The Trumbull County Educational Service Center hosted the High School Prep Bowl today in Lordstown.

The event was an academic competition focused on testing Trumbull County students' knowledge in educational content and the fine arts. The teams began this morning, with the top 8 advancing to the afternoon finals.

"We're able to celebrate our students with academic and cognitive strengths, so, much like a sports tournament, family and friends come out and cheer on their teams," Gifted Supervisor Jaclyn Binghamsaid.

The Prep Bowl looks to teach students teamwork and critical thinking through friendly competition.

"This year we had 16 high school teams," Bingham said. "Some of them have been competing since they were in grade 5, and they just continue on."

Bingham said that each match consists of three rounds, with questions ranging from high school level physical science, earth science, fine arts, American world literature and mathematics. At the end, a lightning round takes place with 20 rapid-fire questions for the teams.

The Junior High Prep Bowl Tournament is set for February 7 and the Elementary Prep Bowl Tournament for February 21, both at Lordstown High School.