The Odessa girls soccer team celebrates after winning their game against Middletown in the DIAA Division One Girls Soccer Semifinals.

Photo Gallery: DIAA Division One Girls Soccer Semifinals, Odessa vs Middletown

Ryan Colasanti June 6, 2026Headlines, Sports

The Odessa Ducks defeated Middletown in a penalty kick shootout, 5-4, on June 3 during the DIAA Division One Girls Soccer Semifinals.

Odessa junior Caroline Perry plays the ball along the right sideline at the start of the DIAA Division One Girls Soccer Semifinals.

Odessa junior Caroline Perry plays the ball along the right sideline at the start of the DIAA Division One Girls Soccer Semifinals.

Middletown senior Jacqueline McKenna (11) battles with Perry for possession.

Middletown senior Jacqueline McKenna (11) battles with Perry for possession.

Odessa senior Samantha Mitchell (6) makes a play on the ball attempting to get past McKenna.

Odessa senior Samantha Mitchell (6) makes a play on the ball attempting to get past McKenna (11).

Odessa freshman Averi Coats heads the ball gaining possession.

Odessa freshman Averi Coats heads the ball gaining possession.

Middletown Sophomore Isabella Giammatteo (14) heads the ball while Duck senior Elle McDearmon (18) tries to kick it the other way for Odessa.

Middletown Sophomore Isabella Giammatteo (14) heads the ball while Duck senior Elle McDearmon (18) tries to kick it the other way for Odessa.

Cavalier sophomore Madelaine Rash makes a pass at the top of the offense.

Cavalier sophomore Madelaine Rash makes a pass at the top of the offense.

Perry (5) works around the Cavalier defense with sophomore Katherine Eddinger (15) and junior Tatiana Padilla-Henderson (20) closely defending.

Perry (5) works around the Cavalier defense with sophomore Katherine Eddinger (15) and junior Tatiana Padilla-Henderson (20) closely defending.

McDearmon kicks the ball toward the goal. Neither team scored through regulation.

McDearmon kicks the ball toward the goal. Neither team scored through regulation.

Giammatteo (14) crosses over attempting to get past Mitchell (6) defending.

Giammatteo (14) crosses over attempting to get past Mitchell (6) defending.

McKenna (11) and Odessa sophomore Isabella Jacobs (23) battle for the ball.

McKenna (11) and Odessa sophomore Isabella Jacobs (23) battle for the ball.

Middletown senior Sarah McFarland makes a diving stop to keep the game tied in overtime.

Middletown senior Sarah McFarland makes a diving stop to keep the game tied in overtime.

Odessa's senior goaltender Elizabeth Cebula tries to make a leaping stop during penalty kicks.

Odessa’s senior goaltender Elizabeth Cebula tries to make a leaping stop during penalty kicks.

McDearmon (18) kicks in the game winning goal for the Ducks.

McDearmon (18) kicks in the game winning goal for the Ducks.

McDearmon's kick went just above the outstretched effort from Cavalier goalie Sarah McFarland.

McDearmon’s kick went just above the outstretched effort from Cavalier goalie Sarah McFarland.

Cebula runs out to celebrate Odessa's victory after making the final save.

Cebula runs out to celebrate Odessa’s victory after making the final save.

Odessa celebrates after winning the game, 5-4, in penalty kicks.

Odessa celebrates after winning the game, 5-4, in penalty kicks.

All photos courtesy of Dave Reeder.

