The Black and White

by Henry Iech

It’s 4 p.m., and Dr. Savery’s classroom is alive with activity. Students huddle around tables, testing tower designs, calculating trajectories, and studying forensic techniques. This is the dedication of the Science Olympiad team, who kicked off their competitive season last Saturday, December 14th, at the South Windsor High School Invitational in Connecticut.

For many, this was their first-ever Olympiad, and the team competed against schools from New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. This inaugural competition was a practice event, featuring a selection of upperclassmen and returning participants. Despite the team’s limited roster, their performances were stellar, securing four top-five placements.

Misharel Johnson and Jordyn Toledo placed 4th in both Air Trajectory and Microbe Mission, showcasing their versatility across disciplines. Henry Iech and Tony Iech placed 5th in Tower, while Grace Ferland and Ziqi Lin earned 4th place in Forensics. Additional strong finishes included Mimi Johnson and Henry Iech placing 9th in Chemistry Lab, and Tony Iech, Ziqi Lin, and Scott Xue securing 9th in Codebusters.

The team’s talent was further evident in other events. Cameron Gavitt and Mia Donnell placed 9th in both Entomology and Fossils, while Hever Ortega and Camden Forrester placed 13th in Dynamic Planet.

Science Olympiad is a nationwide STEM competition where students tackle events ranging from anatomy and chemistry to engineering towers and launching bungee devices. It pushes participants to collaborate, innovate, and problem-solve in a variety of fields.

The team’s hard work and dedication are laying the groundwork for future success. With upcoming competitions at MIT, Brown University, and the state championship at Rhode Island College, the team is set up for an exciting season.

As the Patriot Science Olympians continue to design, build, and study late into the afternoons, their enthusiasm and commitment promise great things for the rest of the season.