In grades 6-12, Science Olympiad functions much like a football or soccer team, requiring preparation, commitment, coaching and practice throughout the year. Each school-based team is allowed to bring 15 students who cross-train for a variety of events in their skill set, but some school clubs and boast more than 75 members, allowing for a rich apprentice and mentoring system for all involved. Science Olympiad competitions are like academic track meets, consisting of a series of 23 team events in each division (Division B is middle school; Division C is high school). Each year, a portion of the events are rotated to reflect the ever-changing nature of genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering and technology. By combining events from all disciplines, Science Olympiad encourages a wide cross-section of students to get involved. Emphasis is placed on active, hands-on group participation. Through Science Olympiad, students, teachers, parents, principals and business leaders bond together and work toward a shared goal. Teamwork is a required skill in most scientific careers today, and Science Olympiad encourages group learning by designing events that forge alliances. The culmination of more than 280 regional and state tournaments is the Science Olympiad National Tournament, held at a different university every year. This rotating system gives kids a chance to visit new parts of the country, to tour colleges they might consider for their undergraduate studies, and provides a memorable experience to last a lifetime.

Science Olympiad Division B First Place Regional Categories: 2nd Anatomy, 2nd Science Crime Busters, 1st Road Scholar, 2nd Helicopters, 1st Boomilever, 1st Experimental Design, 3rd Robo Cross, 2nd Can’t Judge a Powder, 1st Solar System, 2nd Road Scholar 2nd Place STEA Engineering Competition Boomilever, RoboCross, Helicopters Lead Coach: Mrs. Violeta Cavazos Students: Kennedy Castillo, Brian Cruz, Daniella Edwards, Rocio Nairi Garza-Gómez, Sofia Garza, Camila González, Katia González, David Penoli, Baltazar Reséndez, Diego Rojano, Francisco Ugalde, Hannah Grace Vaughan, Francisco Vielma, Teresa Vielma, Alejandro Zúniga The Pharr Oratory of St. Philip Neri School System Congratulations!!!

Science Olympiad Division C Fourth Place Regional Categories: 2nd Elastic Launcher Glider, 3rd Scrambler, 2nd Write It Do It, 2nd Bungee Drop 1st Place STEA Engineering Competition Elastic Launcher Glider, Scrambler, Boomilever, Bungee Drop Lead Coach: Mrs. Linda Maldonado Students: Tiffany Espericueta, Sarah Penoli, Victoria Olivares, Catherine Garcia, Luis Ruiz, Gabriela González, Mariana Echanove, Jessica Pruneda, Ana C Sumerlin, Adrian Ontiveros, Rosendo González, Rodrigo Guerrero, Nicholas Garcia, Vicente Hugo Garza The Pharr Oratory of St. Philip Neri School System Winners of Most Spirited Team!