CHADRON - The Chadron State College Scholastic Contest has been cancelled for the first time in its history.

     The action by the contest committee had been expected since Chadron State and all Panhandle high schools are closed as part of attempts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus/COVID-19.

       Committee Co-Chair Dr Jamie Hamaker says the members considered various alternate options before concluding that health and safety was the deciding factor in canceling the April 17 event.

      Hamaker says cancellation may be a disappointment for the high school students, but the committee is already looking forward to seeing students at next year's contest.

      Although this is the first time the Scholastic Contest has been cancelled, it's the third straight year for major changes. A major snowstorm in 2018 kept all but 9 schools from competing while a blizzard last year forced a month's postponement that resulted in about half the usual number of participants.

     The contest started in 1960 with participation peaking in 1992 with 2,643 students competing from 78 schools in 3 states.