Credit: Friends of Tina Davis
The Bristol Borough Academic Oversight Committee (AOC) will host its annual Bristol Fall Classic on Saturday, November 21, 2026, bringing together community leaders, educators, business owners, families and friends for an evening celebrating education, achievement and the people who help make Bristol Borough a stronger community.
This year’s theme, “Seat at the Table,” reflects the belief that a strong community is built when people are invited to participate, contribute their talents and take responsibility for the future of the next generation.
The event will be held at the Bristol Borough Public Works Building, 92 Maple Beach Road, Bristol, PA.
The Bristol Fall Classic is the AOC’s signature fundraising event, supporting its mission to strengthen educational opportunities for students throughout Bristol Borough. Funds raised help support STEM education, classroom initiatives and after-school STEM clubs, providing students with opportunities to experience engineering, technology and hands-on learning beyond the traditional classroom.
Honoring Bristol’s Students, Teachers and Community Leaders
A highlight of the evening will be the recognition of individuals who exemplify excellence, dedication and service to Bristol Borough’s students and schools.
The AOC is proud to recognize Student of the Year Grace Boyle, celebrating her accomplishments and contributions as a Bristol High student.
Four outstanding educators will also be recognized as Teachers of the Year:
- David Chichilitti — Bristol High School
- Maureen Lynch — Bristol Middle School
- Mike Crossan — Snyder Girotti Elementary School
- Kelly Pekala — St. Mark Parochial School
Together, these honorees represent the students and educators who are at the heart of the AOC’s mission.
Person of the Year: Dominic “Donnie” Petolillo
The Bristol Fall Classic will also honor Dominic “Donnie” Petolillo of Cesare’s Ristorante as the 2026 Person of the Year, recognizing his longstanding commitment to Bristol Borough and the surrounding communities.
Petolillo represents a tradition of entrepreneurship, hospitality and service that has been part of the community for generations. Cesare’s Ristorante is a family restaurant with roots dating back to 1947, and Donnie has carried forward not only the family business but also a tradition of quiet generosity and mentorship to generations of people who have worked in and around the restaurant.
During the evening, Philadelphia radio personality Kathy Romano will conduct a special interview with Petolillo in a conversational format inspired by the classic Inside the Actors Studio interviews made famous by James Lipton. The conversation will offer guests an opportunity to hear the stories, experiences, and lessons behind the man being honored.
An Evening Built Around Community
The Bristol Fall Classic will feature dinner, entertainment, auctions and opportunities for guests to support the AOC’s educational mission.
The evening will bring together the people who make a community work — students and teachers, families and businesses, civic leaders and volunteers — around a shared commitment to Bristol Borough’s children.
The AOC’s role in Bristol Borough is aligned directly to 21st Century Community Learning Center grant awards received from the Pennsylvania Department of Education which stipulates a community component in coordination with grant awards. Since 2015, Bristol Borough School District has received approximately eight million in 21st CCLC grants. The AOC raises funds for grants to Bristol Borough educators for programs that directly benefit students. The programs funded support STEM education and experiential learning, including classroom initiatives and after-school STEM clubs that give students opportunities to explore engineering, technology and real-world problem solving.
A Seat at the Table
“Seat at the Table” is more than a theme for this year’s event. It reflects the AOC’s broader philosophy.
Students need opportunities to learn by doing. Educators need resources to bring innovative ideas into their classrooms. Businesses need opportunities to engage with the next generation. And communities need people willing to step forward and participate.
The Bristol Fall Classic brings those interests together in one room — creating a literal and figurative seat at the table for everyone who believes Bristol Borough’s children deserve meaningful opportunities to learn, grow and succeed.
Tickets Now Available
Tickets for the 2026 Bristol Fall Classic are available for purchase online by clicking this link
An early purchase discount is available through October 20th!
Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Bristol Borough Tax Office and Mignoni Jewelers during normal business hours.
Community members, businesses and organizations are encouraged to attend, celebrate this year’s honorees and support the AOC’s continuing efforts on behalf of Bristol Borough students.
Celebrating Education. Celebrating Community. Giving Everyone a Seat at the Table.
For sponsorship, tickets, auction opportunities or additional information about the Bristol Fall Classic and the Academic Oversight Committee, please contact Shea Cilella, AOC Administrator at info@bblearningcenters.org.
2026 Bristol Fall ClassicSaturday, November 21, 2026
Bristol Borough Public Works Building
92 Maple Beach Road
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