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Christopher Today
By the People, for the People
Rend Lake College Hosts 2026 Academic Challenge
Over 200 students from area high schools compete in academic competition at Illinois college
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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More than 200 students from 13 area high schools competed in the 2026 Academic Challenge hosted by Rend Lake College in Ina, Illinois. The students were tested in subjects like biology, chemistry, computer science, English, engineering graphics, mathematics, and physics. The event, which has been running for over 40 years, aims to provide an opportunity for the region's brightest young minds to showcase their academic talents.
Why it matters
The Academic Challenge gives high-achieving students a chance to be recognized for their hard work and intellectual abilities. It also helps promote STEM education and expose students to potential college and career paths in technical fields. The event has become an annual tradition that the local community looks forward to.
The details
Students from Benton, Christopher, Hamilton County, Mt. Vernon, Norris City-Omaha-Enfield, Pinckneyville, Sesser-Valier, Thompsonville, Waltonville, Wayne City, Webber, Woodlawn, and Zeigler-Royalton high schools competed in the challenge. They were tested on material covering high school senior and college freshman curricula. The competition included individual and team events across seven subject areas.
- The 2026 Academic Challenge took place on Wednesday.
- The competition has been running for over 40 years, originally launched by the University of Illinois and later taken over by Eastern Illinois University.
The players
Greg Hollmann
The event coordinator and Dean of Arts & Sciences at Rend Lake College.
Hamilton County Senior High School
The first place team winner of the 2026 Academic Challenge.
Mt. Vernon Township High School
The second place team winner of the 2026 Academic Challenge.
Benton Consolidated High School
The third place team winner of the 2026 Academic Challenge.
Woodlawn High School
The winner of the Catapult Design Challenge, with a theme of Science.
What they’re saying
“This competition pushes students, giving them just 40 minutes to tackle rigorous tests based on high school senior and college freshman curricula.”
— Greg Hollmann, Dean of Arts & Sciences, Rend Lake College (wmix94.com)
“Hosting this event is an absolute joy for us. We get inspired meeting these young minds from our community. RLC is very proud to carry this tradition forward. I hope it thrives for another four decades.”
— Greg Hollmann, Dean of Arts & Sciences, Rend Lake College (wmix94.com)
What’s next
Rend Lake College plans to continue hosting the Academic Challenge annually, providing a platform for high-achieving students in the region to showcase their academic talents.
The takeaway
The Rend Lake College Academic Challenge is a longstanding tradition that celebrates academic excellence and helps inspire the next generation of STEM leaders in the local community.
