Lansdowne, PA – April 21, 2026
The Delaware County Athletes Hall of Fame held its 2026 induction dinner on April 19, 2026 at the Ballroom at the Phoenix in Boothwyn, PA. The event honored a new class of Delco sports legends, including standout track and field athlete Afia Lewis, a 1997 graduate of Penn Wood High School and current sixth-grade teacher at Bell Avenue Elementary School.
The ceremony was presided over by Hall of Fame President John Leary, a former Penn Wood administrator and coach, marking a significant milestone for the district’s athletic community.
Lewis established herself as a premier sprinter during her time at Penn Wood High School before transitioning to a decorated collegiate career at Temple University. Her accomplishments on the track include:
- 12 Atlantic 10 Conference Titles
- 2001 Atlantic 10 Indoor Performer of the Year
- Relay Success: A vital member of championship-winning 4×100 and 4×400 meter relay teams.
- Temple University Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2020 in recognition of her status as one of the most prolific sprinters in the program’s history.
Beyond her athletic pursuits, Lewis has received numerous accolades for her work in education. Currently a sixth-grade teacher at Bell Avenue Elementary School, her professional honors include:
- Fox 29 Top Teacher (2017)
- Pennsylvania House of Representatives Recognition (2019): Honored for her contributions to the state’s education system.
- “Sports Legends of Lansdowne” Mural: Lewis is one of seven athletes depicted in a 54-foot mural at Hoffman Park, celebrating Lansdowne’s local sports icons.
The 2026 induction serves as a formal recognition of Lewis’s dual legacy as both a high-performing athlete and a dedicated community mentor. On being inducted, Lewis said, “I am grateful for my experience in the William Penn School District both as a student who had dynamic educators guide my academic and athletic growth and now a seasoned educator myself who serves the best community. Receiving this Hall of Fame honor shows the students of WPSD that everything is possible. There are no limits to what we can achieve.”
The Delaware County Athletes Hall of Fame continues to preserve the history of local sports by honoring individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skill and character within the county and beyond. We are proud that the William Penn School District is an ongoing part of that history, continuing to shape and celebrate individuals like Afia Lewis whose achievements reflect the strength of our programs, the dedication of our staff, and the promise of our students.
