Holly Ridge Middle School's Science Olympiad Teams competed against 15 other teams at the regional competition held at Campbell University on March 6. Numerous students captured top honors in their respective events and the junior varsity team won first place overall. Four events from the varsity team and three events from the junior varsity team have qualified to advance to the State Competition which will be held at NC State on April 23-24.

The Science Olympiad team is only in its second year at Holly Ridge. All students have the opportunity to try-out for the teams. Students prepare for a tested event such as the solar system and/or work on building events like building a rubber-band powered airplane. Students then use their learned knowledge, acquired data, and built devices to compete against other students in the area.

The following students from Holly Ridge won first place overall in their events: Kat Krovetz and Lucas Smith in Under Pressure, Kat Krovetz and Justin Nelson in Anatomy, John Cox and Nick Conde-Palmer in Trajectory, Mohammed Laouti and Shawn Cummins in Elevated Bridge, Daniel Savoy and Gabrielle Webb in Bio-Process, Mohammed Laouti and Sidney Dorsainvil in Wright Stuff, and Thomas Francese and Brandon Brown in Junkyard Challenge. “The students surpassed my expectations” noted Mr. Clayton Breiler, Head Coach. “As long as all students gain a love for science, I’m content with whatever the outcome. I’m extremely proud of Holly Ridge. Thank you to all students, parents, and coaches for a job well done.”