Students from the local school traveled to Casper College on Saturday, April 11, to compete in the statewide Science Olympiad, facing off against top science students from across Wyoming. The event brought together some of the brightest young minds in science for a full day of competition and collaboration. Many participants spent weeks preparing in advance, studying and practicing for their specific events.
The team—Emma Moreton, Thomas Randall, Tootsie Peterson, Marie Bateman, and others—participated in a variety of science-based events ranging from chemistry and anatomy to astronomy and forensics. Each student competed in multiple categories, testing both their knowledge and problem-solving skills. For many, it was their first time attending the competition, which made the experience even more memorable and exciting.
Tootsie Peterson found the event memorable, calling it “quite possibly some of the most fun I’ve ever had.” She said being surrounded by others who shared her interests made the experience even more enjoyable. She competed individually in multiple events and earned impressive results, placing third in entomology and second in rocks and minerals. Despite arriving late to one event without preparation, Peterson still performed well and said she especially enjoyed seeing the “beautiful and unique specimens” in the entomology competition. She added that the experience motivated her to continue exploring science topics she is passionate about.
Mr. Dane Hepworth explained that Science Olympiad is a statewide and national competition where students test their knowledge in a wide range of scientific fields. He emphasized that the competition allows students to apply what they learn in class to real-world scenarios. He said his favorite part of the event was seeing students’ excitement. “The best thing was when Tootsie Peterson got 2nd and 3rd place in two different events and everyone else was just as excited for her as she was,” Hepworth said. He also noted that moments like that help build a strong sense of teamwork and school pride.
Competitor Thomas Randall described the experience as both exciting and welcoming. “The atmosphere was great; everyone was competitive but nobody was mean about it,” Randall said. He explained that the positive environment helped him feel more comfortable competing. He added that his favorite part was spending time with teammates and figuring out the competition together. Randall competed in astronomy and forensics, noting that astronomy stood out to him because “space is cool,” and he enjoys learning about it in his free time.
Emma Moreton highlighted the challenge of the competition, saying it pushed her to think quickly and work closely with her team. She explained that the fast-paced environment required strong communication and focus. She competed in Chem Lab and Anatomy and Physiology, with Anatomy and Physiology being her favorite. “I learned a lot in the process,” she said. Moreton added that she hopes to return next year with more experience and confidence.
The Science Olympiad gave students a chance to deepen their knowledge, challenge themselves, and bond as a team. The event not only tested their academic abilities but also helped them grow socially and academically. The experience left many participants eager to return and improve in future competitions. It also inspired several students to pursue further interests and potential careers in science-related fields.
