PERU — St. Bede Academy will host one of 30 sectional tournaments for the Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl beginning at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the high school. The awards ceremony should be at about 3:15 p.m.

The eight high schools competing in the St. Bede Academy tournament are: Hall, Roanoke-Benson, Henry-Senachwine, Putnam County, Eureka, Peoria Christian, Peoria Heights and St. Bede. Sectional champions will advance to the state tournament at Springfield High School March 2.

The Masons of Illinois sponsor this annual academic achievement competition for the OHSA-member high schools throughout Illinois. Schools competing pay no entry fees, as the cost of the tournament is entirely paid by the Masons of Illinois. This year marks the 30th year for this academic tournament. There are 303 high schools registered for this year’s tournament. The competition is open to the public, and admission is free.