Strong start for Science Olympiad team

New Richmond Middle School's Science Olympiad team sent a strong message to its Cincinnati area competition that it's on track to defend its Cincinnati Regional Championship with a strong show in January's Northmont Invitational.

The NRMS Team Black came in third overall among middle school participating at Northmont and was the top team from the Cincinnati area ahead of teams from Mason and Milford. Only Centerville's Tower Heights and Magsig middle schools finished ahead of New Richmond, who took a first in the fossils event, second in both Entomology and Experimental Design and 12 top 6 ribbons. NRMS' Team Red came in 13th. in the 22-school invitational.

New Richmond Middle School's Science Olympiad team began the season
with a strong showing at the Northmont Invitational.

"The point spread between our two teams was less than the spread between Magsig and Mason's second teams," noted Ursula Miller, executive director of the  New Richmond Schools Education Foundation which sponsors the New Richmond Science Olympiad team. "That's encouraging because it shows the strength of our overall program. Our second team even beat Magsig's second team. This is worth noting because Magsig's program is one of the strongest in the nation and often places in the top three at nationals."

Science Olympiad is a rigorous academic competitions for middle and high school students. The season stretches from October to May and involves 23 topics that cover college-level material in science, technology, engineering and math.

"I am proud of our results for many reasons," added Miller. "Most important, we overcame significant challenges this year to transition into a new organizational structure with 19 community coaches and another half dozen parent volunteers helping with after school and weekend practices. Most of these volunteers had never coached an academic team until now.

"Together we have maintained and added to the impressive legacy created by NRMS science teachers Josh Grischow, Pam Hughes and Tina Grippa. A very special thanks goes to Mrs. Hughes. We wouldn't have a program if she hadn't stuck with us. We also are grateful for Supt. Adam Bird and NRMS principal Court Lilly for their support as we moved into this new era of a community run program."

Event coaches include:
• Pam Hughes (NRMS science teacher; coach for Experimental Design, second place)
• Dean Miller
• Beth Childers (NREVSD substitute teacher; coach for first-place for fossils team)
• Dr. Adrienne Hammill
• Rob Hammill
• Keri Weinstock
• Amy Weiskittel
• Karen Cahall (NRE teacher)
• Tracy Maguire (Speech pathologist at NRE; coach for Entomology, second place)
• Karen Bezold
• Andrea Schultz (NRMS teacher)
• Kim Colangelo
• Alicia Walls (West Clermont teacher)
• Jerry Noble
• Pat Crowley (NRHS science teacher)
• Kevin Gastrich
• Joey Hammill (NRHS student)
• Travis Justice (NRHS student)
• Eric Williams (NRHS student)

"As for the students, they are an exceptional group," said Miller. "Not only are they dedicated to Science Olympiad, most play sports and participate in a variety of other extra-curricular activities throughout this program's long season."

Next up for the NRMS team is the Magsig invitational competition Jan. 24 where 32 teams will be competing.