The Science Olympiad team recently competed in regionals in Salina. They brought home 3rd overall, with some team members placing in individual events.

    During a science olympiad tournament like the one in Salina, student competitors can take tests in different events and subjects. Students can also prepare a project for an event ahead of time to be judged at the tournament. Competitors must prepare by studying topics related to their events and tests.

    “I like to compete because I thinks it’s fun to learn about the topics,” Freshman, Sawyer Smith said “I also think it’s fun to win.”

    Smith received the topics of invasive species, astronomy, and materials science. He competed with his team and got 2nd place in all of the events he participated in.

    “My team and I prepare for competing by doing a lot of research, and studying equations if our event requires them,” Senior Shantelle Mogollon said. “We also also build models and things that are needed for our events, like robot arms, bridges and electric vehicles.”

    Smith and Mogollon were on the same astronomy team for their regionals tournament.

    “I find joy in competing in the events I love the most, like astronomy,” Mogollon said, “It’s nice to compete with someone on your team that loves the subject as much as you do,” she continued, “I think these shared interests really make us a stronger team and overall it makes the competition more fun.”

    This is the third year that McPherson High School has competed with a Science Olympiad team. Teachers Heath Gerstner and Alice Toews coach and sponsor the team.

    “I found out about science olympiad because Mr. Gerstner asked me if I wanted to participate,” Smith said, “I guess doing the hard work pays off and makes you feel a lot better when you do well.”