Sussex Academy junior Biloxi Buffington was recently recognized for her commitment to leadership, advocacy and community engagement through her participation in the Speak Out Against Hate Delaware Chapter Youth Ambassador Leadership Internship.

The year-long internship provides high school students with opportunities to develop leadership skills while promoting social justice, inclusion, and positive change within their communities. Selected students participate in monthly action group meetings, work alongside community mentors, assist with SOAH initiatives and design and implement a youth-focused project that aligns with their personal goals and interests.

Throughout the internship, Buffington demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering understanding, respect and belonging among her peers and community members. Her work reflected the values of both SOAH and Sussex Academy by encouraging meaningful dialogue and empowering young people to make a positive impact.

At the organization’s annual awards ceremony, Buffington was recognized for completing the Youth Ambassador Leadership Internship and received a $500 stipend in recognition of her dedication and contributions. She was one of only two student interns honored during the event.

Speak Out Against Hate is a Delaware-based organization dedicated to combating hate, promoting inclusion, and building stronger communities through education, advocacy, and engagement. Through initiatives such as the Youth Ambassador Leadership Internship, SOAH empowers students to become leaders who create positive change in their schools and communities.

“Biloxi’s dedication to service, leadership, and inclusion reflects the values we strive to instill in all Sussex Academy students,” said Sussex County Mental Health Counselor Channel Chaplin. “Discovering leaders like Biloxi, who are breaking cycles and advocating for social justice, makes our work incredibly rewarding.”

Buffington’s recognition highlights the positive impact student leaders can have within their schools and throughout the Sussex County community.

On May 29, Buffington spent the morning at Sussex Academy Elementary, completing her community service project with second-grade students.

“I thought of this project because I realized that hate is simply the absence of love,” said Buffington. “I wanted to plant seeds of kindness and empower students to be kind to one another. My hope is that these lessons will inspire them to uplift and support each other throughout their lives.”

During the event, Buffington read “The Recess Queen” by Alexis O’Neill and led a discussion about the story’s message of kindness, inclusion and empathy. Following the reading, students reflected on their own strengths and positive qualities by writing on sticky notes something they like about themselves and something they appreciate about a classmate.

Students then added their notes to a poster titled, “I pledge to lead with kindness—like true royalty, lifting others up, welcoming everyone, and making my community a place where everyone belongs.”

At the conclusion of the activity, each student received a “royalty crown,” symbolizing that kindness is one of the greatest gifts we can give to others.

“At Sussex Academy, we believe that leadership begins with service and compassion,” Chaplin said. “Biloxi’s project embodies our mission by encouraging students to build a community where everyone feels valued, respected, and included.