![Science Olympics winning team.jpg – Champions of the second-annual NII Explore Science Olympics from Goderich District Collegiate Institute. [L-R] Jacob Watson, Justin MacLeod, NII Explore President Phillip Craig, Sam Howard, Kellen Brenner. Photo from NII](https://media.mynewstoday.ca/i/O9K5xWka/355)
Goderich District Collegiate Institute (GDCI) took home the Explore Science Olympics championship belt.
The second-annual Science Olympics brought together 12 teams of exceptional high school students from across Bruce, Grey and Huron counties to compete at the Nuclear Innovation Institute’s Advance Technology Campus on Friday, May 17.
The GDCI team of Kellen Brenner, Sam Howard, Justin MacLeod and Jacob Watson successfully conquered a range of science challenges at Friday’s event.
GDCI was in third place after six preliminary challenges—before coming from behind in the final event.
“It was great the challenges were based on a bunch of different subjects, so we could each use our skills to help each other out,” said GDCI student Justin MacLeod.
“It wasn’t these students’ first time doing a science competition, but our first time doing one locally like this—having a homegrown opportunity for students to show their quick thinking and teamwork was incredible,” added their teacher, Jason Doble.
The challenges covered multiple scientific disciplines like genetics, Earth science, game theory, physics, and engineering.
Walkerton’s Sacred Heart Catholic High School Team #2 and Team #1 placed second and third, respectively, to round out the podium finishers.
A special congratulations went to the Saugeen District Senior School from Saugeen Shores, which won the Collaboration Award.
“What a day of fun and fierce competition!” said NII Explore President Phillip Craig. “Every team here should be proud of the determination and teamwork they showed throughout these challenges
