Delaware Online/The News Journal has launched a new Prom of the Week contest, and we need your help choosing which prom stands out above the rest.

For years, Delaware Online has covered prom celebrations across the First State. Now, readers can vote each week for their favorite prom from those we feature.

Voting runs from Sunday through 5 p.m. Thursday.

Videographer Joseph Johnson will produce a special video feature highlighting each week’s winning prom.

Here are this week’s contenders for Prom of the Week.

So rally your school, win the spotlight, and let your night shine.

Date Posted: Saturday, April 25th, 2026

The Delaware State Police announced the recipients of the 2025 Trooper of the Year and Professional Staff of the Year Awards during a ceremony on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. To highlight the importance of the event, notable attendees included Governor Matt Meyer, Chief Deputy Attorney General Dan Logan, Department of Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Joshua Bushweller, Colonel William D. Crotty, and Sergeant Shawn Doherty, President of the Delaware State Troopers Association, who all offered congratulatory remarks.

Trooper of the Year

The Delaware State Police Trooper of the Year is awarded annually to one sworn employee who is recognized by their peers as having outstanding character and integrity and whose actions or performance significantly exceeded expectations during that calendar year.

From the twelve nominees, Colonel Crotty and the Executive Staff selected Corporal Robert Prettyman as the 2025 Trooper of the Year for his exceptional efforts and contributions to the Division and the citizens of the State of Delaware.

Trooper of the Year Nominees

Trooper First Class Colin Osler – Troop 1

Detective Justin Adams – Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit

Trooper First Class Jonathan Lado – Troop 2 Patrol

Detective Brandon Yencer – Troop 3 Criminal Investigations Unit

Trooper First Class Jacob Pangle – Troop 3 Patrol

Detective Heidi Lingo – Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit

Trooper First Class Brian Nieto – Troop 4 Patrol

Corporal Robert Prettyman – Troop 5

Corporal/1 Matthew “Ty” Snook – Troop 6

Corporal/1 Ryan Nowakowski – Troop 7

Corporal Emanuel Velez – Troop 9

Detective Michael Macauley – Headquarters

Professional Staff of the Year

The Delaware State Police Professional Staff of the Year is awarded annually to one employee whose service with the Delaware State Police has been outstanding throughout the course of that calendar year.

From the eleven nominees, Colonel Crotty and the Executive Staff selected Revered Jeffrey A. Miller, Sr. as the 2025 Professional Staff of the Year.  Reverend Miller is assigned to Troop 2 and also serves as a Chaplain for the division.

Professional Staff of the Year Nominees

Ms. Mayra Cruz-Chavez – Victim Services

Ms. Ashleigh Haines – State Bureau of Identification

Ms. Sonia Jonas – Troop 3

Mr. Barry Laise – KENTCOM

Ms. Kerry-Gene Lussier – Information Technology

Reverend Jeffrey A. Miller, Sr. – Troop 2

Ms. Heather Neeld – RECOM

Ms. Donna Newth-Showell – Troop 6

Mr. Schyler Outten – SUSCOM

Ms. Nicole Sund – Delaware Information Analysis Center

Mr. Robert Zurlo – Troop 5 Transportation

Additionally, Troopers, Professional Staff, and non-divisional members received several awards for Life Saving, Exceptional Performance, the Superintendent’s Citation, and Valor.

Congratulations to all award nominees and the recipients.  Please enjoy the award ceremony highlight video below.

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Celebration Included Historic Marker Dedication and 5K Run

A historic marker was dedicated by the Delaware Public Archives at Fort Delaware for its role in protecting the coast from the Civil War to World War II. Photo by DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation.

As part of the 75th Anniversary of Delaware State Parks, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control launched Fort Fest at the Fort Delaware State Park on April 25-26. The weekend included the unveiling of a historic marker and an inaugural 5K run around Pea Patch Island.

A state historic marker was unveiled on April 25 at Battery Park in Delaware City. It highlighted Fort Delaware’s role in protecting the ports of Philadelphia and Wilmington since the mid-1800s. The fort also housed more than 33,000 Confederate soldiers and political prisoners during the Civil War. About 2,400 Confederate soldiers died there, with many buried at Finn’s Point National Cemetery in New Jersey.

Through advocacy efforts led by the Fort Delaware Society, the fort became the second state park in Delaware in 1951. It is located on Pea Patch Island, which can only be accessed by boat, and offers programs highlighting its rich past throughout the spring, summer and fall. It also includes the Pea Patch Island Nature Preserve, which features a heronry, an important migratory bird habitat along its marshy shore, which draws thousands of people annually to see unique species.

During this year’s opening weekend, Fort Delaware will debut Charge the Fort on April 26, a 5k run across the island managed by Race Roster. This unique event was limited to 150 participants. The race will begin and end at the fort and traverse both ends of the island. Awards will be given to top male and female finishers, masters divisions, walkers and the top three finishers in each age group. Participants had to be 13 and older and minors had to be accompanied by a participating adult to take part in the race. No spectators will be allowed on the island on race day due to capacity issues.

Reenactor groups will also be present at Battery Park in Delaware City on race day.

Fort Delaware is one of several former military installations in the Delaware State Parks system that demonstrates the importance of the First State in defending the nation. Those parks include Fort DuPont in Delaware City and Fort Miles in Lewes.

For more information about Fort Delaware, visit the destateparks.com/park/fort-delaware/ webpage. For more information on the Charge the Island 5K race, visit the Race Roster website.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo and the Indian River Marina.  For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Celebrating A Milestone Year
Delaware State Parks is celebrating 75 years of outdoor adventures and lasting memories. What began in 1951 with three parks has grown into a system that now includes 17 state parks, 22 nature preserves, the Brandywine Zoo and the Indian River Marina — together protecting more than 27,000 acres. In 2026, the division will honor the people, parks and partners who built this legacy and invite visitors to join in inspiring exploration, discovery and a deeper connection to the outdoors for generations to come.

Media contact: Beth Kuhles-Heiney, elizabeth.kuhlesheiney@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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