WEST PLAINS, Mo. – In just a few weeks, high school students from across the region will gather at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) to participate in the annual Interscholastic Contest. Now in its 39th year, the contest is scheduled for April 10 on the MSU-WP campus.
Originally established in the early 1980s by university leaders, faculty and staff, this day-long event challenges students to showcase their knowledge across a wide range of academic subjects.
MSU-WP organizers of the event described the level of academic talent in the area as insurmountable and expressed their anticipation for seeing high school students showcase their talents. The wide variety of competitions span disciplines such as agriculture, science, mathematics, speech, history and English, offering participants the chance to test their skills in a rigorous academic setting.
Students compete as representatives of their respective high schools, with teams classified into divisions based on school size. Awards are given to the top three teams in each division, while the overall contest champion is determined through a point system that reflects individual student performances regardless of division.
More about the organizers
MSU-WP’s Public Affairs Committee is overseeing the event’s organization, ensuring a seamless experience by enlisting campus-wide collaboration, according to Ana Estrella, Department head for Natural and Applied Sciences and committee chair.
“Our aim is to make this event a leading academic competition in the region,” she said. “Effective coordination, both before, during and after the contest, is essential to ensuring a meaningful experience for all participants.”
Committee members assisting with the contest’s planning include:
- Jessica Banning, assistant professor of nursing
- Lindsay Hill, assistant professor of nursing
- Joanna Patillo, assistant professor of nursing and allied health
- Carla Neff, instructor of health information technology
- Misty Walton, assistant professor of nursing
- Alex Pinnon, William and Virginia Darr Honors Program director
- Dasha Russell, assistant professor of accounting
- Alexandra Graham, director of assessment and accreditation
- Jacob Poulette, assistant professor of computer graphics and programming
- Luke Hurtt, director of student life and development
- Trevor Cressman, director of workforce development and community education
- Information Technology Services representatives C.J. Collins, Biff Bird, Mike Scheidt and Dan Wilson
- Douglas Cooley, assistant director of student life and development
- Maxwell Snyder, Student Government Association representative
Contest details
The competition will be structured into three sessions. The first will begin at 9:30 a.m., the second at 10:25 a.m., and the third at 11:15 a.m. This year’s contest will feature 25 academic subjects. New additions include art, chemistry, introduction to business and Ozark studies.
Between test sessions, students will have the opportunity to engage with MSU-WP’s campus culture through various activities.
More than a competition
Committee members Banning and Patillo expressed a desire for guests to experience more than just the competition. “To provide a more immersive experience, we are planning on-campus activities and lunch at the MSU-WP Amphitheater before the awards ceremony,” said Patillo. “This will allow high school students to interact with current students, faculty and staff, giving them a deeper understanding of our campus community.”
Rather than simply attending a competition and leaving, the committee aims to create an environment where students can network, socialize and explore what MSU-WP has to offer.
“We strongly believe in celebrating academic excellence,” Banning said. “The Interscholastic Contest not only allows students to demonstrate their intellectual abilities but also helps them build teamwork skills and form new connections in an engaging and enjoyable setting. We look forward to welcoming the 2026 participants on April 10!”
For more information about the contest and how to participate, contact Estrella at AnaEstrellaRiollano@MissouriState.edu or 417-255-7710; Jessica Banning at JessicaBarton@MissouriState.edu or 417-255-7254; or the MSU-WP Interscholastic Committee at WPISC@MissouriState.edu.
