Sussex Academy student leaders welcomed a number of guests to the school’s inaugural open house for elected leaders and community representatives April 30.

Planned and directed by Student Government Association President Grace Berberian, Vice President Melvin Harmon, Secretary Jenica Jean-Louis and Treasurer Priya Haldar, the event permitted dozens of students to educate legislators about the many opportunities available at the public charter school in Georgetown.

In addition to Sussex Academy school board members and Delaware Charter Schools Network Executive Director Kendall Massett, students hosted Bethany Beach Mayor Ron Calef; Georgetown Mayor Bill West; Henlopen Acres Mayor Joni Reich; Milford Mayor Tom Culotta; Milton Vice Mayor Lee Revis-Plank; Rehoboth Beach Mayor Stan Mills; Sussex County Administrator Todd Lawson; Rep. Valerie Jones-Giltner; Rep. Ronald Gray; Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall; Dawn M. Hopkins, representing Rep. Jesse Vanderwende; Sen. Russ Huxtable; Zander Tippet, representing U.S. Congresswoman Sarah McBride; and Bestey Stang, representing U.S. Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester. 

Guests first enjoyed a light breakfast and music, thanks to eighth grade pianist Kyle Morgan, before students led them on tours throughout the middle and high school. Then, students Gigi Miranda, Eaknoor Kaur, Josue Laurore, Duncan Winger, Emma Mullen, Kate Mezaros, Grace Thomas, Savannah Montgomery and Keenan Williams detailed their academic, athletic, and leadership activities, and Alex DeEmedio and Abby Whitcomb sang a number from the spring musical production of “Mean Girls.”

The morning concluded with a networking session, allowing students to make connections with their community leaders.

SGA President Grace Berberian said organizing the event was an incredibly rewarding experience.

“It reminded me how powerful student voices can be when we’re given the platform to speak,” Grace said. “Seeing my peers feel heard and valued made every moment of planning worth it.”