Congressman Jeff Duncan Honors Bell Street Middle School's Science Olympiad Team

Washington, DC—South Carolina Congressman Jeff Duncan took to the floor of the US House on Wednesday to honor Bell Street Middle School’s Science Olympiad Team for winning their 10th consecutive state championship:

Congressman Jeff Duncan Honors Bell Street Middle School's Science Olympiad Team 2/29/12

“Mr. Speaker, today I want to recognize the Bell Street Middle School Science Olympiad team for winning its 10th consecutive state championship. This program is one of the premiere science competitions in the nation, providing rigorous, standards-based challenges to nearly 6,200 teams in 50 states. Science Olympiad's continuously changing event lineup exposes students to a variety of career choices and gives them the opportunity of meeting practicing scientists, as well as gaining life changing mentors.”

“Science Olympiad was founded in 1982, and Bell Street Middle School in Clinton, South Carolina began competing in 1986. The Science Olympiad team at Bell Street was formed by three very inspirational teachers, Rosemary Wicker, Dr. David O'Shields, and Michael Mack.  Mr. Mack and Dr. O’Shields, still work in the school district today. Michael Mack is a member of the science faculty at Clinton High School and Dr. David O'Shields is the superintendent of Laurens County School District 56.  Both continue to be active event coaches for the incredibly successful Bell Street Science Olympiad Team.”

“Many of Bell Street Middle’s Science Olympiad Alumni have gone on to become extremely successful in the areas of science and technology.”

“One example of the impact of this program is seen through Dedric Carter. Dedric was a former member of the Bell Street Middle Science Olympiad team, who enrolled in MIT for college, and later became the school’s Assistant Dean of Engineering and a Lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. He is currently the Senior Advisor for Strategic Initiatives to the Director of the National Science Foundation.”

“Jarrett Campbell is also an alum of the Bell Street Middle Science Olympiad team. After competing in Science Olympiad teams in middle and high school, Jarrett went on to complete a doctorate degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. Jarrett worked for Advanced Micro Devices, where he was awarded over 25 patents in the area of semiconductor manufacturing technology. Today, Jarrett works as a global energy management specialist for a US Company in Paris, France.  When asked about his experience with Science Olympiad, Dr. Campbell said:  "Not only did the teacher coaches and parent volunteers pique my interest in science and math, they continually challenged me to expand my knowledge by competing in new disciplines. Looking back, I see how important the camaraderie, teamwork, and constant desire to excel, along with the examples set by those role models leading the team, was in setting the stage for my career in engineering and energy management." I believe this statement, sums up how valuable this program is to our youth.”

“Finally, I would like to congratulate all coaches and the members of this year’s State Championship Science Olympiad Team. This year’s team included:”

MIKE BEASLEY

STEPHANIE BRASWELL

JALEN CARTER

LAWRENCE COLEMAN

TERRY CRAIG

ANDREW GANN

KARL GUSTAFSON

DALTON LANGSTON

BETH MEADORS

ZACK RAY

JOHNATHAN SHIFLET

KYLE SMITH

BOWEN TILLER

NATHAN VONDERGEEST

CLAY WRIGHT

TRISTON MOON

DANIEL MOORE

LUKE RAGIN

JACOB WESSON

AUDREY ATKINSON

CHRIS CANNON

JUSTIN EASTER

DAWSON GREEN

JACK HARKINS

TARA HILLER

AMI MEADORS

JILL MEADORS

OLIVIA MOORE

BRIANNA MOTTE

JAKOB POUNTAIN

MICHAEL RICHEY

JUSTIN SHOCKLEY

DILLON SNEAD

BAILEY STEPHENS

“Congratulations to these students for their hard work and dedication. You truly are the innovators of tomorrow.”

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