Clinton High School and Clinton Middle School Claim Back-to-Back Science Olympiad Titles at New Home Venue, Presbyterian College

Clinton’s reputation for excellence in science and engineering continues to shine, as Clinton High School and Clinton Middle School both captured first place at the 2025 South Carolina Science Olympiad, held on March 1, 2025. This year’s victories were even more special with the competition hosted for the first time at Presbyterian College in Clinton, now the official home of the South Carolina Science Olympiad.

These titles add to the long history of success for both teams, but 2025 marks an impressive milestone — the fourth consecutive state title for Clinton Middle School and the fifth consecutive win for Clinton High School.

With their continued dominance, both teams have secured South Carolina’s bids to the 41st Science Olympiad National Tournament, where they will represent the Palmetto State at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln on May 23-24, 2025.

Middle School Champions

Clinton Middle School once again secured first place, topping the leaderboard ahead of Banks Trail Middle School (2nd place) and Green Charter Middle School (3rd place). Clinton Middle School students competed in 23 challenging events, showcasing their talents in areas like engineering, biology, earth science, and technology.

This year’s four-time state champion Clinton Middle School team includes Sadie Addison, Camilla Alcudia, Rhiana Burgess, James Carroll, Jude Castaneda, London Clark, Autumn Coats, Lucas Dillon, Anna Carter Hunt, Hank Lanford, Ryleigh Lawson, Merrin Orr, Riley Page, Arohi Patel, and Aubree Watts.

High School Champions

Clinton High School continued its reign at the top, earning 10 gold medals, 5 silver medals, and 5 bronze medals, securing first place ahead of Spring Hill High School (2nd place) and Academic Magnet High School (3rd place). This year’s win marks the fifth straight Science Olympiad state championship for Clinton High School.

The five-time state champion Clinton High School team includes Jackie Alcudia, Avery Barnes, Kaelyn Bell, Liam Bell, Rylee Bell, Lauryn Ficklin, Sam Hunt, Salaam Jenkins, Jacob Keadle, Jacob King, Matthew King, Shayne Kisalek, Junia Nolan, and Marlee Williamson.

Competition Events

Both teams took part in 23 STEM-based events, ranging from Air Trajectory and Bungee Drop to Forensics, Ecology, Robot Tour, and Electric Vehicle design. Other events tested their knowledge of Entomology, Astronomy, Fossils, Anatomy, and more.

A Winning Legacy

The remarkable multi-year winning streaks for both Clinton Middle School and Clinton High School highlight not only the strength of STEM education in Laurens County, but also the unwavering dedication of students, coaches, and families.

This year’s success would not have been possible without the tireless dedication of the Clinton Science Olympiad coaching team, including Terri O’Shields, David O’Shields, Ami Vaughn, Allison Lanford, Stan Walsh, Clay Wright, Dianne Summer, Diane Rischbieter, Jason Smith, Jacob Pountain, Ashton Wilbanks, Kevin Cox, Elana Jenkins, Michael Mack, Sharon Lone, Lynn Stewart, and Brandon Wolfe.

On to Nationals

With state titles secured once again, Clinton’s young scientists will head to Lincoln, Nebraska, in May to compete against the nation’s top teams at the 41st Science Olympiad National Tournament.

Whether it’s a first win or a fifth, Clinton’s Science Olympiad teams continue to make their community proud — proving year after year that they are among the best in South Carolina and the nation.

Congratulations to both teams and good luck at Nationals!

Photo credit: LCSD56