March 19, 2019
By Kelli Gile, WVUSD Office of Community Resources
WALNUT, CA—After months of preparation,Walnut Valley USD Science Olympiad teams came away with an impressive cache of gilded medals during the Los Angeles regional competition.
All three middle school and both high schools will now advance to the Southern California State Finals at Caltech on April 6.
Chaparral scored a 3rd place finish, Suzanne took 4th place, and South Pointe followed in 5th place during the Division B middle school contest among 40 teams at Rio Hondo College.
Chaparral’s team, advised by science teacher Bob Patterson, won 1st place awards in nine of the 23 individual competitions including Disease Detectives, Dynamic Planet, and Mystery Architecture.
“The success of our team is due to the dedicated efforts and team spirit displayed by our students, and the amazing support of our parents,” Patterson said.
In Division C, Diamond Bar High’s total scores earned 3rd place and Walnut High took 4th place among 50 high-performing teams in the contest.
“Our Science Olympiad team is currently preparing for the next competition and is eager to demonstrate their hard work and knowledge at the state level,” said Diamond Bar High math teacher and advisor Dawn Daza.
Quail Summit Elementary students scored the gold medal and earned the second highest score in the competition among 66 teams in the Division A competition held at Occidental College on February 25.
Additionally, Castle Rock and C.J. Morris Elementary Schools brought home the silver awards.
“This group of dedicated 4th and 5th grade young scientists studied all year, put in hours of research, and conducted experiments,” said Quail Summit’s elementary learning specialist Leann Legind. Parent Angel Chiu coaches the team.
“They displayed teamwork, character, perseverance, and great critical thinking skills - and we are so proud of them!”
After competing all day in the rain, the elementary division’s awards ceremony was cancelled due to the inclement weather.
And although most teams headed home before the final results were announced, Quail Summit students decided to wait 90 minutes for the final tally of scores.
“We worked too hard – we’re staying!” they chimed.
Shown:
Chaparral Middle School Science Olympiad students have qualified for the Southern California State Finals.
Diamond Bar High’s Science Olympiad team took 3rd place at regionals and will advance to the Southern California State Finals.
Quail Summit Elementary students celebrate taking home the gold medal at the Science Olympiad regional competition.
Walnut High’s Science Olympiad took 4th place at regionals and will advance to the state finals on April 6.