The Carrie Palmer Weber Middle School Science Olympiad followed its impressive 43-medal showing at the Western Nassau regional competition by capturing sixth place at the 2018 New York State Science Olympiad tournament held at East Syracuse-Minoa Central High School on April 13 and 14. En route to the impressive finish, the Weber team won eight medals and also placed high in 12 additional events. They were also the highest placed team from Nassau County competing at the state level this year.
“Their success is due in part to the incredible dedication and drive of the students, who spend hours outside of the school day with their various event partners in preparation,” said co-coach CarrieAnn Lindstadt-Iurka.
Weber Science Olympiad is comprised of an even balance of students in grades six, seven and eight. On average, each team member competes in three or four events at each competition. Fifteen students competed in 23 events that were used to calculate the overall team score. The 2018 team finished two points higher than last year’s team. For 12 out of the 19 team members, it was their first time competing at the state level.
Weber is the only Nassau County school to qualify for the national competition — three times in the ’90s and three times in the 2000s. It already has its sights set to qualify for the 2019 national competition, which will be hosted by Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y.
Olympiad members study after school and on Saturdays, preparing for tournaments and invitational competitions. Along with Lindstadt-Iurka, Christopher Buchman, Dr. Helen Hatzignatiou and Scott VanKurin coach the group.
“Congratulations to the team members and coaches of the Weber Science Olympiad on another successful season,” said Superintendent Kathleen Mooney. “They continue to impress at the regional and state level, establishing a tradition of excellence that bolsters Port pride in science and innovation!
