Science Olympiad
Often referred to as an academic track meet, Science Olympiad consists of more than 20 events focused on active, hands-on group participation. The events cover all science disciplines including earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering, forensics, technology, and more — encouraging participation from a diverse group of students with varied skills.
Each November, a new set of events and rules are released, and the team is off and running in preparation for regional competitions in February. The first St. Joe’s team competed more than ten years ago, placing fourth out of approximately 30 participating schools. This incredible performance from a rookie team laid the groundwork for today's popular and robust program.
Science Teacher Mr. Chris Mekelburg ’06 leads the program, bringing in alumni and other local science professionals to serve as additional mentors. “The program allows our students to creatively and collaboratively solve the challenges presented each year,” said Mekelburg. “Putting these skills into practice at the high school level sets up our students for success in college and eventually the workplace.”
The 2018-19 team placed second at the Lake Erie/Niagara Regional Competition in February of 2019, and the “B-team” placed sixth at the regional competition, providing a glimpse of the future potential and talent of the St. Joe’s students and the Olympiad program.
In March of 2019, the team headed to Le Moyne College in Syracuse for the state tournament. The team placed 27th in this highly competitive tournament, ahead of every team but one representing Western New York at the state level. In addition, members of the team brought home a state medal with Patrick Murphy ‘19 and Michael Boland '19 placing 8th in Mission Possible. Job well done.
Each November, a new set of events and rules are released, and the team is off and running in preparation for regional competitions in February. The first St. Joe’s team competed more than ten years ago, placing fourth out of approximately 30 participating schools. This incredible performance from a rookie team laid the groundwork for today's popular and robust program.
Science Teacher Mr. Chris Mekelburg ’06 leads the program, bringing in alumni and other local science professionals to serve as additional mentors. “The program allows our students to creatively and collaboratively solve the challenges presented each year,” said Mekelburg. “Putting these skills into practice at the high school level sets up our students for success in college and eventually the workplace.”
The 2018-19 team placed second at the Lake Erie/Niagara Regional Competition in February of 2019, and the “B-team” placed sixth at the regional competition, providing a glimpse of the future potential and talent of the St. Joe’s students and the Olympiad program.
In March of 2019, the team headed to Le Moyne College in Syracuse for the state tournament. The team placed 27th in this highly competitive tournament, ahead of every team but one representing Western New York at the state level. In addition, members of the team brought home a state medal with Patrick Murphy ‘19 and Michael Boland '19 placing 8th in Mission Possible. Job well done.
