April 4, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.
Science Olympiad team places 25th in state competition
The Hauser Science Olympiad team finished in 25th place Saturday, March 18th, in the statewide Olympiad tournament, which tests students by way of competitive events in science, technology, engineering and math.
That was a little better than in 2016, when Hauser finished 32nd.
Deborah Gaff, the local coach, admits her team of junior high students has a long way to go to achieve its goal of a top-five finish. But even a 25th-place finish was enough to show members what they must do to compete.
"We have so much amazing, untapped talent at Hauser," Gaff said. "With hard work, I know we'll get there."
Not that Hauser doesn't have a strong team anyway.
Members earned their berth by finishing first in the regional competition in February, up from fourth place during its first year in 2016. They did so by practicing at least twice a week, plus personal time and school resource periods.
They prepared the same way for state, Gaff said.
Hauser's highest finishers:
All events are based on mastery of Next Generation Science Standards.
Gaff said she will send a form to team members and potential members to ask what she can do to help them perform even better next year. Regardless, she said the program is enough of a success that a high school team is being formed.
Preparations for the next Olympiad will begin after fall break.[[In-content Ad]]
