Written By: JJ Rooney
Providence Academy’s Middle School Science Olympiad Team found great success this past season, recently taking 2nd place at a major tournament at Bethel University. Their success is impressive not only because of the number of schools and the talent at these meets, but also because this is the first year Providence Academy has had a Science Olympiad team since 2016.
The Science Olympiad is an academic competition involving programs such as schools, clubs, and tutoring organizations, in which participants compete as part of their team in several science-based events. Some of these subjects include Potions and Poisons, Water Quality, and Disease Detectives. This club is open to all Middle School students at Providence Academy who are interested and is highly recommended by many of its participants.
The MS Science Olympiad team.
As a newly refounded team, the coaches had to introduce all of the students to the world of Science Olympiad. Because of the many events and their respective intricacies, their success this year is an impressive feat as well as a reflection of the amazing coaching that propelled them to success.
“The team took second place overall out of 14 Middle School teams. That’s an amazing accomplishment for a rookie team like ours,” Assistant Coach, Mrs. Sheehan, said.
Providence Academy’s Science Olympiad team provides much more to its participants than just trophies. It develops teamwork, communication, and hands-on skills that students will use for the rest of their lives.
“It’s really fun to compete, but I also like how the different events teach different skills, and they also help with teamwork skills,” Kavish Kashiore, ‘30 stated.
With the mixing of three different grades, the unity of the team is a surprising advantage they possess. Their success can be attributed not only to the phenomenal coaches and hard work from the Olympiads, but also to their strong team bond.
“I don’t feel divided, and I really get to know sixth and eighth graders, which is really special because now when I see them in the hallway I get to smile with them,” Audrey Olson, ‘30, commented.