FBES places 2nd, qualifies for Science Olympiad state competition; Cumming's Whitlow ES finishes 1st

FLOWERY BRANCH - Martin Technology Academy hosted the first Science Olympiad Regional Competition in Hall County Saturday. Ten teams competed from Hall County and the surrounding area.

These teams were: Martin Technology Academy, Oakwood Elementary, Lanier Elementary, McEver Arts Academy, Flowery Branch Elementary, Alpharetta International Academy, Mad Scientist Club, Honey Creek Elementary, Sawnee Elementary, and Whitlow Elementary.

Whitlow finished first with with another Forsyth school, Sawnee elementary, placing third. They join Flowery Branch in advancing to the state competition.

Science Olympiad competitions are like academic track meets, consisting of a series of 18 team events in each division. New activities are added each year to reflect the ever-changing nature of genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering and technology. By combining events from all disciplines, Science Olympiad encourages a wide cross-section of student involvement. Emphasis is placed on active, hands-on group participation. Through Science Olympiad, students, teachers, parents, principals and business leaders bond together and work toward a shared goal.

Flowery Branch Elementary placed 2nd overall, competing in 18 different events, which ranged from knowledge of weather, rocks, simple machines and constellations to hands-on activities including bridge building, rocketry, chemistry and engineering.

Flowery Branch will now compete at the State Science Olympiad competition on May 17 at Kennesaw State University.

The school's results:

First Place
Aliyah Hunt & Ninette Ohrenberg Disease Detectives
Aliyah Hunt & Jaclyn Minter Mystery Architecture
Shawn Smith & Juliana Zuluaga Map Reading

Second Place
Evan Hutchinson & Bryanna McCrystal Bridge Building
Carlyn Kirby & Juana Prieto Crime Busters
Ashlee Armand & Connor Walker Simple Machines
Aliyah Hunt & Darren Schultz What Went By

Third Place
Wesley LeCroy & Darren Schultz Simple Machines
Jaclyn Minter & Connor Walker Straw Tower
Bryanna McCrystal & Warren Paintsil Weather or Not

Other Team Members Include:
McKenzie Fortner, Leonardo Nunez, Jorja Powell and Amanda Smith