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.
With fierce competition from more than 450 of the region’s sharpest students representing 23 schools across southern Missouri and northern Arkansas, Thayer secured its third straight overall victory.
“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,” Banning explained. “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.”
Hosted by university’s Public Affairs Committee, featured students facing off in 23 challenging subjects. These ranged from core disciplines like math, English, science and history to unique topics like flash fiction, poetry, medical terminology and health occupations. New contests this year included art, chemistry, introduction to business and Ozarks studies.
Participating schools included Clever, Couch, Dora, Glendale, Houston, Mtn. View-Birch Tree Liberty, Lutie, Marshfield, Mtn. Grove, Oregon-Howell R-III (Koshkonong), Ozarks Christian Academy, Parkview, Plato, Salem (Mo.), Summersville, Thayer, Van Buren, Viola (Ark.), West Plains, Willard, Willow Springs and Winona. A team from Alton also participated for the first time this year.
While many students walked away with individual honors, Thayer scored highest across all divisions to claim the overall grand champion title. Thayer was joined by Salem and Ozarks Christian Academy as first-place winners in their respective divisions. Schools were grouped into three divisions based on size, and awards were given for both individual excellence and overall team performance.
Division I winners included Salem in first place, with Marshfield and Willard tying for second. In Division II, Thayer placed first, Houston took second and Willow Springs placed third. Division III honors went to Ozarks Christian Academy in first, Plato in second and Alton in third.
Thank you, volunteers!
Organizing the event was a full-campus effort, with faculty, staff, student ambassadors and nursing students coming together to pull off a seamless experience, Banning 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.”
For more information about the Interscholastic Contest, contact the committee at WPISC@MissouriState.edu.
