Gala celebrates the best in Delco education
UPPER DARBY » Partners in Education Foundation awarded more than $53,000 at its annual academic achievement celebration where students, teachers, and community advocates were recognized. Some 600 people attended this year’s event presented by Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union (FMFCU) and emceed by Channel 6ABC Reporter Katherine Scott on Thursday, April 27, at Drexelbrook Corporate Events Center.
Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union and Delaware County Intermediate Unit presented these awards:
• Delco Hi-Q (the nation’s oldest, continuous academic quiz competition)
• Haverford High School, Championship
• Radnor High School, Second Place
• Garnet Valley High School, Third Place
• Academy of Notre Dame de Namur, Most Improved Team
• All-Delco Hi-Q (one distinguished member from each of the 21 teams)
• Delco Hi-Q Hall of Honor Inductee, Delaware County Deputy DA Michael Galantino
• 2017 Financial Literacy Advocate, Ridley School District Superintendent Lee Ann Wentzel
• Student-Operated Financial Literacy Center of the Year, Alexis I. du Pont High School
• 2017 Outstanding Leader, Kenny Ngaima, Penn Wood High School
• Delaware County Excellence in Teaching Award recipients (19 total)
• 2017 John D. Unangst Scholarship Recipients (11 total)
Among the encouraging messages shared by presenters and recipients were the words of Delco Hi-Q Hall of Honor Inductee Michael Galantino, Delaware County deputy district attorney, who humbly credited his high school Hi-Q experience with giving him the discipline and acumen to pursue a law career.
Credit Union industry leader and The Berenstain Bears Financial Literacy Program Advisory Board Member Julie Ferguson, said FMFCU “walks the talk” by partnering and supporting the community it serves. “The smiles, speeches, cheers for the teachers, and high fives left me feeling so encouraged about humanity. I especially enjoyed hearing Outstanding Student Leader Kenny Ngaima speak about mentorship, sharing that he felt learning is so much more than what we read in books and encouraging all to be leaders and help the youth reach their full potential.”
Guests enjoyed a redcarpet style arrival, complete with professional photographs. Following the reception, guests were guided to the main ballroom for the upbeat ceremony and formal dinner punctuated with music. A bevy of trophies, plaques, and certificates were dispersed along with thousands of dollars earned by the recipients for their respective achievements in academia.
Valedictorian sponsors included Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union and The Wilbur C. & Betty Lea Henderson Foundation. CCRES and Kimberly-Clark Corporation sponsored the celebration at the Salutatorian level. Additional contributions came from Neumann University, Delaware County Community College, Penn State Brandywine, individuals, and local businesses.
The 2018 Partners in Education Celebration is slated for April 19, 2018.
Partners in Education is a program of Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union Foundation, Inc., a 501c3 corporation. For information, visit www. PartnersInEducationFoundation.org.