The Mattoon High School Academic Challenge team earned top honors at the inaugural Laker Academic Invitational hosted by Lake Land College on February 13, 2026.
Competing against eight teams in Division B, Mattoon secured a first-place finish in the team standings.
Several students also received individual awards for their outstanding performances. Liam Gibson placed first in Software Applications and second in Computer Science. Owen Matthews earned second place in Software Applications. Lincoln Wheeler claimed first place in both Computer Science and Math, while Beckett Hild finished third in Computer Science.
The first-ever Laker Academic Invitational brought together more than 300 students from 17 area high schools. Participants competed in multiple-choice exams across seven subjects: biology, chemistry, computer science, software applications, English, mathematics and physics. Students were recognized for both individual and team achievements.
Pictured:
Front row: Molly Stuart, Matilda Westra, Alivia Hughes, Emma Spencer
Second row: Beckett Hild, Jennaca Gibson, Ella Hilgenberg, Hannah Catt, Clayton Gass
Third row: Liam Gibson, Owen Matthews, Kaelyn Ryan, Kelci Irons, Sophia Hoppin
Back row: Adam Burrell, Lincoln Wheeler, Jonah Stamps, Elliott Burrell, Robert Hocking