Courtesy photo Holy Name Catholic School’s Science Olympiad team members include: front row, left, Stephen Weinert, Jonathan Weinert, Ariella Murray, Ava Burrows, and Lisette LaFave; second row, left, HNCS Middle School Science Teacher Ms. Amy Chartier, Braden Beauchamp, Joey Kositzky, TJ Nault, and Caleb Ouwinga; third row, left Cierra Scott, Allison Korpi, and Morgan Gartland; and back row, left, Grace Sviland, Tony Liss, Adam Willette and Eastin Young.

ESCANABA — Thanks to OSF HealthCare and Northern Machining and Repair, Inc., Holy Name Catholic School (HNCS) students were able to participate in the annual Science Olympiad regional competition at the Seaborg Science Complex on the campus of Northern Michigan University on Saturday, March 18.

Sponsor OSF HealthCare donated $785 to cover the costs incurred in HNCS students competing in the Science Olympiad event, including materials, registration fee, and other expenses. Northern Machining and Repair, Inc. in Escanaba donated time, materials and expertise, as well as customized t-shirts for the competing students.

At this year’s Science Olympiad competition, approximately 325 middle school and high school students throughout the entire Upper Peninsula competed in 46 different events (23 separate events in both Middle and High School divisions), ranging from anatomy and astronomy to forensics and meteorology. Science Olympiad competitions have been sponsored by the Glenn T. Seaborg Center Mathematics and Science Center at NMU since 1987.

The Science Olympiad competition emphasizes hands-on science learning, with students showing their knowledge on various topics such as anatomy, chemistry, food science, technology and engineering, life science, rocks and minerals, experimental design, hydrogeology, and invasive species. Holy Name’s team placed sixth overall among the 14 middle school teams from across the U.P.

“Science Olympiad is an extracurricular educational program with a mission to inspire the next generation of scientists, health professionals and engineers,” Holy Name Middle School Science Teacher Amy Chartier explained. “Students have the opportunity to explore topics that often they would not have experienced on a normal school day.” According to Chartier, many of the activities are “hands on,” as students create designs, solve problems and learn the importance of teamwork.

Families interested in enrolling their children at Holy Name Catholic School are invited to call or visit Holy Name. Tours of the school will be available for any interested parents, grandparents and potential students. Holy Name Catholic School is located at 409 So. 22nd St., Escanaba. For more information, contact Holy Name by phone at (906) 786-7550 or visit the school’s website: www.holynamecrusaders.com.