The academic spotlight shone brightly on Thayer High School once again as it claimed overall top honors at the 39th annual Interscholastic Contest held April 10 at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP).
With fierce competition from over 450 of the region’s sharpest students, representing 23 schools across southern Missouri and northern Arkansas, Thayer soared to victory, securing its third straight overall victory.
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 23 challenging subjects, from core disciplines like Math, English, Science, and History to unique topics like flash fiction, poetry, medical terminology, and health occupations, including new contests this year in art, chemistry, introduction to business, and ozarks studies.
Participating schools included Clever, Couch, Dora, 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 a team from Alton.
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.
Thayer team members included, front row from left, Kiearra Myers, Leah Quarles, Riley Orf, Ally Kerley, MSU-WP Chancellor Zora Mulligan, Abby Blum, Karli Coker, Savannah Jackson. Back row: Kasyn Cox, Zoey Poole, Gabriel Porter, Crystal Edwards, Madelyn Rhoades, Reese Pender, Jacelyn Donahue, Keili Combs, Chase Mills, Luce De Los Santos, Jenna Semon, and John Ogles.
The team from Salem High School in Salem, Missouri, took first place honors in Division I of the Interscholastic Contest April 10 at the MSU-WP campus.
The team from Ozarks Christian Academy in West Plains took first place honors in Division III of the Interscholastic Contest April 10 at the MSU-WP campus.
Division Champions:
Division I: Salem (1st), Marshfield (2nd – tied), Willard (2nd – tied)
Division II: Thayer (1st), Houston (2nd), Willow Springs (3rd)
Division III: Ozark Christian Academy (1st), Plato (2nd), Alton (3rd)
“This event is a meaningful celebration of academic excellence and the dedication these students have shown,” said Jessica Banning, assistant professor of nursing at MSU-WP and member of the Public Affairs Committee. “It’s about so much more than competition; it’s a chance to recognize their curiosity, their love of learning, and the hard work that brought them here. I always find it inspiring to see students come together from across the region, build new friendships, and experience a supportive collegiate environment. Moments like this can really shape their confidence and spark excitement for what their future can hold.”
Volunteer Effort
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, outstanding performances, and a vibrant academic spirit, this year’s Interscholastic Contest was more than a competition; it was a celebration of learning, perseverance, and the bright future of students across southern Missouri and northern Arkansas,” 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.