The Central Regional qualifiers of the 2025 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) are moving into tougher territory, and with each contest, the stakes get higher, the heartbreak deeper.

In the second contest of Day two, it was Winneba SHS who lit up the stage with an unstoppable performance, sweeping every round to secure the fifth qualification slot of the competition.

But for Holy Child School, it was a painful repeat of last year’s outcome, bowing out once again at the regional level.

The contest began with familiar NSMQ pageantry: representatives from Holy Child School sat closest to the Quiz Mistress, followed in order by Siddiq SHS, Obrachire SHTS, Boa Amponsem SHS, and Winneba SHS occupying the final seat.

Round one saw a mix of gains and near misses.

Winneba SHS took an early lead with 23 points, while Holy Child and Boa Amponsem both tied with 15 points. Siddiq SHS and Obrachire SHTS trailed behind with 9 and 8 points, respectively.

In round two, Winneba SHS widened the gap, surging to 34 points. Boa Amponsem overtook Holy Child with 22 points, while Holy Child dropped slightly to 14, a point less than their round one performance. Siddiq SHS managed 11 points, and Obrachire SHTS remained stuck at 8.

The third round, true or false, showcased Winneba’s sharp focus. They answered every question correctly, climbing to 50 points. Boa Amponsem followed with 32, and Holy Child tried to hold on with 27 points. Siddiq SHS reached 18, while Obrachire saw modest improvement.

In the final riddle round, all but Siddiq SHS attempted answers. Winneba added 3 more points, ending the contest with 53 points, securing their qualification in grand style. Boa Amponsem SHS finished with 38 points, and Siddiq SHS remained at 18.

But the emotional twist came at the end.

Holy Child School, once seen as a strong contender, failed to qualify once again.

For a second year running, their NSMQ journey ends at the regional level, despite a determined showing.

But as the dust settled, the bigger lesson became clear: at the NSMQ, where you sit on stage doesn't determine how far you'll go.

Holy Child School, seated closest to the Quiz Mistress, bowed out once again. Winneba SHS, seated at the far end, walked away with victory and a ticket to the national championship.

Because in this contest of minds, success isn't about position; it's about precision, preparation, and the power to perform under pressure.