Local high school students from across the region competed in the annual Science Olympiad championship this weekend, showcasing innovative projects ranging from renewable energy solutions to biomedical engineering breakthroughs.
Over 200 students from 15 schools participated in the two-day event, hosted at the University Science Center. Judges included professors from three major universities and scientists from leading tech companies.
Standout Projects
This year’s grand prize went to a team of juniors who developed an affordable water filtration system using locally sourced materials. Their prototype can purify up to 50 gallons per day at a fraction of the cost of commercial systems.
The runner-up team impressed judges with an AI-powered early warning system for severe weather events, designed to give communities in rural areas more time to prepare for storms and flooding.
The competition highlights the extraordinary talent and dedication of our region’s young scientists. Several winning teams have been invited to present at the National Science Fair in Washington, D.C. this summer.