Delaware County Hi-Q

Delco Hi-Q teams from 21 public, parochial and private high schools in the county were honored at the third annual Partners in Education Celebration on March 28 at the Corporate Events Center in Drexelbrook. Along with celebrating the academic achievements of 120 students who took part in the 2006-2007 Delco Hi-Q season, Delaware County’s premier education event also included the induction of two past Hi-Q participants into the prestigious Delco Hi-Q Hall of Honor.

Just like at a sports banquet, lots of accomplishments were recognized and applauded at the dinner, the culmination of the 59th season of the nation’s oldest, continuous academic quiz competition for high school students.

This year’s three top-scoring teams were commended and rewarded for their accomplishment. The Marple Newtown team, champions for the second consecutive year despite being the “underdogs” going into the final competition, won $3,000 for their school. The champs also won the right to keep the Donna Zerby Trophy another year.

For their second and third place finish, the Penncrest and Garnet Valley teams were awarded $2,500 and $2,000, respectively, for their school. The awards, which included photo plaque for each team member, were presented by Delco Hi-Q Co-Directors Virginia “Ginger” Beaumont and Rick Durante, Assistant Vice President/Director of Education at Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union, one of two primary sponsors of Delco Hi-Q for the third consecutive year. The other is Kimberly Clark Corp, Chester Operations.
Also receiving praise and plaques were members of this year’s All Delco Hi-Q Team. One student from each of the 21 teams was chosen for the distinction by his or her team’s faculty advisor. Philip E. Heron, editor of the Delaware County Daily Times, noted the inspiration for the third annual award came from the newspaper’s all Delco sports awards. He said academics deserve to be recognized in the same way and that it was a “high honor” to introduce this year’s All Delco Hi-Q Team.

“Well done!” he said to each member of the elite group, in giving each a plaque and a congratulatory handshake. They also received a commemorative T-shirt provided by Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union.
For professional excellence and community service, former Delco Hi-Q participants Alicia C. Sheerin of Drexel Hill and Dr. David R. Kalodner of Rose Valley were inducted into the 2007 Delco Hi-Q Hall of Honor. Durante, who served as master of ceremonies, noted the two were chosen from an impressive number of nominees from around the country. They join three past inductees: the late Hi-Q Director Donna Zerby, who was closely involved with the program for more than 40 years; Tom McCarthy, Hi-Q quizmaster since 1979; and Media attorney Murray Eckell, who was on Chester High School’s Hi-Q team in 1951-1952.

Their photo plaques will be added to the Hall of Honor wall in the lobby of the Delaware County Intermediate Unit’s Conference Center in Morton.

Ms. Sheerin, who was introduced by Garnet Valley Hi-Q team member Jeff Conway, competed on the Archbishop Prendergast team in 1987 and 1988. Her highly successful public relations agency, which she founded in 1990 when she was just 20 years old, serves many high profile clients. She spoke of the value of the Hi-Q program, how it’s grown over the years and the excellent support it receives from the community.

“Hi-Q played a key role in who I am today,” she said. “I’m honored to be here.”
Kalodner, who was introduced by Penncrest Hi-Q team member Erik Virbitsky, was on Interboro’s team from 1972 to 1974. An osteopathic physician with an office in Ridley Park, he’s chaired the Department of Family Medicine at Taylor Hospital since 1989 and has been on the executive committee of the medical staff since 1986. He was named to the Interboro High School Hall of Fame in 2003.

He said he was awed by the academic talent in his midst and humbled by the honor of being included in the Hall of Honor.

“Be proud of your intelligence… hold tight to your academic integrity,” he told the students. “Thank you for inviting me back into the Delco Hi-Q family.”

Two new cash awards were created this year by the Delco Hi-Q Advisory Board. The Sun Valley team won for showing the greatest improvement in its scores – by 36 points -- over the previous year and Penncrest’s team won for demonstrating the best school spirit.

Welcoming remarks were presented by Roashan Ayene, a member of the 2006-2007 championship Marple Newtown team and Michael Pearson, chairman of The Foundation of the Delaware County Chamber. Pearson’s comment that “everyone in this room is a winner” by virtue of their participation in Hi-Q drew an enthusiastic round of applause from the large gathering. Included were students, parents, school administrators, headmasters and teachers, past Hi-Q participants, officials from sponsoring companies and guests.

Delco Hi-Q is a joint endeavor of The Foundation of the Delaware County Chamber and the Intermediate Unit, both of whom hosted the 2007 Partners in Education Celebration. Sponsors were Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union (Summa Cum Laude); the Delaware County Daily Times (Magna Cum Laude); Endo Pharmaceuticals and Kimberly Clark Corp.(Valedictorian); Crozer-Keystone Health System (Distinguished Honor Roll); PECO, an Exelon Company; State Farm Insurance; and USI Colburn Insurance Services (Honor Roll).

Support also came from the Martin T. Sarkees Corp.; Friends of Ted Erickson; PA State Education Assoc., Southeast Region; Neumann College and Dr. Rosalie Mirenda; Comcast; and Union Packaging LLC.
Wrapping up the celebration, Durante thanked the Chamber and FMFCU staff and all who had a hand in making the event – and Delco Hi-Q’s 2006-2007 season -- so successful.

“It’s been a great season,” he said, “and we’re looking forward to the next season, the 60th anniversary season.”