Middle school students compete in the duct tape challenge during the 2019 regional Science Olympiad tournament at Lenoir Community College last February. Teams from Kinston, South Lenoir and North Lenoir high schools and Contentnea-Savannah K-8 have won scholarships to compete in the 2020 tournament, for middle and high school students, and Northeast Elementary received a scholarship to compete in the county tournament for elementary students. Submitted photo.

Science Olympiad teams from five LCPS schools have received scholarships from North Carolina Science Olympiad to compete in upcoming county and regional tournaments.

The scholarships, valued at $300 each, cover the entry fee for teams and are designed to encourage participation, particularly in rural counties.

Scholarship-winning teams are from Northeast Elementary School, coached by Tamika Gaskill; Contentnea-Savannah K-8 School, coached by Mary Riddick; South Lenoir High School, coached by Ryan Gardner; Kinston High School, coached by Sara Levin; and North Lenoir High School, coached by Dr. Thomas Schwartz.

“We are proud of the initiative these coaches have taken to demonstrate dedication and commitment to Science Olympiad,” said Dr. Amelia McLeod, the district’s director of middle school education and its Science Olympiad coordinator.

Sixteen schools in the district will compete in either the regional tournament for middle and high school students on Feb. 15 at Lenoir Community College or in the county tournament for elementary students, to be held Feb. 17 at E.B. Frink Middle School. The regional tournament is a qualifier for state competition.

Science Olympiad tournaments provide students with hands-on STEM education, recognizes achievement and encourages students to pursue a future in science. 

Funds supplied by Duke Energy Foundation provide Regional Tournament scholarships as part of the Rural Participation Project. The project expands access to Science Olympiad tournaments for rookie and/or rural students and educators in North Carolina. 

“Partners like Duke Energy Foundation help North Carolina Science Olympiad expand STEM education to teachers and students regardless of their background,” NCSO Executive Director Kim Gervase said.

In October, Duke funded scholarships for six LCPS teachers who coach Science Olympiad teams to attend a two-day coaches clinic.

North Carolina Science Olympiad is a nonprofit organization with the mission to attract and retain the pool of K-12 students entering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees and careers in North Carolina. Every year NCSO hosts tournaments on university, community college, and public-school campuses across the state.