Palm Desert Students Win Annual Academic World Quest Competition

Xavier College Prep team takes first place against eight other Coachella Valley high schools

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Students from Xavier College Preparatory High School in Palm Desert won the 21st annual Academic World Quest competition, which challenges students' knowledge of world affairs. The team of MacKenzie Johnson, Haleigh Liles, Luke Macwan and Trey Morrison scored 44 out of 50 points to win first place against eight other Coachella Valley high schools during the February 12th event held at Cal State San Bernardino Palm Desert.

Why it matters

The Academic World Quest competition tests high school students' understanding of global issues and current events, helping to develop their knowledge and critical thinking skills. Xavier Prep's victory demonstrates the strength of their social studies curriculum and the dedication of their students.

The details

The competition featured five rounds of questions covering topics like migration, immigration, tariffs and trade, the U.S. Constitution, foreign policy and current events. Xavier Prep won after nearly two hours of competition, edging out Palm Desert High School in second place and Palm Valley High School in third. The top three teams received scholarship prizes, while all participating students were awarded $25 scholarships and certificates of recognition.

  • The 21st annual Academic World Quest competition was held on February 12, 2026.
  • Xavier Prep will move on to compete against other high schools nationwide in the National Academic World Quest in April 2026.

The players

Xavier College Preparatory High School

A high school in Palm Desert, California that won the 21st annual Academic World Quest competition.

MacKenzie Johnson, Haleigh Liles, Luke Macwan and Trey Morrison

The four-person team from Xavier College Preparatory High School that won first place in the Academic World Quest competition.

Michael Karp

An assistant professor of history at Cal State San Bernardino Palm Desert and a member of the World Affairs Council of the Desert board of directors.

World Affairs Council of the Desert

A nonprofit, non-partisan organization that fosters understanding of international affairs through programs, discussion and educational outreach, and is part of a national World Affairs Councils of America network.

Palm Desert High School

A high school in Palm Desert, California that captured second place in the Academic World Quest competition.

Palm Valley High School

A high school in Palm Desert, California that took third place in the Academic World Quest competition.

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What they’re saying

“We had a memorable competition this year.”

— Michael Karp, Assistant Professor of History, Cal State San Bernardino Palm Desert; Member, World Affairs Council of the Desert Board of Directors

What’s next

Xavier Prep's winning team will go on to compete against other high schools from across the country in the National Academic World Quest competition in April 2026.

The takeaway

The Academic World Quest competition highlights the strong social studies education and global awareness of students in the Coachella Valley, with Xavier Prep demonstrating excellence in this annual test of international knowledge and current events.