Delaware Academy held its Junior Prom this weekend, and this year the junior class took a different approach to the traditional prom court. They wanted to use the opportunity to recognize students in the junior class that have effectively met the mission statement of Delaware Academy, which reads in part "Our community of learners will foster partnerships within our region and beyond, supporting a wide range of career pathways for our students. Our students will enter society with the ability to embrace change with confidence, altruism, and adaptability."
“In a district that's over 200 years old, it's always nice to try new things, especially with a class that's full of exceptional students,” said Ryan Layman, a Delaware Academy Science teacher and junior class advisor. “The junior class voted on two students from a preselected pool of ten, selecting the top two students who have the merits of an exceptional Delaware Academy student,” or essentially, the qualities expressed in the mission statement: a selfless concern for the wellbeing of others, a person that others can rely on, and the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions. Juniors Adam Cook and Cole Vredenburgh were the two selected by the class to wear the crowns this year.
According to Layman, Adam has a high academic standing in the junior class, is on the varsity football team and is involved in the school's mentoring program for middle school students. He is also a member of Sources of Strength, a best-practice youth mental health promotion and suicide prevention program. After high school Adam aspires to attend college, though has not yet decided on a field of study
Cole has a high academic standing in his grade and is also involved in the Sources of Strength program. He is on the varsity soccer team (Captain), the varsity basketball team, and is a peer reader to younger students. After high school, Cole plans to attend college for pre-med.
The Junior Prom was held Saturday at Bluestone, located at the SUNY Delhi College Golf Course.
Photo Caption: Members of the 2025 Delaware Academy Prom Court are (standing, left to right) Kalani Clapper, Riley Riera, Olivia Kruppo, Jamie Otte, Luciane Smith, Andre Shaw, Delaney McCann, Rebecca Verspoor. Adam Cook (left) and Cole Vredenburgh (right) are seated.