Schools
Whiz Kid: David Pecoraro
Science Olympiad contestant went far last year, hopes to go further in the future
Cleveland Heights Whiz Kid of the Week: David Pecoraro
- Eighth-grader at
- Participates in Science Olympiad
- Loves the thrill of competing
It’s a lot of pressure taking part in the Science Olympiad. Just ask David Pecoraro.
The competition pits the smartest students against one another in feats of mental strength. Last year, David, 14, went to the state finals in Columbus where he ranked fifth and recently participated in regionals where he got first place in the Junkyard Challenge and third in Anatomy and Disease Detectives. More than 277 teams representing 4,000 students competed.
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Competitors are offered an array of events to compete in, but David always chooses the three he loves. He and a partner have to score well on a timed test dealing with the body in Anatomy. Players answer questions about illnesses in Disease Detectives, and in Junkyard Challenge, challengers build a bridge out of the materials provided must hold a tennis ball in a Dixie cup.
David said he loves competing against his smartest peers.
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“It was just to have the big challenge,” he said. “That’s what’s fun about it.”
He plans on competing again next year and in years to come. His goal is to one day become a heart surgeon.
Do you know a Whiz Kid? Send your nominations to Cleveland Heights Patch editor Michelle Simakis.