The NC Science Olympiad held its regional competitions on Saturday.
Jacqueline Leibman said she looks forward to this day all year long. This is her 7th year competing in the Fayetteville Regional Science Olympiad.
“I liked science, I love science. I love engineering I wanted to be an architect when I was younger and a doctor now so it still connects to both things,” said Leibman.
Leibman was one of 675 participants in Fayetteville on Saturday in the middle and high school divisions. It may seem like fun and games but the events are hard work.
“Kids break in to teams of two, and they have to come in and try to find the best answer for each problem. There’s everything from building gliders, to launching projectiles and taking tests on chemistry and physics.” said Chris Ruminski, a coach for the competition.
For Leibman and her partner, this is their chance to be on a team. Their high school does not have an athletics program. They say they’re exercising, just in a different way.
“It’s not athletics where you are doing vigor, but it’s mentally athletic. We have people building rockets, trajectory, little cars that have to go a certain distance. No matter what, you may not be using your physical strength but you are using your mental strength,” said Leibman.
Whether the students win or lose, participants say these Olympic games are teaching life long lessons.
“Having good sportsmanship and being able to work with so many people and having to work together, having to have a partner. Getting close to people you didn’t necessarily know in school,” said Chandra Butler of Reed Ross Classical High School.
Top finishers from Saturday’s event move to the state level where they will have a chance to compete for scholarships.
“I just think it’s a great opportunity for students to come out and showcase what they can do based on what they are learning in school,” said Leibman.
