The Kody O’Bear Community Award was created to inspire kids to make a positive difference and showcases elementary-youth classrooms and the teachers of Sussex County Delaware who volunteer and contribute within their community.
To be eligible, the class nominees must be in elementary grades when the award is received.
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for a class, and its teacher, who have selflessly used their time and talents to help promote existing local or national programs that support children to help them thrive; or in the creation of a project which enhances their community such as:
- Community Service
- Environment
- Animal Welfare
How To Nominate
Nominations can be submitted by individuals, teachers, or organization leaders. The candidate class will be selected by a committee of community members.
Upon selection, the recipient class and its teacher will be awarded a trophy, a certificate, and $100 for supplies for their classroom. In addition, there will be a press release that will include a photo of the recipient class with the Kody’s Kids Ambassador, Kody O’Bear, and a description of the class community service or project.
Award Recipient Gallery

Hope Graig, Sussex Tech High School
She received the Community Award for starting a reading program for struggling students.
Jaxon Renshaw, Beacon Middle School
He received the award for collecting items, food, and clothing for the elderly and veterans in his community.


Christian Jackson, Laurel High School
He received the award for helping rehab properties for Habitat for Humanity, mentoring other students, and his volunteering at the Laurel Library.
Susan Potter, Love Creek Elementary
A 3rd-grade teacher at Love Creek Elementary School in Lewes, Delaware. For the past two years, Mrs. Potter’s class has organized a pajama drive along with Scholastic Books – for each pair of new pajamas, Scholastic donated a new book. The pajama program’s purpose is to give children who may be facing challenges beyond their control, a comforting nighttime routine. Mrs. Potter’s class was very happy to learn that children less fortunate than themselves would be receiving comfy new pajamas and a new book to read!
