Congratulations to Science Olympiad Participants

Congratulations to all the participants in the recent San Diego County Regional Science Olympiad, the nationally organized competition in biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences and engineering.

Mann Middle School students.

In the high school group, University City High placed third, and Scripps Ranch High placed seventh, while Marshall Middle placed sixth in the middle school group. More than 1,000 students on 70 teams from 23 schools competed in lab-testing events such as chemistry, and written test events such as meteorology.

Michelle Irwin, Marshall Middle School's principal, lauded the effort made by her students, with support from teachers and parents.

"We are proud of the way our 63 students performed," she said. "Whether sixth, seventh or eighth graders, they all showed outstanding sportsmanship, poise and dedication.

"They'll take this experience with them in all the things they do."

At Mira Mesa High School, team teacher Gregory Steinbach said his Marauders again had a great year.

"Our teams competed in 20 events covering topics from robotics to physiology and earned awards in a total of 6 events," he said. "Excellent performances (top 10 in San Diego County) were earned by the teams competing in protein modeling, chemistry lab, dynamic planet, and microbe mission."

Mann Middle School competed for the first time.

"While we were the smallest school showing there it was quite an experience," said the team's teacher, Rachael Tarshes. "Our students are already planning for next year’s event. They can come back as ninth graders and they are hoping to support the students here with their expertise."

The event was held Feb. 4 and 18 at three sites, Rancho Bernardo High School, Bernardo Heights Middle School, and Del Norte High School, all in the Poway Unified School District. For more information on the program, go to the group's website.