FOLCROFT — Southeast Delco School District Superintendent Dr. Yamil Sanchez Rivera was named a 2025-26 Superintendent to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association.
Dr. Yamil Sanchez Rivera, Southeast Delco Superintendent (COURTESY PHOTO)
Each year, the association honors a select number of superintendents from across the country who have fewer than five years of experience in the role and who use communication strategically to engage school communities, build trust, and support student success.
“It is an honor to be selected as a Superintendent to Watch alongside so many other outstanding leaders from across the country,” said Sanchez Rivera. “This recognition reflects my deeply held belief that communication is strategy. When students, staff, families, and community members work together, we can create a school community where every student can succeed.”
Sanchez Rivera became superintendent in April 2024, assuming leadership during a period marked by safety concerns, organizational instability and fractured trust. Since that time, his leadership has focused on strengthening communication as a foundation for rebuilding confidence and improving outcomes for students.
Under his leadership, the district has implemented new communication strategies to better engage families and the broader community. These efforts include regular school walkthroughs, community engagement opportunities, e-updates, short video messages, multilingual communications, and social media storytelling, all designed to promote transparency and two-way communication.
“Through his presence, Dr. Sanchez Rivera models the very culture he seeks to build: one of honesty, empathy, and shared pride,” said Raquel Irons, assistant to the superintendent. “His leadership reminds families and staff that great communication starts not with a press release, but with a conversation.”
Rivera was one of 30 superintendents nationwide selected for this year’s honor and will be recognized during the Superintendents’ Luncheon at the upcoming NSPRA National Seminar.
For more information about the Superintendents to Watch program, visit www.nspra.org/Awards/Nominate-a-Colleague/Superintendents-to-Watch.
Nonprofits invited to register for third annual Delco Gives event
The Foundation for Delaware County announced this week that Delco Gives will return for a third year on May 6-7, with Power Home Remodeling serving as the presenting sponsor. The foundation also announced that nonprofit registration is now open for the countywide giving initiative.
Hosted by the foundation, Delco Gives is an opportunity for residents to invest in the nonprofits that support the community and improve lives in Delaware County.
Last year, more than 11,000 donors raised $2.3 million for more than 300 local nonprofits. In its first two years, Delco Gives has generated nearly $4 million for local nonprofits.
“Nonprofits across Delaware County are facing increased demand for services while navigating ongoing funding challenges,” said Michael Kellerman, foundation president. “Delco Gives provides hundreds of nonprofits with a powerful, large-scale opportunity to reach new donors, raise critical funds, and increase their visibility in the community. As we head into our third year, we’re excited to build on this momentum and introduce new elements that will make Delco Gives even more impactful.”
Delco Gives organizers hold up numbers during the celebratory event at Rose Tree Park in May to show growing numbers in the results of the 2025 Delco Gives campaign. (COURTESY OF FOUNDATION FOR DELAWARE COUNTY)
Through an easy-to-use online giving platform, Delco Gives encourages the community to explore and support a wide range of nonprofits serving Delaware County. Participating organizations span focus areas including food access, housing and shelter, education, healthcare, arts and culture, environmental protection, and more, highlighting the breadth and importance of nonprofit services across the county.
“Delco Gives is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community rallies around its own,” said Jim Myers, director of community impact at Power Home Remodeling. “For over 20 years, Power Home Remodeling has proudly called Delaware County home, and partnering with The Foundation for Delaware County is a natural way to deepen our roots and invest in the place where so many of our employees live and give.”
Businesses and individuals interested in supporting Delco Gives can do so through sponsorships or by funding cash prizes for participating nonprofits. These opportunities help incentivize participation and drive additional giving.
To learn more about how you can sponsor Delco Gives, reach out to Laura Sindoni at lsindoni@delcofoundation.org.
Nonprofits can register for Delco Gives and find additional event details at delcogives.org. Registration is open through April 17, and organizations are strongly encouraged to register early. A nonprofit webinar will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 29 to help organizations prepare for Delco Gives and learn more about the registration process.
To learn more, visit the foundation at www.delcofoundation.org.
Ridley Township Library announces prom dress giveaway
The Ridley Township Public Library will host its fifth annual Prom Dress Giveaway to provide free dresses and accessories for this year’s formal and prom-goers.
It will be Saturday, Jan. 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
There will be dresses, shoes and accessories available to try on and take home for free. Changing areas will be available.
The library is still collecting donations of almost new or gently used prom or cocktail dresses, shoes and accessories for the giveaway until Wednesday, Jan. 28.
For more information, call 610-583-0593.
Prospect Park to celebrate its volunteers, seniors and veterans
The Prospect Park Recreation Board will celebrate its community volunteers, seniors and veterans at a special luncheon at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 233 Mohawk Ave., Norwood
The event on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. will feature a catered lunch and entertainment provided by the Recreation Board to express gratitude for community volunteers, seniors and veterans in Prospect Park.
To RSVP, email prospectparkrecreationboard@gmail.com or call the borough office at 610-532-1007.
Helen Kate Furness Library to host paint your partner event
Looking for a creative date night in the spirit of Valentine’s Day?
The Helen Kate Furness Free Library, 100 N. Providence Road, Wallingford, will host a Paint Your Partner: A Creative Date Night for Grown-ups on Thursday Feb. 12 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Guests are invited to bring their best friend, spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend, parent, neighbor, or sibling to the library and paint each other’s portrait. All skill levels are welcome and the finished masterpieces will be revealed at the end of the program.
