Solon Science Olympiad Teams Honored At White House

Solon’s two national champion Science Olympiad teams were honored Monday by President Barack Obama at the third annual White House Science Fair.

The event highlighted the achievements of student winners from major national science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) competitions. At least one of Solon’s Science Olympiad teams has been invited to each of the White House Science Fairs.

Traveling to Washington for today’s event are Solon High School senior Stephanie Zhu and freshman Achuth Nair. Stephanie is representing the SHS team and Achuth is representing the SMS team. The students are accompanied by Science Olympiad advisers and Solon science teachers Donna Ross and Drew Kirian.

Solon’s Science Olympiad teams made history in spring 2011 when they both captured first place at the national tournament. No other school has accomplished that feat in more than two decades, according to Science Olympiad.

The SHS and SMS teams continued their outstanding achievements at the national competition by winning again at the 2012 competition, becoming back-to-back national champions.

"Student participation in Science Olympiad has afforded our students an opportunity to challenge themselves and develop their skills in a variety of areas – teamwork, knowledge, creativity, discipline and leadership," said Solon High School Principal Erin Short.

"“Not only has this served our Solon students well at the state and national Science Olympiad competitions, it has also helped them to develop increasingly important 21st century skills that will benefit them well into the future," she added.

Today’s events will be streamed live on the White House web site. The Science Fair begins streaming at 11:30 a.m. and the President’s address with the Solon students in attendance begins at 2:25 p.m.

Click here to watch the event on the White House website.