MEADS MILL TEAM HEADING TO 2013 SCIENCE OLYMPIAD NATIONAL TOURNAMENT

Wright State University, Dayton, OH, will host more than 3,000 students, educators and parents from all 50 states during the 29th Annual Science Olympiad National Tournament on May 17-18, 2013. (http://www.soinc.org/2013_national_tournament).

Among the top U.S. students, a team of talented students from Meads Mill Middle School in Northville, along with  Lakeshore Middle school from Grand Haven will represent Michigan at the National Tournament.

The Meads Mill team placed 1st in Wayne-Monroe regional competition at University of Michigan in Dearborn on March 16, won 1st at the Michigan
Science Olympiad State Tournament at Michigan State University, E. Lansing on
April 27, to make it to the National Tournament. The team has mentors and event
coaches from students' parents and alumni who trained the students from 6th,
7th and 8th graders in various events such as genetics (Heredity), earth science (Road Scholar, Meteorology, Reach for the Stars, Dynamic Planet), chemistry (Food Science, Crime Busters), anatomy, physics (Keep the Heat, Metric Mastery), mechanical engineering and technology (Mousetrap Vehicle, Boomilever, Helicopter, Mission Possible, Sound of Music, Rotor Egg Drop). Students enjoyed the learning and fun experience through the school year.

This is the second year in row Meads Mill Science Olympiad team will compete at
Nationals.  The 2012 Science Olympiad team surprised themselves last year with a first place win at State (http://northville.patch.com/articles/meads-mill-students-place-first-in-...), and brought home an amazing seventh place at National tournament(http://northville.patch.com/articles/meads-mill-science-olympiad-team-fi...). 

Kailyn Bondoni, an eighth grader this year, recalls last year, “We surprised ourselves at how well we did last year.  After surrendering last year’s eighth graders, we thought our team weakened, however, quite the opposite proved to be true.  I find it both honorable and pressurizing to be an eighth grader this year.  The younger teammates are consistently perform at such a strong level.  And look how well it all worked out so far.” 

The team is greatly appreciate the workshop training and guidance from long time
Michigan Science Olympiad winning team coaches Bob Monetza, Ron Anderson, and Paul Greinke in Grand Haven Area, Jeff Webb from Hudson, Jeff Anderson and
Becky Murthum from Michigan Science Olympiad organization. Big thanks to
support from Meads Mill school staff and local business: General Motors Company, Ford Motor Company, Reliable Software Resources Inc. General Electric Company, and JIER North America.

One of the nation’s most prestigious science, technology, engineering and math
(STEM) competitions, Science Olympiad brings together 120 winning middle school and high school teams advancing from state-level competitions this spring. Rigorous hands-on and lab events led by experts from government agencies, top universities and Science Olympiad state chapters cover topics in physics, robotics, epidemiology, astronomy, chemistry, biology and engineering.

“We are so proud to host this prestigious event. Science Olympiad is the pinnacle
of science-related competitions for our sharpest middle and high school students,” said Wright State President David R. Hopkins. “The students competing in the National Tournament are some of our nation’s brightest young minds. These talented young people embody the same pioneering spirit of innovation and ingenuity that helped the Wright brothers, for whom our university is named, soar into the skies. We are honored to welcome them to our campus and hope their dreams will take flight.” 

The team has John Eliot’s quote to keep in mind: 
“The best players in any high-stakes field recognize that pressure occurs at the moments when meaningful accomplishment is possible. In fact, that is the reason why performers perform: for the opportunity to tackle challenges head on, to do something significant, and to demonstrate what their hard work and talent can produce.”

We wish Meads Mill Science Olympiad team the best at National Competition. Looking forward to seeing them reach new heights.