The St. Anthony High School Academic Challenge for Engineering and Science (ACES) team made history this spring, winning the 2026 Division 300 State Championship. Competing against 54 Illinois high schools, the Bulldogs earned perfect team scores in Biology, Mathematics, and Physics.
The ACES competition challenges students through timed examinations covering high school and college-level subjects, requiring preparation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Several students also earned individual honors at the state competition. Laney Walker and Madison Walker tied for first place in Biology, while Ronan Bailey took first place and Isaac Fallert placed second in Physics. Michael Wright also earned second place in Mathematics. These outstanding performances helped lead the Bulldogs to another state title.
Under the leadership of Coach Matthew Poston, the ACES program has established an impressive tradition of academic excellence. The Bulldogs have placed among the top five teams in their division for nearly two decades, earning state championships in 2023 and 2026 and runner-up finishes in 2007, 2024, and 2025.
