Mount Union students celebrate after learning they won the CHAMP Cup at CHAMP 2026, held February 27 at Mount Union Area High School.
By DELANEY RONK | Journalism Student, Mount Union Area Senior High School
Mount Union, Pa. — Mount Union CHAMP captains broke records this year, securing both the Spectacular 7 trophy and the CHAMP Cup. Mount Union raised $97,000, showing the dedication of the students and community. The school became the first to win both trophies in the same year and was led by 18 captains who worked throughout the year planning fundraisers, involving the community, and seeking donations from local businesses.
The CHAMP Cup is a traveling trophy awarded to one of the six schools that raises the most money. The Spectacular 7 trophy honors the original seven students for whom CHAMP was created and is awarded to the school with the highest overall financial total. With this win, Mount Union ended a five-year drought and made CHAMP history.
CHAMP, which stands for Creating Hope and Making Progress, is an annual event that raises money for local families in need. The 2026 event was held at Mount Union Area High School on February 27, where CHAMP broke records and brought the all-time total raised to $1,124,372.94, surpassing the goal of $1 million since the first event.
Over the past year, Mount Union captains held many different fundraisers to help reach their goal. These included hosting bingo at the American Legion Country Club, taping Jeremy Crouse to the wall, organizing an alumni baseball game at the high school, selling peanut butter eggs, holding numerous bake sales, and hosting Mini CHAMP at both elementary schools. All of these events helped the team raise enough money to earn both trophies.
Senior CHAMP captain Lily Hicks said, “Winning both trophies meant a lot to all of us because we worked all year to make it happen. Everyone put in so much time with fundraisers and planning, and seeing it all pay off at the end was really special for our whole school.”
CHAMP 2026 focused on raising money for 23 local families in Huntingdon County, the most recipients ever. This year’s event was also dedicated to honoring the families of five Mount Union community members: Peg Boozel, Jayme Piper, Benton Hancock, Ridgeleigh Kauffman, and Gregory Reeder.
Giulia Whitesel, a dancer from Mount Union, said, “CHAMP is an amazing philanthropic event. It helps so many people in the community, and it is a friendly competition that keeps the students motivated to raise money. The trophies symbolize the kids who faced medical hardships, and I’m proud that our school was able to accomplish winning both trophies. It’s very memorable for me and everyone in attendance.”
This article was published as part of Ms. Dimoff’s Journalism class at Mount Union Area Senior High School.
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