DOWNINGTOWN, PA — The Downingtown Country Club was buzzing with an atmosphere of spirited celebration on Friday, May 3, 2024, as Chester County high school students came together to mark the end of another triumphant academic year.
After several months of unyielding studying and intense competition, students, coaches, and academic team members of the Chester County Academic Competition joined forces one last time for the 2023-24 school year to share memories, connect with peers from different schools, and applaud academic brilliance.
Jay Della Ragione, Chester County Intermediate Unit’s special events coordinator, initiated the proceedings with his welcoming remarks followed by Christa Fazio, the Director of Communications, Marketing, and Engagement at the CCIU.
Della Ragione remarked on the significance of the gathering, known as the Breakfast of Champions, calling it the “culmination point of the academic competition season”. He expressed his pride in the remarkable evolution of students into proficient competitors. Moreover, he recognized the indispensible support of sponsors whose sustained backing contributes directly to the success of the program.
Following the welcoming speeches, attendees indulged in a lavish buffet-style brunch served by the country club staff.
The keynote address of the event was delivered by Chris Hoess, a previous participant in the Chester County Academic Competition and a former MVP recipient. Currently, Hoess imparts his passion for learning amongst pre-nursing and science students at Delaware Technical Community College.
Hoess recounted his time in the competition, emphasizing the significance of dedication, teamwork, and being open to fresh experiences. The academic competition, according to Hoess, instilled in him the essence of practice and doing one’s part for the team, besides the indispensability of having trustworthy team members.
Hoess urged graduating students to perform their jobs with utmost precision, drawing parallels to his own experiences during the competition. He noted that achieving excellence in their roles would bring together other industrious individuals, recreating the exhilarating team experience he had treasured.
A rewarding end to the 2024 Breakfast of Champions was the ceremony to honor MVPs from each Chester County team, the Coach of the Year, and the Howard M. Reinard, Jr. Competitor of the Year.
The Coach of the Year, awarded to a coach who upholds excellence and fair play, was given to Nathan Schlamb of West Chester East High School. Schlamb expressed his blissful disbelief at being recognized and his pride at concluding his 14-year coaching career on such a high.
The Howard M. Reinard, Jr. Competitor of the Year was bestowed upon Alex Chen of West Chester East High School, the team’s MVP, for his extraordinary leadership and performance. Chen advised future participants to savor the process, emphasizing that the real reward lied in enjoying the game and the camaraderie with teammates, despite the competitive stress.
Sponsored by organizations like the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Unit, the Pennsylvania State Education Association, and the Children’s Fund of Chester County, the Chester County Academic Competition is a platform to promote lifelong learning, celebrate scholastic achievement, and build self-confidence among high school students.
The annual Breakfast of Champions not only applauds the academic prowess of these young minds but also reinforces the tradition of academic excellence in Chester County. This strategic move is ultimately about more than just a gathering; it’s about fostering a commitment to lifelong learning and the betterment of academic standards in the region. To learn more about the Chester County Academic Competition, visit the Chester County Intermediate Unit website..
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