Caption: Garnet Valley High School, Delaware County Christian School and Radnor High School will compete in the Championship Contest for the 2nd year in a row.
February 29, 2024 -The results are in! Six top-scoring teams competed in a series of two Semi- Final contests to determine the Delco Hi-Q 76th Season finalists. Garnet Valley High School already earned a bye from scoring the most points in the regular season. Now, it was left to the remaining six teams to vie for the coveted spots in the final three-team contest.
Delaware County Christian School was the first team to secure a spot in the Championship Contest after winning on February 27th against Haverford and Strath Haven High Schools. In true DCCS fashion, the auditorium was standing room only- and the full audience brought enthusiasm and cheers for every question. DCCS took a dominating lead in the first half, but Strath Haven followed close behind in the second half. The ultimate victor was determined by the last two questions of the contest. Final Scores – DCCS: 49; Haverford: 31; Strath Haven: 44.
In the second Semi-Final Contest on February 29th, Radnor secured their spot in the Championship Contest. Marple Newtown had home court advantage, and the lead changed multiple times in the first half. During the second half, Radnor was really able to pick up points to secure the win. State Representatives Heather Boyd and Lisa Boroswski were among the audience members, enthusiastically cheering for all three teams. Final Scores- Marple Newtown: 39; Radnor: 49; Upper Darby: 32.
Just last year, these three teams competed against each other in the Championship Contest. The Championship Contest will be held on Wednesday, March 13 at Garnet Valley High School beginning at 9:55 am.
Garnet Valley has a very long, successful history in Delco Hi-Q. The school has earned five titles since 2011, for a total of nine since their first win in 1978 and placed first last season. This is the school’s seventh consecutive Championship appearance and twenty-fifth overall since 1977. Garnet Valley placed first in the regular season which earned them the opportunity to host the Championship. Faculty Advisor Sandra Dubnansky has been coaching the team for nine year and fellow advisor Alex Hillemeyer is in his second year.
Entering the competition in 1993 as a replacement for St. James High School, Delaware County Christian School is now embarking on their second consecutive and eighth overall Championship appearance. The team claimed the top spot in 2021. Leading the team is veteran faculty advisor Thom Houghton, who brings over twenty years of experience to his coaching role.
Radnor High School holds one of the longest Championship records in Delco Hi-Q history. This will be their twenty-eighth overall Championship appearance. The school has clinched eleven titles since 1965 with the last coming in the 1998 season. Faculty Advisor Robert Spear has coached the team for eight years.
Delco Hi-Q is a partnership between Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) and FMFCU Foundation. FMFCU Vice President Rick Durante serves as Executive Director and Quizmaster, FMFCU Foundation Program and CSR Manager, Danielle Griffin is Hi-Q Assistant Director, and DCIU’s Dave Bramble is the production engineer. In addition to support from participating schools, Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union and the Wilbur C. and Betty Lea Henderson Foundation are the primary corporate sponsors. Additional support comes from longtime sponsor Kimberly-Clark Corporation and the Delaware County Daily Times.
