Dixon High Triumphs in PAWAC Scholastic Bowl at Bradley University

The Dukes of Dixon High School secured victory at the PAWAC International Scholastic Bowl on November 8, 2023, marking their third consecutive championship win. Competing against 20 high schools from central and western Illinois, the team showcased remarkable resilience, achieving a record of 7-1 throughout the tournament. Their final match against Peoria Notre Dame solidified their status as champions.

This year’s tournament distinguished itself by emphasizing global education and current events, alongside traditional subjects like literature and chemistry. As the winners, the Dukes received a $300 grand prize and a trophy, along with an automatic qualification for the World Affairs Councils of America Academic WorldQuest in Washington, D.C., scheduled for April 2026.

Competitive Landscape and Key Players

The 24th annual International Scholastic Bowl took place on the campus of Bradley University in Peoria. Schools from diverse regions, including the Quad-Cities, Decatur, Bloomington-Normal, Champaign-Urbana, and Springfield, participated in this prestigious event. Following Dixon High, the top finalists included Peoria Notre Dame in second place, University (Normal) in third, and Richwoods (Peoria) in fourth.

Among the standout performers was Nathan Stauter from Dixon, who answered an impressive 33 questions, earning him a place as the second-highest scorer out of 170 students on the All Tournament Team. The rest of the Dixon team comprised Ronin Quick, Jayden Toms, Gage Farster, and Brady Rosinski, all guided by their coach, Tom Padilla.

The success of the tournament relied heavily on the dedication of over 30 volunteers, including support from the Peoria Area World Affairs Council, Bradley University, the Carson & Iris Varner International Business Institute at Illinois State University, BuzzerSystems.com, and CEFCU. Their efforts ensured a well-organized event that celebrated academic excellence and teamwork among high school students.

As the Dukes prepare for their upcoming challenge at the Academic WorldQuest, their victory at the PAWAC Scholastic Bowl not only brings pride to Dixon High School but also highlights the importance of knowledge in today’s interconnected world.