DOWNINGTOWN, PA — The Chester County Academic Competition celebrated the achievements of local high school students and educators during its 2025 Breakfast of Champions, held on May 13 at the Downingtown Country Club. The event brought together students, coaches, and community members to honor a year of hard work and dedication.
The morning began with remarks from Jay Della Ragione, special events coordinator for the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), followed by a welcome from Jennifer Chicosky, the CCIU’s marketing and community engagement manager. Rick Durante, director of corporate social responsibility at the event’s lead sponsor, Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union (FMFCU), delivered an inspiring opening address.
Keynote speaker Joshua Mensah, a Coatesville Area Senior High School alumnus and former Academic Competition standout, encouraged students to value curiosity, connection, and community. A graduate of Cornell University and Stanford Law School, Mensah currently works at Amazon. Reflecting on his own experiences, he remarked, “The people you are with, the community you are building, and the relationships you form are more important than any individual score, award, or competition.”
The event culminated in an awards ceremony recognizing individual and team achievements. Each participating school honored one student as their Most Valuable Player. Among the top awards, Stephen DiRomualdo of Downingtown STEM Academy was named Coach of the Year for his outstanding leadership. Travis Johnson of Great Valley High School earned the Howard M. Reinard Jr. Competitor of the Year title, in addition to being selected as his team’s MVP.
Alyssa Russell from Avon Grove Charter School received the inaugural Heart of the Team award, recognizing her for exceptional character, compassion, and teamwork. “I hope that I have taught my teammates about the importance of humility and learning from mistakes,” said Russell.
Sponsored by FMFCU, the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA), the Children’s Fund of Chester County, and CCRES Educational and Behavioral Health Services, the Chester County Academic Competition fosters academic excellence, teamwork, and personal growth among high school students. The 2025 Breakfast of Champions served as a fitting conclusion to the competition season, celebrating both achievements and the enduring value of learning.
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