Honoring Southern Delaware School of the Arts student for her leadership, effort, and excellence

The Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice (SDARJ) recently honored Southern Delaware School of the Arts eighth grade student Denesha Purnell-Smith for her leadership, effort, and excellence.

Denesha is an outstanding student. Her academic performance has consistently placed her on honor roll.  Currently, Denesha is enrolled in Academic Challenge classes through Del Tech, in addition to her academic course load at SDSA.

Denesha also excels in the arts. She is a member of SDSA’s Show Choir and dance troupe and was also the lead in the 2023 production of “Annie”.  Outside of school, Denesha plays soccer and takes piano lessons.  She is considered a student leader and is a member of the SDSA Student Equity and Leadership Council.

Amanda Swain, Denesha’s ELA teacher, said, “Denesha is a mature young woman who excels academically and embraces the arts while maintaining a positive and personable attitude with peers and staff alike. She works well both independently and as a member of a group.  Denesha is collaborative, helps others, is open to others’ ideas, and is not afraid to advocate for her own.  She is not only courteous, but respectful and kind.  We are proud of Denesha, but, more importantly, she should be proud of herself!”

Surrounded by family and administrators, Denesha was honored in a ceremony at the school and received a $20 gift card from SDARJ.

SDARJ initiated the African American Achievement award to recognize students who represent the ideals of leadership, effort, and excellence in their schools. Students from each school in the Cape Henlopen and Indian River School Districts are recognized throughout the school year. SDARJ is a nonpartisan organization that educates, informs, and advocates for racial justice, equality, and fair opportunity. For more information, go to sdarj.org/about.