RCHS Science Olympiad: Go 4 the Gold

"Science Olympiad competitions are like academic track meets, consisting of a series of 23 team events in each division (Division B is middle school; Division C is high school). Each year, a portion of the events are rotated to reflect the ever-changing nature of genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering and technology. By combining events from all disciplines, Science Olympiad encourages a wide cross-section of students to get involved.  Emphasis is placed on active, hands-on group participation. Through Science Olympiad, students, teachers, parents, principals and business leaders bond together and work toward a shared goal." (http://www.soinc.org/about)

My friends and I started this club at our High School 3 years ago. We started out as a team of 7, half the size of a normal team. That year we got we got 17 out of 26 teams at regionals and no medals. We had 3 top 10 finishes (7th,7th and 9th place). The following year, our membership grew to 23, and enough for a full team plus smaller team. That year we made it to state but was the cut-off team. We  recieved 1 medal and a lot more top 10 finishes. This year, we had enough people for two full teams as well as a third small team. Two teams made it to state; we were fifth place overall in our region and multiple medals. At state we achieved our first ever high school medal (a silver medal in MagLev - the device in the second picture) and multiple high-ranked placements in various other events.

Our team has truly progressed, and very rapidly at that. We need help to continue this growth and success.

We are heldback is certain events due to monetary contraints and this is where I ask for help. Previously, we have run on a 1000 dollars a year from a sponsor. For the future, we lose this sponsor. In addition to this, the 1000 dollars is already too little. Certain events require a lot of money. Robot Arm (an event) is difficult to do without at least 300 dollars. We desperately need money to continue our program.