This year, FHS had 7 scholarship recipients at the SIU Accounting Challenge.  For advanced accounting, Quention Black won second, and Elena Warren won third. In Accounting 1, Payton Scroggins scored first, Gabriel Gangi won second, and Paxon Pearce, Meredith Edwards, and Noah Hatcher were awarded third.

On January 31, 2025, the FHS accounting classes attended the SIU Accounting Challenge to compete against various high school students.

Once everyone arrived, they were greeted with breakfast and were able to walk around the building. When settled down, they have a welcoming ceremony before the day officially starts. 

When asked her opinion on the event, FHS Junior Meredith Edwards said, “It’s an interesting way to be tested on what we have learned throughout the year.”

The tests consist of things classes have learned to test their knowledge and understanding of the subject.

“We prepare throughout the year by looking at the accounting concepts and things that I think will apply to them taking the test. The week before we go, we do a review of some of the concepts, some of the things we think will be on the test,” Ms. Westjohn shared about their preparation.

After finishing their tests, the students are split into groups and are assigned a challenge.

“They follow with a fun team challenge. This year, it was building the tallest hat. The kids always get into the various activities,” Ms. Westjohn said.

Every year a different challenge is introduced, so nobody knows what to expect.

“You better think out of the box because you just don’t know. The retired professor comes up with some of the craziest ideas for the kids to participate in. Some of them find out that they’re good team leaders and others not so much, but that’s perfectly fine,” Ms. Westjohn voiced.

While reflecting on this year’s challenge, FHS senior Elena Warren shared that her favorite part was wearing the hat they created. “Wearing the hat we built was a very interesting and entertaining experience.”

Elena was part of the 1st place advanced accounting group, along with Quentin Black and Adam Pietz.  

After lunch, the college held an award ceremony where door prizes, scholarships, and trophies were awarded.

“These scholarships can be used to help pay for tuition and fees at SIU. They get to learn teamwork, how to work with people, and to network with the college staff and other students who are there,” Ms. Westjohn said.

FHS excelled in this competition, just like many years previously.

“We’ve been attending since 2005, missing only one year.” Ms. Westjohn shared. 

Ms. Westjohn has taken her students to this event for almost 20 years.  

“I think it’s one of the best experiences for our kids, some who have never been on a college campus, some who may never go to a college or be on a college campus. It’s just a great experience for all of them,” Ms. Westjohn added.

I think it’s one of the best events and a great opportunity for networking, scholarships, or just getting a better understanding of the accounting world.  

This event has had a very influential impact on the past and current students at FHS.

Through the years, Ms Westjohn has had multiple students not only become accountants but also attend SIU. 

“Several of my students have gone to Carbondale and through the accounting program. During this event, students get to hear how some of the accounting students from SIU are enjoying their time, things they’re exposed to, and things they’re involved in.”  Ms Westjohn shared.

Accounting students’ interest has peaked through these competitions, prompting them into a career in accounting.

“The accounting challenge has increased my interest in pursuing accounting as a career and helped me determine where I want to go to college,” Edwards said.

With the influential effects and the varied benefits, students will continue to be impacted through this event.

“I just think the overall experience is wonderful,” Ms. Westjohn shared.