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Delaware healthcare professionals to gather in Dover for geriatric care symposium
Wesley College of Health & Behavioral Sciences at Delaware State University and Education Health & Research International at Milford Wellness Village are collaborating to bring healthcare professionals together to explore geriatric and age-friendly care. DOVER — As Delaware’s population continues to age, healthcare professionals from across the state will gather on June 5 at Delaware State University for a symposium focused on one critical question: How can healthcare systems, providers, and community partners work together to improve care for Delaware’s aging population? The Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program Symposium, presented by the Wesley College of Health & Behavioral Sciences at Delaware State University and Education Health & Research International at Milford Wellness Village, will take place from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center on the university’s Dover campus. The event is designed to help nurses, physicians, caregivers, social workers, and other healthcare professionals better understand the unique and changing needs of seniors as they age. Organizers say the symposium will focus on translating evidence-based practices, education, and current geriatric care practices into practical knowledge that can improve care for older adults throughout Delaware. Addressing Delaware’s aging population The symposium comes as Delaware continues to experience significant growth in its senior population, increasing demand for healthcare workers trained in geriatric care. The event is part of Delaware’s broader Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program, a federally funded initiative supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program is helping to strengthen Delaware’s ability to care for older adults through workforce training, caregiver support, and community partnerships. At the center of that effort are Karen L. Panunto, EdD, MSN, RN, Principal Investigator for the Delaware GWEP and Tracy Harpe, DNP, RN, Co-Principal Investigator for the program. Panunto oversees the more than $5 million federal grant supporting the program and directs partnerships among Delaware State University, Education and Health Research International at Milford Wellness Village, and aging services organizations across the state. Her work focuses on strengthening geriatric education, expanding dementia-capable care, supporting family caregivers, and preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals to meet the needs of an aging population. Building a stronger geriatric workforce The symposium reflects the broader mission of the Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program, which seeks to improve care for older adults by educating current and future healthcare professionals. Through collaboration between the Wesley College of Health & Behavioral Sciences at Delaware State University and Education Health & Research International at Milford Wellness Village, the program supports education and training in gerontology, chronic disease management, dementia care, and community-based healthcare. Because Delaware State University is a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), organizers say the program also emphasizes reducing health disparities, expanding access to care, and serving underserved communities across Kent and Sussex counties. The agenda focuses on practical senior-care challenges. This year’s symposium theme is “Advancing Age-Friendly Care Across the Continuum: Strengthening Geriatric Care Systems in Delaware through Education, Practice, and Community Partnerships.” The day begins with a Welcome and Opening Remarks featuring: Dr. Gwendolyn Scott-Jones, Dean of Graduate, Adult & Extended Studies | Wesley College Health & Behavioral Sciences at Delaware State University Rabbi Halberstam, Chief Strategy Officer for Education Health & Research International Dr. Karen L. Panunto, Associate Professor/MSN Program Director, & Principal Investigator for Delaware Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program at Delaware State University Morning sessions will address several key challenges facing seniors and their healthcare providers: Pharmacology and Geriatric Patient: Avoiding Harm from Medication Lois Chappel, DNP, APC, will discuss how aging affects how the body processes medications and explore strategies to reduce medication-related harm among seniors. Advanced Care Planning in Skilled Nursing Facilities Christie Whitlock, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, will present advanced care planning in skilled nursing facilities, helping providers and families better prepare for future healthcare decisions. Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model Clinton Middleton, MSN, APRN, FNP-D, will introduce the GUIDE Model (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience), which focuses on improving care for individuals living with dementia while providing support for family caregivers. Comprehensive Primary Care: Across the Lifespan Following lunch, Louis Silverstein, MD, will discuss how healthcare providers can deliver coordinated care that addresses the changing physical, emotional, and social needs of adults as they age. Strengthening Geriatric Care Systems in Delaware The symposium concludes with a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Gwendolyn Scott-Jones that explores ways healthcare providers, educators, and community organizations can work together to improve services for older adults. Why the symposium matters Organizers say the topics reflect many of the most important issues affecting seniors today, including healthy aging, medication management, dementia care, caregiver support, mental health, and maintaining independence. The goal is not only to educate healthcare professionals but also to strengthen the network of organizations and providers working to improve the quality of life for older Delawareans. As Delaware’s senior population continues to grow, leaders at Delaware State University, Education Health & Research International, and the Delaware Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program hope the symposium will strengthen Delaware’s healthcare workforce with knowledge, skills, and collaborative partnerships needed to support healthy aging for years to come. If You Go What: Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Symposium Theme: Advancing Age-Friendly Care Across the Continuum: Strengthening Geriatric Care Systems in Delaware through Education, Practice, and Community Partnerships When: Friday, June 5, 2026 Time: 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center, Parlor A, Delaware State University, 1200 N. Dupont Highway, Dover Presented by: Wesley College of Health & Behavioral Sciences at Delaware State University, Education Health Research International at Milford Wellness Village, and the Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program Who Should Attend: Physicians, nurses, CNAs, social workers, case managers, community health workers, senior-care professionals, students, and caregivers Registration: go.desu.edu/GWEP2026 Cost: Free Purpose: To share education on evidence-based age-friendly care practices that support senior health, wellness, and caregiving with Delaware’s healthcare workforce and community partners.
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Milford Wellness Village to anchor $1.25M federal grant expanding chronic-disease self-management for caregivers and adults with disabilities
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