The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) hosted its annual Reading Olympics this spring, bringing together school teams from across Chester County for a quiz-bowl-style competition built around a curated book list. Held across several dates in April and May, the event challenges students from elementary through high school to demonstrate reading comprehension, collaborate with peers, and engage with literature in a competitive yet spirited setting.

The Reading Olympics blends literacy, teamwork, and critical thinking into one engaging academic event. Students divide an assigned reading list among teammates, each specializing in four to five books. On competition days, teams apply that knowledge together, answering questions that test both individual comprehension and their ability to collaborate under pressure. This year, three high school, 33 middle school, and 76 elementary school teams participated in the competition.

“This kind of event gets to the heart of why reading matters. Students aren't just preparing for a competition. They're growing as thinkers, listeners, and teammates. Seeing them so energized about books and so invested in each other's success is exactly what we hope for when we put something like this together," said Kathy Gurnee, special events coordinator for the CCIU.

Paisley Midkiff, a student participant from Pocopson Elementary School, shared her excitement about the event: “My favorite part is that we all get together and answer questions as a team.” Reflecting on the winning question, Paisley added, “Luckily, it was a big part of the book, and we all remembered.”

Piper Rust, a student at Kennett Middle School competing in her third Reading Olympics, described how the event has shaped her as a reader. "It's challenged me to read more books," she said. "Each year I find new authors that I really like and enjoy, and I end up reading more of their books." Piper, who has read every book on the list each year since fourth grade, also spoke to the value of trying something new. "I think they should just try it even just for a year, and maybe you'll find that you really enjoy it."

The Reading Olympics exemplifies how academic events can be engaging, inclusive, and enriching. Students don’t just read, they connect, collaborate, and grow. As the competition continues to thrive across southeastern Pennsylvania, including Berks, Bucks, Carbon Lehigh, Delaware, and Montgomery counties, it remains a beacon of how schools can create a lasting positive impact through the power of books. To learn more about the Chester County Reading Olympics, please visit www.cciu.org/reading-olympics.

On Friday, May 15, middle school students from across Chester County put their knowledge to the test at the annual Chester County Knowledge Bowl, coordinated by the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) and held at West Chester University.

The Chester County Knowledge Bowl is a daylong academic competition where students in sixth through eighth grades team up to answer challenging questions spanning multiple subjects, including literature, math, science, American and world history, geography, and contemporary events.

West Chester University was filled with energy as 48 teams of middle school students gathered, each composed of four to eight players, ready to compete for top honors.

The competition was divided into four rounds, where three teams of four students each raced to answer 60 questions. The format requires preparation, coordination, and teamwork, while giving each student the chance to showcase individual expertise, with only one student per team being able to answer at a time.

"What stands out every year is the enthusiasm these students bring," said Kathy Gurnee, special events coordinator for the CCIU. "The Knowledge Bowl challenges them to think fast, work as a team, and draw on everything they know, and watching them rise to that challenge is incredibly rewarding. It's a great reminder of just how much our middle schoolers are capable of."

Volunteers played an important role in making the day a success. Karen Stokes, a retired Brandywine Virtual Academy (BVA) teacher and returning Knowledge Bowl volunteer, was struck by the students' enthusiasm throughout the competition. "I really, really love seeing the enthusiasm for knowledge that the students display," she said. "It was impressive to see how much students know, and how important teamwork is."

Students also reflected on what made the experience worthwhile. Lydia Kurniawan, a competitor from Valley Forge Middle School, highlighted the collaborative nature of the event. "What I like most is collaborating with my team to get high scores," she said. "A lot of the knowledge you have really just comes from random facts you've learned over the years."

After a full day of competition in the seventh and eighth grade division, Fugett Middle School team Adi’s Disciples took home first place with 140 points, followed by Tredyffrin/Easttown Middle School team Mind Over Matter in second with 137 points, and Peirce Middle School team We Came, We Saw, We Conquered in third place with 136 points.

In the sixth-grade division, Peirce Middle School team The Terminators claimed first place with 144 points, with Saint Agnes School team The Brainstorm Battalion finishing second with 127 points, and Fugett Middle School team The Cougars and Valley Forge Middle School team Jolly Ranchers tying for third place with 126 points each.

Congratulations to all 48 teams who participated in the 2026 Chester County Knowledge Bowl!

For more information, visit www.cciu.org/knowledge-bowl.