Monessen captures Charleroi Academic League championship
For the fourth time in five years, the Monessen academic team took varsity honors in the Charleroi Academic League.
Under the guidance of teacher Cinda Maxwell, the Monessen teammates are Marisa Germinario, Thomas Lucy, Nathanael Moon, Chase Nejberger, and Zach Picciarelli.
Moon was also this year's first place scholarship winner.
The team was honored at the league's 24th annual awards ceremony held recently at Charleroi Area High School. Monessen's team won the varsity championship in 2010, 2011, and 2013.
Academic league matches involve two teams, and students must be the first to “buzz in” to answer questions.
Individual student and team scores are tabulated over the season, bringing added competition.
The league, coordinated by Charleroi teacher Laura Piecknick, comprises teams from Bentworth, Bethlehem-Center, California Area, Charleroi Area, Frazier, Monessen, and Washington high schools.
Frazier's varsity team came in second, followed by Charleroi in third.
Frazier's varsity teammates are Christina Babyak, Christian Katic, Jake Koltiska, Zachery Wyckoff, and Nate Zurich.
Charleroi's varsity team members are Jayme Kepich, Joey Papadakos, Danny Riskey, Coral Ruschak, Ashley Watkins, and David Young.
Thanks to corporate sponsors, the league presents scholarships each year to top performers.
Seniors who score at least 75 points during a season are eligible for scholarships.
High-scoring seniors, coaches and the quizmaster, Amy Nelson, vote on the awards.
Moon received $1,500 for his first place scholarship.
Bethlehem Center's McKenna Lohr received the $1,000 second-place scholarship, plus a $500 award from the Bethlehem Center Education Foundation. She also received a trophy for having this year's top career points of 426. She was also the top varsity league season scorer with 152 points.
Charleroi's Danny Riskey was awarded the $500 third place scholarship.
This year's junior varsity team winners were Charleroi, first place, followed by Washington's Team 2 in second and Frazier taking third place.
Charleroi's junior varsity team members are David Kuenzel, Sam Marchewka, Nick Marucci, Jared Miller, and Alex Short.
Frazier's junior varsity teammates are Dan Babyak, Tyler Dorcon, Chad Koltiska, and Nyoah Marteny.
Top junior varsity league scorer was Frazier's Dan Babyak with 180 points.
The Charleroi Academic League and its scholarships are sponsored by the following: Charleroi Federal Savings Bank, Valley Tire Company, Froggy Radio 94.9, Highway Appliance Co., Mon Valley Signs, Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, Model Cleaners, The Valley Independent, McDonalds of Charleroi and Bentleyville, and Lee Supply.
