DOWNINGTOWN, PA — In a thrilling display of intellect and teamwork, West Chester East High School clinched the title at the Chester County Academic Competition for the second consecutive year. The event, held on Monday, March 18, 2024, saw West Chester East outsmarting 23 other local schools, setting the stage for their upcoming challenge at the Pennsylvania State Academic Competition in Harrisburg.
The competition, organized by the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) and generously sponsored by the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union (FMFCU), turned the spotlight on the brightest young minds across the county. The finals were a nail-biter, with West Chester East securing their victory in the varsity match by a decisive 35 points. Meanwhile, in the junior varsity category, Great Valley High School showed formidable prowess, winning by a 40-point margin.
“It’s a repeat for us this year,” said a beaming Nathan Schlamb, coach of West Chester East’s academic team. “We’ve done a magnificent job of continuing to work as a team, and I couldn’t be prouder.” His pride was echoed by the team’s captain and MVP, Alex Chen, who attributed their success to a blend of individual specialties and lessons learned from past mistakes.
The pressure of defending their title only fueled West Chester East’s determination. “We transformed that pressure into a dedication to refining the details of our craft and how we work together as a synergistic team,” Chen explained. His advice to future competitors emphasized the importance of leveraging each team member’s strengths to secure victory.
Jay Della Ragione, the CCIU’s special events coordinator, praised the competition’s role in fostering not just academic excellence but also essential life skills such as teamwork, camaraderie, and collaboration. He remarked, “This competition is more than a test of wit.”
The spirit of sportsmanship was palpable as West Chester East shook hands with their fellow competitors, a gesture that underscored the respectful and friendly atmosphere of the event. Their win also came with a $2,000 scholarship, courtesy of the FMFCU, marking an added incentive for their remarkable performance.
As West Chester East prepares to represent Chester County on the state level on April 26 at the Pennsylvania State Capitol, they carry with them not only the hopes of their school but also the pride of their community. The Chester County Academic Competition, now in its 15th year with the support of the FMFCU, continues to highlight the intellectual vigor and collaborative spirit of the region’s youth, promising a brighter future led by these promising scholars.
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