On Saturday, February 26th, the St. Mary Catholic Community School Science Olympiad Teams competed at the Ivy Tech Lafayette regional competition. The team walked away with 24 medals! St. Mary placed second overall and secured a spot at the Indiana State Science Olympiad competition at Purdue University on March 12th. This was the Wildcats’ fourth year in a row qualifying at the state level. The students were tested in subjects such as anatomy, food science, and ornithology. They showed their knowledge of the scientific process with Experimental Design and their ability to figure out mysterious illnesses in Disease Detectives. They also took part in building events like mousetrap vehicles and ping-pong parachutes. Eighth grader and third time competitor Danny Shea said, “This experience exposed me to different branches of sciences and principles that I never would have learned otherwise. Science Olympiad also helped me expand on pre-existing interests like space.” First year competitors Jaci Dumas and Hailey Baehler had fun learning the values of teamwork while they designed a bridge that could hold over 15 kg of sand without bending or breaking. They learned the value of trial and error as they experimented with different designs. The team is coached by Theresa McLoughlin, Deborah Shea, and Michelle Sarabia.
Jaci Dumas and Hailey Baehler with their award winning bridge.
Gianna Zembillas and Ava Go make adjustments to their catapult.
Team Photo
Emily Yadron and Danny Shea test their parachute design.
St. Mary Catholic Community School in Crown Point was opened in 1872. The school offers grade levels Junior Pre-Kindergarten (for three-year-olds). St. Mary’s faculty teaches a rich curriculum supported by leading-edge technology. All students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities such as Academic Team, Chess Club, Geography Bee, Spanish Club, Science Olympiad, Scouts, Environmental Club, WSMW News Cast, athletics and more. To learn more about enrollment at St. Mary’s School or schedule a personal tour, visit stmarycp.org/school or call 219.663.0676.