DALLAS, Pa. — The Northeast Regional Science Olympiad returned to Penn State Wilkes-Barre recently, drawing hundreds of middle and high school students to the campus for the annual science competition.
Science Olympiad is an international nonprofit organization that strives to enhance and expand science education for students and teachers through competitive tournaments and other outreach efforts. For over 25 years, Penn State Wilkes-Barre has hosted the regional event on campus.
This year, teams from 12 area middle schools and 19 area high schools competed in individual and team events in subjects ranging from anatomy and physiology to astronomy and robotics. Participants prepare throughout the school year to compete in the regional tournament, with winners advancing to the state-level competition at Penn State Altoona on April 25.
Those advancing to states this year include:
- Middle school division: Harlan Rowe Middle School, North Pocono Middle School, Wilkes-Barre Academy, Lehighton Area Middle School, Pocono Mountain East Jr. High School
- High school division: North Pocono High School, Athens Area High School, Lehighton Area High School, Pocono Mountain East High School, Abington Heights High School
“We congratulate all of this year’s participants on a job well done,” said Tim Sichler, Northeast Regional Science Olympiad director and assistant teaching professor of engineering at the campus.
“It is always great to see the enthusiasm that the students, coaches, volunteers and campus community bring to this event, all in support of the sciences.”
Sichler coordinated this year’s event with Rianna Karalunas, financial assistant. Kara Hart, promotions director at Cumulus Media, served as master of ceremonies.