in the research competition, presenting a paper on the impacts of hearing impairment on young learners. His hard work paid off as he won first place in his division. The event featured around 20 different competitions, each designed to ignite a passion for teaching and learning among the participants. The goal was to inspire the next generation of educators, and it seems the event did just that.

Wilmington Spelling Bee

Meanwhile, the city of Wilmington is also focusing on education, but in a different way. The 2026 City of Wilmington Spelling Bee took place, showcasing the spelling skills of fourth to sixth graders. The top three winners received cash prizes, with the first-place winner taking home $500. The competition was intense, with the final round coming down to two fifth-graders from Warner Elementary School. Peyton Jackson emerged victorious, spelling words like "responsibility" and "sustainability" correctly.

Delaware State University Scholarship Ball

In other news, Delaware State University's Scholarship Ball, which was originally scheduled for January, has been rescheduled to May 16 due to a winter storm. The event, which aims to raise funds for scholarships, will feature performances by Grammy-winner Avery Sunshine and other talented individuals. The university is asking those with January tickets to confirm their attendance by February 16.

Future in the Arts Celebration

Lastly, Delaware is set to host the second annual "Future in the Arts" celebration this spring. This event aims to honor seniors who are pursuing higher education in the arts. Students can register online, and those who do by March 23 will be recognized at the event. The celebration is a testament to Delaware's commitment to nurturing young talent in various fields.