ADRIAN — Morenci Area Schools’ fifth-grade Science Olympiad team captured first place overall out of 12 schools at the Tri-County Science Olympiad on March 3, showcasing their knowledge, creativity, and engineering skills.
The Science Olympiad brought 355 young scientists together for a day of hands-on discovery and friendly competition on the campus of Adrian College.
Throughout the day, students collaborated with teammates, tested ideas and explored scientific concepts while educators, volunteers and families cheered them on.
Morenci’s students began preparing in January, practicing a couple of days a week after school. Morenci competitors placed in seven of the eight events, earning multiple top finishes.
Top results included first place in Ping Pong Propulsion (Honor Erskin and Owen Apger), where students designed a device to launch ping pong balls at a target; first place in Reach for the Sky (Owen Apger and Madelyn Timberman), a solar system knowledge competition; and first place in Michigan Spiders (Junior Bussell and Paisley McMunn). Additional placements included third in Ologies (Madelyn Timberman and Paisley McMunn) and fifth-place finishes in Tower Challenge (Honor Erskin and Audrey Klinger), Load Masters (Jaxson Johnson and Ben Schell), and Nerves Do What (Ben Schell and Paisley McMunn).
Coach Andi Rorick praised the team’s dedication and teamwork throughout the season.
“Our motto was, ‘Work hard, play hard,’ and the students truly lived that out. Seeing the upper elementary cheering as they brought home the trophy was an unforgettable moment,” she said.
Morenci’s younger teams also had strong showings. The third-grade team placed first in Wing Wonders (Cassius Craig and Ezri Hall), while the fourth-grade team earned several top finishes, including fourth place in Tower Tycoon (Amelia Gehring and Brayden Scivoletto).
In addition to Rorick, the Morenci teams were aided by fellow coaches Taylor Curtis and Jennifer Rohde, and by high school senior Rebecca Cox.
The annual event is organized by the Lenawee Intermediate School District.
“At every moment of the day, the energy from the students is incredible,” said Linda Knape of the LISD, who leads the organization of the annual event with the support of a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. “Whether they are deep in competition, waiting for their next event, enjoying the science entertainment or celebrating during the awards ceremony, their excitement and curiosity fill the entire space. It is inspiring to watch.”
Knape said the event continues to grow and organizers hope to welcome even more schools in the future.
