Come May 14-17, about 5,000 visitors will descend on Augusta to take part in the 2009 Science Olympiad National Tournament for middle and high school students. Guests will be coming from as far away as Alaska and Hawaii.
Science teams of up to 15 students from across the country will compete in 23 events that cover all aspects of science. Most events require that students work in pairs, and there are two separate divisions: one for middle schools and one for high schools. The event will be held throughout the campus of Augusta State and in the gymnasia of St. Mary’s on the Hill School, Trinity on the Hill Church, Reid Memorial Church, the Episcopal Day School. Opening an closing ceremonies will be held at the James Brown Arena.
Dr. William Wellnitz, professor in the Department of Biology, has been the director of the state’s Science Olympiad program since 2005. He is pleased with the support that the university and the University System have received in regards to the competition.
“It is an honor both for ASU and Augusta to be hosting the 2009 Science Olympiad National Tournament, especially since most national tournaments are held at major universities,” says Dr. Wellnitz. “We will have over 2500 of some of the best and brightest science “nerds” in the country. We are very appreciative of the many different areas of the CSRA that are involved.”
Dr. Wellnitz earned a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, a master’s degree from Colorado University, and a doctoral degree, also, from Cornell University. And he has been involved in the Science Olympiad program in some form since the early 1990s. Since 1999, ASU has hosted either a state or regional competition. Since 2002, ASU has hosted the middle school state competition, which involves 30 schools from all over the state. In 2008, in preparation for the 2009 national tournament, ASU hosted a combined middle and high school tournament. Those 60 teams involved represent only half of the number who will be participating here in May.
The Science Olympiad National Tournament will involve about 400 volunteers. According to the Augusta Visitors and Convention Center, the event is expected to generate about $1.5 million in direct spending as visitors stimulate the local economy through lodging, car rentals, dining, and recreational activities.
Feb 14, 2009
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