Devon Prep Middle School Science Olympiad Team Competes at State Tournament

For the second consecutive year Devon Prep’s Middle School Science Olympiad Team qualified to compete at the PA State tournament, which took place at Juniata College last week. Eighth Grader Brandon Smoot of West Chester and Seventh Grader Paris Shusterfallou of Phoenixville earned 3rd Place medals at the tournament for their “Rotor Egg Drop” Design.   

In addition to Smoot and Shusterfallouthe rest of the team includes: Sixth Graders Joseph Rajasekaran of King of Prussia, Dylan Rasinski of Lansdale, Andre Tiglao of King of Prussia, Seventh Graders Thomas Brower of Kimberton,James Costello of Rosemont, Brendan McGrath of West Chester, Akul Naikof Phoenixville, Jacob Pabia of Phoenixville,Christopher Rufo of Chester Springs, and Eighth Graders Connor Galarneu of Newtown Square, Arnold Tiglao of King of Prussia,  Michael Weir of Malvern and Mitchell Young of Springfield.  

Under the direction of teacher Ms. Melanie Picard the Team qualified to participate in the State competition after ranking 8^that regionals in March. Eight students earned medals at regionals including:

*Thomas Brower and Brandon Smoot - 1^st Place Medal in “Mystery Engineering”

*Michael Weir and Joseph Rajasekaran - 2^nd Place Medal in “Anatomy”

*Connor Galarneau and Joseph Rajasekaran - 2^nd Place Medal in “Helicopters”

*Brendan McGrath and Dylan Rasinski– 3^rd Place Medal in “Come Fly with Me”

*Andre Tiglao and Dylan Rasinski – 4^th Place Medal in “Rocks & Minerals”

Science Olympiad is an international nonprofit organization devoted to improving the quality of science education, increasing student interest in science, and providing recognition for outstanding achievement in science education.

Science Olympiad tournaments are rigorous academic interscholastic competitions that consist of a series of individual and team events, which students prepare for during the year. These challenging and motivational events are well balanced among the various science disciplines of: biology, earth science, chemistry, engineering, physics, and computers. Events balance students' knowledge of science facts, concepts, process skills, and science applications.