DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Students across Chester County showcased their love for reading and teamwork at this year’s annual Reading Olympics, an event dedicated to promoting literacy and collaboration. Held over several weeks in April and May, this high-energy competition brought together young readers from elementary to high school levels to test their knowledge of a curated book list. Organized by the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), the event encourages comprehension, critical thinking, and camaraderie among participants.
The Reading Olympics stands out as more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of the joy and value of literature. Teams of students read and divide a reading list, each member focusing on four or five books. On competition day, they come together to answer detailed questions about the stories they’ve prepared, pooling their knowledge to earn points.
“When students commit to reading a variety of books and preparing with their peers, they’re doing more than getting ready for a competition—they’re building habits that will benefit them for a lifetime,” said Kathy Gurnee, a special events coordinator for the program. “Reading strengthens comprehension, sparks imagination, and improves communication, all while helping students see the world through different perspectives. Events like this show how academic challenges can also be joyful, social experiences. It’s incredibly rewarding to see so many students excited about reading and supporting one another.”
For participants like Ronnie Bednarz, a junior at Oxford Area High School, the event offered an engaging combination of academics and fun. “It’s a lot of fun,” Ronnie shared. “I get to hang out with my friends, and it gives me an excuse to read, which I enjoy doing.”
Ronnie’s preparation for the event reflected his enthusiasm. “I went a little nuts on the spreadsheet and added a scoreboard and little medal emojis that show up next to people’s names if they have read a lot of books. I also set up a function to color code automatically for books that need to be read,” he said.
The excitement and teamwork fostered by the Reading Olympics extend beyond the students themselves. Maria Bednarz, a volunteer and Ronnie’s mother, praised the program’s broader impact. “I think the Reading Olympics is good for the students,” Maria noted. “They get to practice teamwork when they discuss answers to the questions, and reading books has tremendous benefits.”
Through initiatives like the Reading Olympics, Chester County continues to cultivate a love of literature and community among its students. By combining education with enjoyment, this annual event leaves a lasting impression, inspiring young minds to explore new stories, perspectives, and friendships.
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