Heroes of all kinds descended upon Sussex Academy Elementary Oct. 31 for its inaugural First Responder Appreciation Event.

Dressed as doctors, nurses, firefighters, police officers and a host of other fictional and local superheroes, students welcomed first responders from throughout the county to a schoolwide assembly, where they performed a thank-you skit to show their appreciation for all they do.

Next, the winner of the school’s hero-themed pumpkin contest was drawn from a hat comprising the names of invited guests. Teachers had decorated pumpkins honoring first responders, and students voted for their favorite by donating spare change. The $335.00 raised went to Georgetown EMS.

Students then proceeded outside, where they were able to interact with first responders, try on equipment and tour emergency vehicles. The event wrapped up with a thank you parade, with students marching around the grounds to celebrate their heroes in front of their families.

First responder guests included Dwayne Groton, Communication Specialist, Sussex County Emergency Operation; Delaware State Police Cpl. Charles Morris, Honor Guard Unit, Troop 4; Captain Deanna Loeb, NREMT and FTP, Georgetown EMS; Cpl. Kristen Repass and Patrolman Sean Armstrong, Georgetown Police Department; Senior Cpl. Patrick Jackson, Delaware State Police Community Engagement Unit; Cpl. One Daniel Korenyi, Delaware State Police, Troop 4; Skip Millman, Milton Fire Department; Jay Baxter, Brent Humphreys, Sean Magee and Tommy Tindall, Georgetown Fire Department; Lt. Mike Capasso, National Guard; Morgan Albert, Delaware State Police Dispatcher; Ellie Mitchell, Supervisor, Sussex County EMS.

📷 : Sussex Academy Elementary honored first responders at an appreciation event Oct. 31 and donated funds raised through a hero-themed pumpkin contest to Georgetown EMS. Gathered at the event are in back (l-r) Dean of Elementary Connie Hendricks; Captain Deanna Loeb, NREMT and FTP, Georgetown EMS; and School Counselor Dr. Juliane Hein. In front are Ella Todd, Willow Cohen, Reagan Morris, Aubrey Savage, Addy Reed, Quinn Albert, Nora Furlong, Kama Forester, and Genevieve Gibson