The New Trier High School science Olympiad team recently emerged victorious at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, securing the title of state champions. This win marks their return to the national finals at Michigan State University in East Lansing, a feat last achieved in 2018.
Science Olympiad tournaments involve teams of 15 students competing in 23 different events that test their knowledge and skills in a variety of scientific disciplines. Teams are ranked based on their performance in each event, with the team with the lowest overall score emerging as the winner.
New Trier competed against 24 other teams during the state championships and secured first place in eight events and second place in five other categories. With a total team score of 84 points, they claimed victory over runner-up Stevenson by just two points.
Individual students also shone at the competition, with many earning medals for their outstanding performances. Junior Malachi Noel led the way by contributing to four first-place teams, followed closely by Vivian Chen with three first-place events. Other standout students included Prashu Rao, Tiana Wu, Kevin Huang, Varun Murali, and Stephen Zhao, each contributing to two first-place finishes.
The success of New Trier’s science Olympiad team is supported by funding from the New Trier Educational Foundation. As a nonprofit newspaper, The Record relies on reader support to continue providing independent local journalism. Supporters can subscribe to The Record or make a tax-deductible donation to contribute to responsible news coverage in their community.
New Trier’s road to the state championships began at the regional tournament on March 9 at Oakton College, where they won a staggering 18 out of 23 events. This commanding performance helped them secure a first-place team finish and advance to the state level of competition.
In conclusion, New Trier High School’s science Olympiad team has shown remarkable talent and dedication in recent competitions. Their success is not only a testament to their hard work but also an inspiration for young scientists everywhere.