New Trier’s Science Olympiad team has shown off their scientific prowess by winning first place at the Illinois State Tournament. With 84 points, they edged out Adlai E. Stevenson High School of Lincolnshire by just two points. The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools came in third.
The Illinois Science Olympiad tournaments feature a variety of events with 15-person teams. Some events require specialized scientific knowledge while others focus on the application of skills. At this year’s state championship, New Trier earned numerous medals and honors across various scientific disciplines, marking their first overall win since 2018.
The team received accolades in a variety of categories at the tournament. Freshmen Kate Kang and Sofia Yang earned 3rd place medals, while sophomores Brian Ren, Elan Hao, Vivian Chen, and Justin Lu each secured 1st place medals. Juniors Malachia Noel, Kevin Huang, Steven Zhao, Varun Murali, and Kaci Morris each earned multiple gold or silver medals, with Nicholas Circolone also receiving a bronze. Seniors Pranshu Rao and Tiana Wu both earned 1st place in two events.
New Trier’s success at the regional tournament at Oakton College was also impressive as they took first place in the varsity category and first and second place in the junior varsity category. With a strong showing at both tournaments, the team is now preparing for the national tournament at Michigan State University on May 25th.
Financial support for New Trier’s Science Olympiad program is provided through the New Trier Educational Foundation’s James Marran Grants program which aims to ensure that all students can participate in Science Olympiad regardless of their family’s financial situation.
