Clinton High School and Clinton Middle School Science Olympiad Teams Clinch State Victory AGAIN!

The Clinton Middle  School (CHS) and Clinton High School (CMS) Science Olympiad teams have once again demonstrated their prowess, securing their 22nd and 13th wins respectively. The journey that began in 1986 has culminated in another remarkable victory for both teams.

“Over the past 40 years, coaching these Science Olympiad teams has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Witnessing the dedication and passion of our students, as well as the continuous support from our community, has made this journey truly remarkable. It’s not just about the wins; it’s about instilling a love for learning, fostering a collaborative spirit, and creating a sense of family within the team,” said Dr. David O’Shields and Superintendent of Laurens County School District 56. “Every success is a testament to the hard work, resilience, and enthusiasm of our students, and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of their journey.”

Dominating the Competition

The scoring system for the Science Olympiad involves teams competing in 23 events, with points awarded based on their rankings. This year, CMS faced a unique challenge with only one other school, GREEN Charter STEM School, in their division. Winning 18 out of 23 events, the CMS B team emerged victorious. Meanwhile, CHS competed in Division C against 14 high schools, showcasing their skills in a wide array of subjects.

Versatility in Strengths

Clinton’s Science Olympiad teams excel across various subjects, with a consistent strength in build events like Tower, Wheeled Vehicle, Air Trajectory, Robot Tour, Scrambler, and Roller Coaster. Knowledge events, covering areas such as chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, biology (human and plant), ecology, and wind power, also play to the team’s strengths.

Team Composition and Training

The teams comprise 20 students from CMS and 17 from CHS, spanning grades 6 to 12. While there isn’t a competition for team entry, students strive for the top 15 spots during competitions. Training kicks off officially in September, with practices held on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, demonstrating the dedication of both students and coaches.

Coaching Legacy

Led by the stalwart guidance of original coaches Dr. David O’Shields and Michael Mack, the coaching team includes a diverse mix of professionals, professors, teachers, former Science Olympiad participants, and dedicated parents.

Notably, coaches Ami Vaughn, David Bell, and Jason Smith were once students on the inaugural teams in 1986. The coaching lineup boasts a wealth of experience and commitment, including Terri O’Shields, who has been the Head Coach for both the middle school and high school teams since 2006. Other dedicated coaches on the roster are Dianne Summers, Allison Lanford, Stan Walsh, Sharon Lone, Jimbo Langston, Kevin Cox, Ami Meadors, Elaina Jenkins, Dianne Rischbieter, David Stewart, Len Stewart, Jennifer Mason, and David Bell.

Head Coach Terri O’Shields assumed the role of Head Coach in 2006 when Ms. Hopp left for CHS. Her middle school teams have achieved an impressive record of 15 – 1, earning two National SO Spirit Awards. Terri took charge of the high school team in 2020, coinciding with the onset of the Covid pandemic. As the CHS coach, she has led the team to a flawless 4 – 0 record, accompanied by one National SO Spirit Award.

Additionally, the coaching team receives invaluable assistance from Jim Barton.

Highlighting the unique bond and continuity within the program, student coaches Asheton Wilbanks, Shane Nelson, and Rachel Vondergeest, who were once participants on the teams, now contribute to the coaching efforts.

Community Support: Fueling Success

The Clinton High School and Middle School Science Olympiad teams owe a significant part of their success to the unwavering support of the local community. To ensure the continuation of this remarkable journey, financial backing plays a crucial role.

Donations from corporations, private donors, community members, local businesses, and civic groups form the backbone of the teams’ financial sustenance. As the teams gear up for the National Tournament at Michigan State, scheduled for May 24 and 25, the need for community support becomes even more apparent. Community members interested in contributing to the success of the Science Olympiad teams can make donations to Science Olympiad, care of Terri O’Shields, at Clinton High School, 18132 SC72, Clinton, SC. Every donation, regardless of size, goes directly towards covering travel expenses, tournament fees, and other essential needs that enable the teams to compete at the highest level.

As we celebrate the impressive 22nd win for Clinton Middle School and the 13th win for Clinton High School in this year’s Science Olympiad, it is fitting to extend our congratulations to the dedicated students and coaches. This victory is a testament to the hard work and resilience of the current teams and a reflection of the enduring commitment of the coaches who have been shaping scientific minds for an incredible 40 years.

Here’s to another 40 years of triumphs and fostering a love for learning!