Manchester, Northridge take top honors at MU Science Olympiad Invitational
Neither weather, nor quarantine, nor bus scheduling mishaps could stop the 2022 Manchester University Science Olympiad Invitational from taking place on Saturday, Jan. 22, in North Manchester. All of these certainly tried!
Two hundred thirteen students, their coaches and their parents came from as far away as Bloomington, Indianapolis and South Bend to attend the day of science competition. Students participated in more than 30 events and competitions, with activities that include solving forensic cases, codebreaking, and constructing machines such as ping-pong parachutes and musical instruments.
The middle school team from Manchester Junior-Senior High School won the overall middle school competition, with Northridge Middle School in second place and Winamac Middle School in third place.
Northridge High School dominated the high school division, with Northridge Gold placing third overall and Northridge Green placing first. Manchester High School’s Manchester Black team placed second.
“I am so proud of what these students, coaches, and MU volunteers accomplished,” said chemistry Professor Kathy Davis, MU Science Olympiad Invitational coordinator. “The participants consistently tell us that our invitational is a positive experience, but this year was particularly special because there haven’t been as many in-person competitions. I’m in awe of their dedication and their performance.”
The invitational in North Manchester was another steppingstone on the road to regional competitions, where these teams will join other Indiana teams in competing for spots in the state competition.
“Manchester University wishes them good luck in this next competition phase,” Davis said.
Science Olympiad is a national organization that has provided premier competition opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) events for more than 30 years. For more information, go to www.soinc.org.
Middle School B Team Rankings
1. Manchester Junior-Senior High School (junior high team)
2. Northridge Middle School
3. Winamac Middle School
4. Harshman Middle School
High School C Teams
1. Northridge High School Green
2. Manchester Junior-Senior High School Black (HS team)
3. Northridge High School Gold
4. Bloomington South High School White
5. Mississinewa High School
6. Bloomington South High School Purple
7. Mt. Vernon High School
8. Riley High School Blue
9. Columbia City High School
10. Avon High School
11. Shortridge High School
12. Northridge High School Black
13. Benton Central High School
14. Manchester Junior-Senior High School Red (HS team)
January 2022