Registration is required for the free event. To register, go to http://delcolibraries.libcal.com/event/16096615 or call the library at 610-566-9331.
Church of St. Joseph to host Quizzo Night
The Church of St. Joseph, 3255 Concord Road, Aston, will host a Quizzo Trivia Night at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31.
Doors will open at 6 p.m. Everyone 21 and over is invited to test their knowledge and compete with others at Quizzo Night, sponsored by the Christmas Bazaar ministry.
Tickets are $30 each and include soft beverages and setups, light refreshments and some desserts, but guests are encouraged to bring their own food/snacks and beverages if desired.
Groups of 8 or 10 can sign up and name their group. Smaller groups and individuals will be combined with others to make teams.
Tickets will not be sold at the door. For tickets or additional information, email bazaar@churchofstjosephaston.org or call 610-497-3340.
New York Times-bestselling author Anna Malaika Tubbs will discuss “The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation,” on Jan. 22 at Swarthmore College. The public is welcome. (COURTESY PHOTO)
Bestselling author to speak at Swarthmore College about moms of Civil Rights Movement leaders
New York Times-bestselling author Anna Malaika Tubbs will discuss “The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation,” in a special lecture at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22 in Chang Hou Hall (101) at the Swarthmore College Science Center.
The author will talk about her research on the fascinating lives and leadership of the mothers of three civil rights movement heroes: Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X and James Baldwin.
Everyone is welcome. For more information, go to http://Swarthmore.edu.
Woman-owned business pop-up market planned in Media
Media businesses Glimmer, Magic Threads and Green Olive Homes will host a woman-owned business market in Media at the Media Town Mall, 211 W. State St., and Glimmer, 209 W. State St.
It will occur Saturday, Jan. 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. during Media’s Ice on State event.
Over 30 local women-owned business vendors will be on hand for browsing and shopping.
Vendors will include make-your-own bouquets, Greek herbal tea, seasonal treats, baked breads, cookies, candles, make-your-own, jewelry artisans, woodwork, collage art, graphic tees, vintage clothes, handmade clothes, crochet items, children’s books, secondhand clothes and other items, natural dye workshop, massage, holistic wellness services and more.
“Ice On State: A Winter Weekend in Media,” presented by Visit Delco and hosted by the Media Business Authority, is slated for Saturday, Jan. 24 and Sunday, January 25.
The skilled artists from Ice Sculpture Philly will carve dozens of custom ice sculptures, sponsored by local businesses and organizations. The glistening creations will be featured throughout the State Street District in downtown Media for the weekend.
Ice sculptor Gabriella Santoro of Ice Sculpture Philly carves out DELCO by the clocktower on State Street on Jan. 25, 2025, during the annual Ice on State celebration in Media. (KATHLEEN E. CAREY – DAILY TIMES)
Thanks to support from presenting sponsor Visit Delco, the fun and excitement will begin on Saturday at 1p.m., with a live carving at the clock tower on State Street. After the ice flies, post up in front of the iconic D-E-L-C-O letters chiseled in ice.
Visitors can test their bean bag tossing skills at Ice Cornhole boards sponsored by Heiler Painting, then duck into participating watering holes for specialty cocktails served through custom ice luges.
Another highlight will be a live carving of a full-sized DJ booth on Saturday at 4 p.m. The DJ will provide music from 5 to 8 p.m.
Bring the kids to slip down the Ice Sliding Board, try the Ice Tic Tac Toe challenge, and peek through the custom-carved Ice Family Posing Station for a fun photo op.
Meet the pink and green Wickedly Witches strolling the State Street District on Sunday from noon to 3 p.m., while the DJ returns to play more tunes.
Ice sculptures will be on display from Saturday afternoon until Sunday afternoon or until the ice melts. See www.VisitMediaPA.com for a downloadable map and detailed list of the Ice on State weekend activities.
The Wardrobe launches 2026 Threads of Independence campaign
The Wardrobe kicks off 2026 alongside Philadelphia’s celebration of 250 years of independence with its Threads of Independence campaign.
The Wardrobe’s clothing and support services have been helping interweave threads of independence for the Philadelphia community for over 30 years. Through fighting clothing insecurity and building both individual confidence and community sustainability, the mission-driven nonprofit organization has empowered more than 100,000 people in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Throughout 2026, The Wardrobe will host events that bring together community members to learn how they can support or benefit from The Wardrobe’s clothing and confidence-building services, empowering people on their journey to independence.
Over the course of the year, The Wardrobe’s Common Threads Series will offer thought-provoking conversations that highlight how, in a time of division, we share a common thread: the desire to succeed and help others to overcome obstacles. Each event will bring together community members to share their stories of navigating success and paying that success forward.
In addition, The Wardrobe will host Clothing Swaps, Sip + Shops to make clothing available for those looking to build a sustainable wardrobe on a budget.
To help people move to independence, The Wardrobe’s support services, including one-on-one coaching, resume review, interview preparation, and “threads of independence” workshops, will be available every Wednesday.
Learn more about shopping, donating, support services, and “threads of independence” workshops at http://wardrobepa.org.
Readers can send community news and photos to Peg DeGrassa at pdegrassa@21st-centurymedia.com.