LHS Science Olympiad Team Takes First at State

A fifth place regional finish translated into a first place state finish for the Libertyville High School Science Olympiad team at the University of Illinois, Champaign on April 16.

The team earned a bid to the state competition by earning fifth place at their regional competition in March. Team members worked tirelessly preparing for the state competition, and it paid off.

“We completely redesigned our mousetrap vehicle and spent several hours calibrating it in the halls at U of I,” said team member Tommy Wagener.

Tweaking built devices, practicing PVC flute and tube drum duets, and reviewing notes made for a packed pre-competition evening.

“It’s more in depth than we get in our high school classes and it’s a fun club to be in,” said team member Colleen Pawlicki of reviewing fossils and forensics in an after dinner study session.

Mary Allen, assistant head coach, says the competition is like a track meet.

“It’s as intense as any state level sports competition. Aligned with the National Science Standards, Science Olympiad competitions are like a track meet with 23 events," Allen said. "By combining events from many science disciplines, the program encourages the involvement of a wide cross section of students.”

“Not many high school students go on to become professional athletes,” Ursula Ahern, head coach, added. “But there is a huge demand and opportunity for students in STEM fields. Take a look at our team photo. They are future scientists, engineers, doctors, and researchers, and they will have a tremendous impact on our world!”

Placing first out of 22 teams in the A division and 16th overall (46 teams total), the first-year team has a great deal to be proud of.

The 15 member team includes Max Allen, Wes Allen, Adam Blythe, Charlie Burnett, Devika Joshi, Jason Leib, Kelly Lubbers, Joey Nedland, Erin Neil, Tim Pawlicki, Colleen Pawlicki, Connor Robinson, Patrick Slade, Jason Voelker, and Tommy Wagener.

In addition to the First Place Team trophy, team members earned individual medals in 11 of the 23 regular events and in one of the trial events.

5th Astronomy – Connor Robinson, Joey Nedland
5th Disease Detectives – Devika Joshi, Joey Nedland
1st Dynamic Planet – Erin Neil, Connor Robinson
3rd Experimental Design – Charlie Burnett, Patrick Slade, Adam Blythe
1st Forensics –  Colleen Pawlicki, Kelly Lubbers
3rd Optics – Max Allen, Tim Pawlicki
5th Helicopters –Wes Allen, Max Allen
2nd Mission Possible – Max Allen, Tim Pawlicki
1st Mousetrap Vehicle – Tim Pawlicki, Tommy Wagener
2nd Sounds of Music – Erin Neil, Charlie Burnett
1st  Tower Building – Adam Blythe, Patrick Slade
1st  Geocaching (Trial) – Jason Voelker, Devika Joshi

The team is supported by Head Coach Ursula Ahern, Assistant Head Coach Mary Allen, Sponsor Radhika Joshi, and parent coaches Michael Slade, Jim Blythe, and Terri Neil.