Honoring Students from Cape Henlopen High School
The Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice (SDARJ) recently honored Cape Henlopen High School students Karl Hazzard, Makayla Pierce, and Thomas E. Gibbs II for their leadership, improvement, effort, and excellence.
Karl’s teacher said, “Karl is a pleasure to work with inside and outside of the classroom. From the first day of school, he has been motivated to learn and work hard. He has done so well that he has increased the number of days he works at vocational sites to five per week and lengthened his shift durations. Karl enjoys playing games and completing activities with friends. He is always willing to help other students and staff when asked and is a role model for others.”
According to her teachers, Makayla Pierce is truly inspirational. She is involved, works hard, and is driven. Makayla works well individually and in groups and is respected by her peers. She has demonstrated leadership in her Pathways classes. She has a strong mindset and looks beyond the issues at hand to find the best outcome. She helps others who are going through hard times to do the same. Makayla is friendly, kind, personable, and is always willing to lend a hand. She puts forth maximum effort in school and at work.
Thomas Gibbs’ teachers say he is compassionate, dedicated, and an admirable young man. He maintains a high grade-point average while taking on extra responsibilities in school. These include serving as vice president of the class of 2023, vice president of the Student Government Association, and membership in the Honor Society and the Henlopen Leaders. Thomas is a triathlete participating on the varsity football, indoor track, and lacrosse teams. When he is not participating in school activities, he volunteers in his church and for his local community. Thomas plans to attend college to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in Criminal Justice with a concentration on homeland security. He aspires to one day work for the federal government in the CIA, FBI, or ICE.
Each student received a $20 gift card to Browseabout Books in Rehoboth and the book, “Just Mercy,” by Bryan Stevenson. Browseabout is a sponsor of the award.
SDARJ initiated the African American Achievement award to recognize students who represent the ideals of leadership, improvement, effort, and excellence in their schools. Students from each school in the Cape Henlopen School District 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.
