Presbyterian College to Host South Carolina Science Olympiad on March 1
February 24, 2025
Hundreds of middle and high school students from across the state will gather at Presbyterian College on Saturday, March 1, for the South Carolina Science Olympiad, a premier STEM competition that challenges students in a variety of science and engineering events.
Science Olympiad is a national organization dedicated to improving science education through hands-on, team-based competition. Founded in 1983, it has grown to include more than 13,500 schools across all 50 states. Each team of 15 students competes in 23 different events, testing their knowledge and skills in biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and problem-solving.
This is PC’s first year hosting the event after it was announced last spring that the Clinton campus would become the annual statewide competition’s new home.
Presbyterian College president Dr. Anita Gustafson said the college is thrilled to host the Science Olympiad, emphasizing PC’s commitment to fostering scientific inquiry and innovation.
“Presbyterian College is honored to host the South Carolina Science Olympiad and welcome the brightest young scientific minds in the state to our campus,” Gustafson said. “This competition not only celebrates knowledge and problem-solving but also inspires the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. We look forward to seeing these students showcase their talents and explore the opportunities that STEM education provides.”
Patrick Nelson, state director of the South Carolina Science Olympiad, expressed excitement about this year’s tournament, marking his first year leading the event.
“PC has been an incredible host, making sure we have everything we need to put on the best possible event for students, coaches, and schools,” he said. “Their enthusiasm for STEM education is evident, and I couldn’t ask for a better partner in bringing this competition to life.”
The competition holds special significance for the Clinton community. Local schools have a long history of success at the Science Olympiad, with Bell Street Middle School and Clinton Middle School winning the state championship 22 times in the past 38 years, including a remarkable 17-year win streak from 2003 to 2019. Clinton High School has also dominated at the high school level, claiming 13 state titles.
Nelson noted that participation in the Science Olympiad is rebounding following a post-pandemic decline. Membership has grown 29 percent year-over-year, a sign that interest in hands-on STEM competition is strengthening.
Dr. David O’Shields, superintendent of Laurens County School District 56, called PC’s involvement a “dream come true.”
“Our community has united behind the idea of turning Clinton into ‘Science City, S.C.,’ and PC plays a huge role in that vision,” O’Shields stated last spring. “This event will not only highlight the talent of South Carolina’s students but also introduce them to PC’s outstanding science programs and faculty.”
The winners of the South Carolina Science Olympiad will advance to the national tournament, continuing their pursuit of excellence in STEM fields.
For more information about the Science Olympiad, go to https://www.scscioly.org.
