MEDIA, Pa. (WPVI) — Siddiq Kamara was sworn in on Monday as the new sheriff of Delaware County, marking a milestone he said he never imagined before a family tragedy pushed him toward public service.

Kamara, who won nearly 63% of the vote in November, greeted supporters as he arrived in uniform.

“I haven’t gotten to wear a uniform like this in a long time,” he said before the ceremony.

Moments later, he reflected on the weight of the day, saying he was “just trying to let everything sink in.”

The moment became real as he took the oath of office — a role he said he could not have foreseen before August 27, 2021.

“August 2021 changed my family’s life forever,” Kamara said. That was when 8-year-old Fanta Bility, his cousin, was killed by police gunfire as she left an Academy Park High School football game.

“When I got the call that I lost my cousin, that’s a call that nobody should ever feel. And at that moment, something had to be done,” Kamara said.

Drawing on his experience as a police officer, National Guard member, and employee of the attorney general’s office, Kamara pushed for increased training within the Sharon Hill Police Department. That effort could expand statewide through legislation known as “Fanta’s Law.”

State Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams said he is optimistic about the bill’s future, calling it “one of the rare cases where you have bipartisan support around this bill.”

Supporters said Kamara brings a valuable perspective as the son of Liberian immigrants.

“People see themselves in him, and it’s great to have that type of representation,” said Monica Taylor, chair of the Delaware County Council.

Anthony Moss, of Laborers’ Local 413, added, “I just think he’s going to bring a lot of things. A lot of good things.”

At 30, Kamara noted his place in history.

“I’m the youngest sheriff in America,” he said while speaking to a standing-room-only crowd inside the Delaware County Courthouse in Media.

Among those watching was his aunt, Tenneh Kromah, Fanta’s mother.

“He fought for Fanta. I’m so happy for that. To get this position, I’m so happy,” she said.

Kamara pledged to honor that responsibility.

“I’ll make this promise to you guys. I promise to serve with integrity, accountability, and to make sure everybody in Delaware County is protected and served equally,” he said.

Kamara said his faith guides him, noting that his swearing-in also marked another milestone: he is the first Muslim sheriff in Delaware County.

He said he plans to focus on improving training within the department, modernizing the office and expanding community outreach.

As the winter holidays fade to memory, most Delaware schools should be heating back up.

In the Wilmington area, two Catholic schools – Archmere and Nativity Prep – have announced new leadership at their highest ranks. And in the same city this spring, the YMCA of Delaware is slated to bring its new Early Learning Academy on the East Side.

Also just ahead of the new year, Delaware Community Foundation announced open applications for some 82 scholarships. Last year, that meant more than $850,000 in aid for Delaware students.

In this weekly roundup, we’ll catch you up on these and other education stories you may have missed.

(Did we miss another good education story? Let me know: kepowers@gannett.com)

Wilmington will soon see a new YMCA Early Learning Academy

YMCA of Delaware is looking to inject more affordable child care into Delaware’s largest city.

As previously reported, the Community Education Building – or a Wilmington high-rise packed with four schools, seven nonprofits, some 1,500 students and family services – is bringing its new, 11,000-square-foot Youth Development Center next door, on Wilmington’s East Side. And thanks to this partnership, it will now include a YMCA Early Learning Academy.

Launching this spring, the academy will gear up to serve up to 100 children, according to a press release, from infancy through pre-K. Enrollment begins Jan. 5, according to the YMCA.

The academy will “focus on nurturing academic readiness, social-emotional development, and lifelong confidence during the most critical years of child development,” according to the nonprofit. All said, the goal is to ensure each child gets “a strong start.”

The overall youth center came together with well over $20 million in funding, fueling aims for athletic facilities, spaces for workforce development programs, an early learning center and more near the 1200 block of Wilson St.

NEWARK, Del. (AP) — Christian Bliss’ 19 points helped Delaware defeat Kennesaw State 67-52 on Sunday.

Bliss also added eight rebounds and seven assists for the Fightin’ Blue Hens (5-9, 1-2 Conference USA). Tyler Houser scored 19 points while shooting 7 for 9, including 3 for 5 from beyond the arc. Justyn Fernandez had 10 points and shot 5 of 16 from the field.

Simeon Cottle led the way for the Owls (8-6, 0-3) with 16 points and seven assists. Kennesaw State also got 11 points, 10 rebounds, two steals and four blocks from Braedan Lue. Ramone Seals had 11 points.

Delaware took the lead for good with 2:43 remaining in the first half. The score was 29-22 at halftime, with Houser racking up nine points. Bliss scored 15 points in the second half to help lead the way as Delaware went on to secure a victory, outscoring Kennesaw State by eight points in the second half.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.