Henderson Repeats as State Academic Champs

The following is a press release from the West Chest Area School District.

The Henderson High School Academic Team - comprised of seniors Brian Egan, Ian Latham and Zach Silverstein, and sophomores Griffin Cahill, Peter Deaville, Max Kneis and Maggie Mitchell - successfully defended their state championship status at the 2012 Pennsylvania State Academic Competition held in the Pennsylvania State capitol building on May 4. 

Coordinated by the Chester County Intermediate Unit, the Pennsylvania Academic Competition began in 1992 under sponsorship of Representative Joseph Pitts (R-Chester County). The first annual competition in 1992 was held in the House of Representatives with 11 intermediate units being represented. Now in its 21st year, 25 intermediate units participate with each unit sending one team to participate in the final competition in Harrisburg. The championship team receives a $2,000 scholarship for their high school.

Starting in October, Chester County high schools begin competing against one another in a “college-bowl” format where they answer challenging questions on a wide variety of categories that include literature, math, science, American and world history, geography, fine arts, and current events. After a series of 28 matches, the top nine teams compete in semifinal matches to earn the honor of representing Chester County at the state level. This year, Devon Preparatory School earned that spot with Henderson High School being invited to the competition to defend their championship earned in 2011.

At the championship, twenty-five teams competed against one another in two preliminary rounds, with the top nine teams accruing the most points advancing to the semi-finals. Henderson (65) defeated Wilson (60) and Wissahickon (60) in a tightly contested semi-final match. In the championship match, Henderson (70) grabbed an early first round lead and maintained it to the end, defeating Abington Heights (60) and Freedom (60); thereby securing back-to-back state titles.

This level of excellence can only be achieved by countless hours of preparation, practice and teamwork. Congratulations to the Henderson Academic Team members and coaches Steve Sobieck and Bruce Kozak for successfully defending their status as State Champions!