Valpo captures 11th in national Science Olympiad

BY CAROLYN THOMPSON
cthompson@nwitimes.com
219.933.3229 | Saturday, May 31, 2008

Eleven appears to be the magic number for Valparaiso High School when it comes to placing in the national Science Olympiad competition.

For the third time since 1999, the team placed 11th overall in the 24th annual Science Olympiad National Tournament at George Washington University in Washington D.C.

"It is a weird coincidence, but it is really is a great place to get 11 out of 60 teams," team captain Laurel Peterson said.

Valparaiso High School earned five of 23 event medals and one trial event medal for Flying Bird, Peterson said.

 Valparaiso High School individual medalists were:

First place, Sounds of Music: Jon Gold and Sonia Phadke

First place, Wright Stuff: Ruth Sanders and Rocio Rodea

First place, Chemistry Lab: Kristin Engerer and Gianni Galbiati

Third place, Write It, Do It: Ethan Kruse and Kate Sanders

Fifth place, Boomilever: Ruth Sanders and Pat Skelton

Thomas Jefferson Middle School came in 15th overall, said Rich Bender, coach and placed in two individual categories. They were:

Fifth place, Science Crime Busters: Jessie Bunchek and Hayley Williams

Sixth place, Balloon Launch Glider: Bennett Sanders and Katherine Dalzotto