North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) proudly hosted a Regional Science Olympiad competition on campus this past Saturday, welcoming more than 300 middle and high school students for a day of hands-on, competitive STEM events.

A total of 27 teams from 15 schools participated in the event, showcasing their knowledge and skills across a variety of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. The competition featured two divisions: Division B (Middle School) with 6 schools and 11 teams, and Division C (High School) with 9 schools and 16 teams.

The event was coordinated by Brittany Al Attabi, NCWU Visiting Instructor of Biology and Chemistry, whose leadership helped bring together a dynamic and engaging experience for all participants.

“The Science Olympiad participants are passionate about the STEM disciplines and are fierce competitors,” said Al Attabi. “Their hard work throughout the school year was evident in their participation. We loved having such a large number of science-minded students on campus and hope to continue to bring this event back in the future.”

Students competed in a wide range of events, from hands-on engineering challenges to knowledge-based scientific exams, fostering both collaboration and innovation.

Dr. Joseph H. Lane, Jr., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, emphasized the significance of the event. “Professor Al Attabi really should be commended for bringing such an extraordinary group of young people to our campus and providing them with this opportunity to practice science in a fun but competitive environment,” said Lane. “The enthusiasm and ingenuity of these students is an inspiration, and we hope that they will take what they have learned in practicing for and competing in this event forward into future scientific discoveries.”

Competition Results:

Division B – Middle School
Junior Varsity:
1st Place – Alston Ridge Middle School JV1
2nd Place – Alston Ridge Middle School JV2

Varsity:
1st Place – Alston Ridge Middle School
2nd Place – Woods Charter School

Division C – High School
Junior Varsity:
1st Place – Apex Friendship High School JV1
2nd Place – The Epiphany School of Global Studies JV1

Varsity:
1st Place – Needham B. Broughton High School
2nd Place – Woods Charter School

NCWU looks forward to continuing to host events like the Science Olympiad that inspire the next generation of scientists, researchers, and innovators while strengthening connections with schools and communities across the region.