Published March 20. 2026 02:45PM
The 36th annual Academic Challenge Eighth Competition, also known as the Kern Klassic, was held this week at Lehighton Middle School. Competitions were held during the day Monday and Tuesday, and the final championship rounds were held Wednesday evening.
After two days of contests, the three remaining teams, Northwestern Lehigh, Palmerton and Tamaqua, competed Wednesday evening for the first, second and third place trophies. Tamaqua was the winner, followed by Northwestern and Palmerton.
ACE Competition 1st Place Team, Tamaqua School District, from left are: Megan Frantz, adviser; team members, Marlee Boyle, Makayla Elston, Justin Harakel, Mason Harakel, Aaron Kerlin and Parker Mills. The alternates are Aubriana Kleckner and Addyson Schock, followed by an adviser, Brittany Hill.
ACE Competition 2nd Place Team, Northwestern Lehigh Middle School, from left are: Rich Kulp, adviser; team members, Adin Breidinger, Jaxton Cougle, Peter Gengaro, Alice Hoban, Cameron Kahl and Robyn Kutney. Alternates are Kaylynn Knauss and Sonny Sansone, next to an adviser, Katherine Kraky.
ACE Competition 3rd Place Team, Palmerton Area School District, from left are: Sarah Smith, adviser; team members, Lucas Beahn, Geovany Castillo Andrade, Alexander Delich, Jace Farkas, Harper Hahn and Matthew Jahelka. Alternates are Sophia Hedes and Emma Hirt, with adviser, Melissa Hoffman. JAMES LOGUE JR./SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS