DOWNINGTOWN, PA — High-achieving students from schools across Chester County gathered Friday morning at Downingtown Country Club to celebrate a successful 2025-26 Chester County Academic Competition season during the annual Breakfast of Champions awards ceremony.
The event brought together competitors, coaches, educators, sponsors, and supporters after months of intense preparation, weekly practices, and academic matches. The atmosphere throughout the morning was reflective, upbeat, and celebratory as students shared memories from the season and connected with teams from across the county one final time before the school year concludes.
The breakfast opened with remarks from Jay Della Ragione, special events coordinator for the Chester County Intermediate Unit, followed by a welcome from Melissa Smith, assistant director of communications, marketing, and engagement. Brielle Ridgeway of premier sponsor Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union also addressed attendees before guests enjoyed a buffet-style brunch.
“My job — my privilege — is to help create memories that last well beyond the competition,” Della Ragione said. “The Breakfast of Champions exists so that every student who has walked through the door of an academic competition this year feels seen, celebrated, and proud of what they’ve accomplished.”
He also praised the dedication of coaches who supported students throughout the season.
“Chester County is home to truly exceptional young people and today is about honoring not just their academic achievements, but the teamwork, resilience, and joy they brought to every single round,” Della Ragione added.
The program featured keynote speaker Isaac Hirsch, a former quiz bowl standout and multi-game winner on Jeopardy!, who encouraged students to focus less on wins and losses and more on personal growth and the experiences gained through competition.
“I wish somebody told me that the wins and losses don’t matter as much as you think they do in the moment,” Hirsch told attendees. “Ultimately, it’s the experience of it.”
Hirsch also encouraged students — especially graduating seniors — to remain open to new opportunities and changing career paths.
“Enjoy this time! The world’s laid out in front of you with a million possibilities,” he stated. “Don’t be afraid to pivot or change what you think you want to do.”
The celebration concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing standout competitors and coaches from across the county.
Brian Johnson of B. Reed Henderson High School was named Chester County Academic Competition Coach of the Year, an award recognizing leadership, sportsmanship, and dedication to students throughout the season.
The Howard M. Reinard Jr. Competitor of the Year Award was presented to Sidharth Muthiyattu Sumesh of B. Reed Henderson High School, who was also selected as his team’s MVP.
“It feels great,” Muthiyattu Sumesh noted after receiving the award. “Over the last few years, I have seen some of the best quiz bowl players receive this award. I am humbled to receive the same award.”
The Heart of the Team award was presented to Valeria Wakeman of Octorara High School for demonstrating compassion, character, and camaraderie throughout the season.
“Learning together is such a beautiful way for us to connect,” Wakeman said. “I think literature and math and science are these beautifully universal forms of knowledge and connection.”
Organizers credited the success of the Chester County Academic Competition season and the Breakfast of Champions event to the efforts of the Chester County Intermediate Unit, Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union, the Pennsylvania State Education Association, the Children’s Fund of Chester County, and CCRES Educational and Behavioral Health Services, along with coaches, volunteers, educators, and families who supported students throughout the year.
The Chester County Academic Competition will return next school year, continuing its mission of promoting lifelong learning, teamwork, academic excellence, and confidence among high school students across the county.
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