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The team from Thayer High School successfully defended its 2024 Interscholastic Contest title, taking top overall honors at the 38th annual event April 17 at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP). Team members included, front row from left, Gabe Porter, Atley Woods, Lilly Quarles, Nikita Calvo, Abby Blum, Chase Mills, Braigon King, Bryce Bennett and Zaiden Wright. Second row: Annabelle Williams, Jaycelyn Wright, Jenna Semon, Madelyn Rhoades, Ally Kerley, Reese Pender, Lucy De Los Santos and Kiptyn Atkisson. Back row: Kasyn Cox, Leah Quarles, Aidan Harvey, Miley Johnston, Kylie Forrester, Skylar McDaniel, Dirk Deckard, Breanna Tharp, Dustin Adams, Connor Crowder, Michael Cali and Kai Baker. Other team members included Jacelyn Donahue, Gracyn Rouse, Savannah Wheeler, Savannah Jackson and Thomas Poole. (MSU-WP Photo)

Thayer takes top honors at 38th annual Interscholastic Contest

More than 450 students from 24 schools participated in the event.

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The academic spotlight shone brightly on Thayer High School once again as it claimed overall top honors at the 38th annual Interscholastic Contest held April 11 at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP).

With fierce competition from over 450 of the region’s sharpest students, representing 24 schools across southern Missouri and northern Arkansas, Thayer soared to victory, solidifying its reputation as a powerhouse in regional academics.

What is the Interscholastic Contest?

Hosted by MSU-WP’s Public Affairs Committee, the prestigious academic event turned the campus into a buzzing hub of brainpower and competition. Students faced off in 25 challenging subjects, from core disciplines like math, English, science and history to unique topics like flash fiction, philosophy, poetry, medical terminology and health occupations, including new contests this year in music history and fundamentals, pop-culture, medical terminology, and human anatomy and physiology.

Participating schools included Clever, Springfield Glendale, Houston, Mtn. View-Birch Tree Liberty, Lutie, Marshfield, Mountain Grove, Oregon-Howell R-III (Koshkonong), Ozark Christian Academy, Springfield Parkview, Plato, Salem (Missouri), Summersville, Thayer, Van Buren, Viola, West Plains, Willard, Willow Springs and Winona. New participants this year included teams from Couch, Dora, His Place Christian Academy and Mammoth Springs.

The team from Salem High School in Salem, Missouri, took first place honors in Division I of the Interscholastic Contest April 17 at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP). Team members included, front row from left, William Garner, sponsor Martin Gray, Braiden Gapsch, Blayne Canaday, Kaison Wilmont, Marshall White, Noah Gerischer, Matthew Parks, Madison Schultze, Makenna Faulkner, Claudia Rodriguez-Vallina, Ave Wofford, Lilly Salle, Madison Flores and Charlie Miller. Back row:  Amber Norris, Linkyn Atkinson, Nicky Chen, Emmett Headrick, Carter Foster, Ivan Brooks, Mason Tomnitz, Xander During, Nicholaus this, Jarrod Brooks, Dylan Parker, Isabella Black, JJ Smith, Jayden Ard, Knox Smith, Lindsey Hinderliter, Rebekah Pipp and sponsor Sarah Sanders. Will Hubbs also was a sponsor for the team. (MSU-WP Photo)

More about the winners

While many walked away with individual honors, it was Thayer that rose above the rest, scoring highest across all divisions to claim the overall grand champion title. Thayer was joined by Salem and Ozark Christian Academy as first-place winners in their respective divisions, standing out among an impressive field of competitors. Schools were grouped into three divisions based on size, and awards were given for both individual excellence and overall team performance.

Division Champions:

  • Division I: Salem (1st), Marshfield (2nd), Glendale (3rd)
  • Division II: Thayer (1st), Houston (2nd), Clever (3rd)
  • Division III: Ozark Christian Academy (1st), Oregon-Howell R-III (Koshkonong) (2nd), Lutie (3rd)

“This event is a true celebration of academic excellence,” said Jessica Banning, MSU-WP assistant professor of nursing and Public Affairs Committee member. “It’s not just about winning, it’s about celebrating intellect, curiosity and the hard work of these remarkable students. It also gives them a chance to connect and build friendships with peers from across the region and experience a collegiate atmosphere that inspires future success.”

The team from Ozarks Christian Academy in West Plains took first place honors in Division III of the Interscholastic Contest April 17 at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP). Team members included, front row from left, Josiah Spurling, Silas Stephens, Ellie Aichele, Xanthe Lewis, Averie Martin, Noah Marshall and Caleb Spurling. Back row: Sam Mills, Jude Morrison, Luke Moore, Ben Garrison, Rachel Hawkins, Aaralyn Viscusi, Joanna Littlejohn, Kenlie Odle and Bella Puckett. Caleb Liimatta, Evie Littlejohn, Ali Lorton and Claire Riggs also were members of the team. (MSU-WP Photo)

Thank you, volunteers!

Behind the scenes, the event was a true community effort, Banning said. Organizing the event was a full-campus effort. Faculty, staff, Student Ambassadors and nursing students all came together to pull off a seamless and inspiring experience, she explained.

“There were countless moving pieces and unsung heroes behind the scenes,” said Ana Estrella, assistant professor of biology/biomedical sciences and chair of the Public Affairs Committee. “It’s hard to put into words how grateful we are to everyone who helped make this year’s contest such a resounding success.”

With enthusiastic participation, standout performances and electric academic energy, this year’s Interscholastic Contest was more than just a competition, it was a celebration of knowledge, hard work, and the promising future of Missouri’s and Arkansas’ students, Banning said.

For more information about the Interscholastic Contest and how to participate next year, contact the MSU-WP Interscholastic Contest Committee at WPISC@MissouriState.edu.