SE Illinois News

SIC HOSTS AREA’S TOP STUDENTS FOR ANNUAL ACADEMIC CHALLENGE COMPETITION

Nearly 130 high school students from the region met on the campus of Southeastern Illinois College Thursday, Feb. 9, to take a series of regional exams as part of the Academic Challenge for Science and Engineering, sponsored by Eastern Illinois University (EIU).

Eight high schools came to SIC to battle in biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering graphics, English, mathematics, and physics. Those schools were Carmi-White County, Carrier Mills-Stonefort, Eldorado, Galatia, Gallatin, Hardin, Harrisburg, and Norris City-Omaha-Enfield.

Each high school competes against other schools in the same division, which is based on school enrollment, and awards are given to both individual competitors and teams. The event was hosted by the SIC Math, Science, and Technology Division and organized by SIC mathematics instructor Kim Martin.

Coaches were treated to a continental breakfast while students were testing, and competitors enjoyed a brunch box between rounds.

“We are happy to carry on this tradition of many decades, hosting the regional competition of the Academic Challenge for Science and Engineering (formerly JETS and WYSE) here at Southeastern,” said Martin. “The exams are meant to present a ‘challenge’ to the brightest students, written by professional engineers and faculty members from across the United States, with test material drawn from high school senior and college freshman coursework. We congratulate all students for being selected to represent their schools, and wish all those who qualified to advance to sectionals the best possible outcomes. We are delighted to welcome these impressive teams and their coaches to our campus every year, and they bring with them the best spirit and enthusiasm!”

In the small school (300) division, Gallatin County High School won first place, followed by Norris City-Omaha-Enfield High School in second and Hardin County High School in third.

In the large school (700) division, Harrisburg High School took first place with Carmi-White County High School in second.

Regional first and second place winners, both in team and individual competition, qualify for sectional exams, which will be held March 15 at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC). Winners at sectionals will advance to the Illinois state finals to be held at EIU April 10-13 at EIU. The 300 division will compete on April 10 and the 700 division will compete on April 11.

Original source can be found here