Science Olympiad Success at Regionals

 earning fourth place in disease detectives and fifth in code busters against teams with national tournament experience. At the virtual Dick Smith Memorial Invitational, Division C placed 15th among 73 high schools, earning multiple medals including gold in ecology. Their victorious streak continued at the Girls High Invitational, where Division B claimed bronze and Division C crushed with a first-place ranking. In addition, the team has represented Masterman by winning ribbons in various other national and state-wide competitions. Captain Vicky Chernyak (‘26) commented, “Invitationals are great practice for regionals because competitions usually run similarly… you get practice being both overly prepared and underprepared, and you have to learn to balance it.”

Most notably, the team attended regionals on March 14th, squashing competition from throughout southeast Pennsylvania. Despite tough opposition, Division C placed eighth overall, earning fourth place in code busters, fifth in disease detectives, and eighth in fossils. This success followed an immense amount of preparation. Vicky explained, “Preparation is individual based on each event, because in some events you have to study and know your materials, versus in others you have to prepare a binder and make sure you have the right information.” Members described the day as long and tedious, given the early start and back-to-back events. Thankfully, the captains held the team together, ensuring organization and functionality. Daniella noted, “As a leader, you don’t just think about your events, you have to think about organizing the team and making sure everybody is at the right place at the right time. You have to know how to give everyone the support they need.” Their persistence was worth it. After uninterrupted competing and weeks of preparation, the team was overjoyed to find out they qualified for states. Mr. Zimny reflected, “After a lot of late days and nights, and being exhausted from competing, you feel really good at the awards. When you win an award and you are that tired, it’s a great feeling.”

Additionally, Division B placed 9th, earning a bronze medal in crime-busters and meteorology, and fifth place in wind power, astronomy, geology, and helicopters. Their dedication was vital, especially since, as leader of Division B Maram Osman (‘28) shared, the Masterman middle school team was only officially formed one year ago. At the time, the team mainly consisted of Maram and a couple of friends. However, she continued, “This year, we had so many students show up, and they're all locked in, doing great, and super smart.” Members from Division B attested to the doors Science Olympiad opened in allowing people of all genders, races, and grades to come together through common STEM interests. Division B leader Olivia Kang (‘28) remarked, “Science Olympiad builds a sense of community, especially during large competitions like regionals. You’re stuck on a university campus for five hours at a time with the same people, so it’s inevitable that you grow closer to each other.”

As the next week commences, Masterman’s Science Olympians have already begun preparations for states in late April. Both teams have started perfecting their labs and builds, only further extending their knowledge on different topics. After reviewing results from regionals, they have been creating practice tests for others to take and getting an early start on builds to ensure success. Maram Osman confirmed that both divisions are “gonna lock in on everybody's soul.” Wish the middle and high school team luck as they race toward states!