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By Clark Curtis, For Washington Daily News

For the first time in 30 years, a team of Bath middle schoolers can lay claim to first place in the North Carolina Science Olympiad Regional Tournament. The event was held on the East Carolina University campus, Saturday, Feb. 17. The 15-member team of seventh and eighth graders from Bath Elementary, won first place in Division B for middle schools, as well as the Conen Morgan Spirit Award. Bath Elementary educates students in Kindergarten through eighth grade.

“I’m so proud of our team,” exclaimed coach and teacher, Melissa Boyd. “We could not have done this without the support of our assistant coach and eighth grade math teacher, Mrs. Tracie Asby, and all of our parents who have been supporting their children since their decision to join the team back in October. Our entire school––administration, teachers, support staff, PTO––and our community, have all contributed to the success of our team, as well.”

In total, 26 teams competed in 18 events. The build events included such things as flight, air trajectory, and wheeled vehicles. Tested events included anatomy, physiology, forestry, and fossils. And the lab-based events focused on such things as crime busters, experimental designs, and wind power and optics. In all, the students placed first in six of the 18 events and received medals (top six places) in all but two events.

“It was really exciting winning three individual medals and our team coming in first,” said team member Brice Thomas. “I hope we really do well in the state competition.”

Added his twin-brother and fellow teammate Brock Thomas, “When the announcer said Bath was number one, we all jumped up and everyone started clapping and cheering. It was a great feeling!”

It is now off to the North Carolina Science Olympiad State Tournament on the campus of NC State University on April 12 and 13. “We can’t thank enough all of those who supported our fundraisers which helped to cover our expenses, or made donations such as building materials and food items, which helped take care of our needs along the way,” said Boyd. “Many hours have been invested in preparing our team for this competition and it seems to have all paid off!”

The North Carolina Science Olympiad is a K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics competition that elevates science education to the level of support and enthusiasm typically reserved for school sports. It is the largest K-12 competition in North Carolina and the largest Science Olympiad program in the country.

Bath Elementary School team members:

Brock Thomas, Brice Thomas, Kevin Staton, Eliza Kelder, Liam Parisi, Christina Shelby, Harrison Barkley, Tyler Shelby, Lily Floyd, Caraline George, Ben English, Raegen Bogenn, Sam Mathes, Ella Nelson, and Farrah Fyle.