Students in an eight-county area participated in the 19th annual Region 10 Science Olympiad Saturday at Lenoir Community College. Submitted photo

More than 700 middle and high school students from eight counties in Eastern North Carolina competed in 46 different events at the 19th annual Region 10 Science Olympiad Saturday at Lenoir Community College.

All Lenoir County middle and high schools were among the 17 middle and 20 high schools represented at the day-long event.

“It was a great day of competition where students competed in science, technology, engineering, and mathematic (STEM) events,” Region 10 Science Olympiad Director Richy Huneycutt said. “The academic competition is rigorous and consists of different hands-on, interactive, and challenging events.

“There is a good balance between biology, earth science, environmental science, chemistry, physics, engineering and technology. There is something for every student. These events challenge the competitors and give them the opportunity to use their critical thinking skills.”

LCC faculty and staff as well as community volunteers from surrounding counties made the event possible.

“It takes so many dedicated people to provide this opportunity to our students,” Huneycutt said. “ They are amazing volunteers. It is so rewarding to see so many students excited about academics. The College is excited to be a part of it.”

The top four high school teams and the top three middle school teams will be heading to the state competition at North Carolina State University in April.

Locally, Arendell Parrott finished first in the middle school competition, with the Epiphany School of Global studies going second, Infant of Prague Catholic School third.

In the high school competition, Southern Nash placed first, Northside High of Beaufort County went second, Northside High School of Onslow County finished third and Onslow Early College placed fourth.