Science Olympiad Advances STEM Education
Lt. Governor Aiona opened the 4th annual Hawai`i State Science Olympiad on Saturday at Leeward Community College. The tournament featured more than 150 students from 17 middle school and high school teams, a significant increase from two high school teams in the 2004 inaugural tournament.
Lt. Governor Aiona meets with contestants in the Hawai`i State Science Olympiad.
The Lt. Governor’s support reflects a strengthened focus on instilling in students a greater interest in science, technology, engineering and math, a key goal of the Hawai‘i Innovation Initiative.
“You are the future leaders of Hawai‘i’s workforce,” Lt. Governor Aiona told students at the tournament. “The Hawai‘i State Science Olympiad is opening doors to lifelong career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math.”
During his remarks, the Lt. Governor credited tournament organizers and participants for helping the state address a disturbing trend that shows Hawai‘i students losing interest in science and math after sixth grade.
“I applaud the Lt. Governor’s commitment to the education and future of our students, especially in science,” said Franklin Allaire, state director for the Hawai‘i State Science Olympiad.
Teams from Mililani High School and Highlands Intermediate School won the Olympiad, and, along with second place teams, qualify for the Science Olympiad National Tournament, which will be held on May 30-31 at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
The Hawai‘i State Science Olympiad is accepting donations to help send qualifying teams to the national tournament. For more information, please contact Franklin Allaire by email at The Hawai‘i State Science Olympiad is accepting donations to help send qualifying teams to the national tournament. For more information, please contact Franklin Allaire by email at hisciolympiad@hotmail.com or by phone at (808) 282-9454.
Students compete at the Hawai`i State Science Olympiad.
