Rustin Science Olympiad to Compete Nationally

The Science Olympiad team will be one of two high schools representing the state of Pennsylvania at the Science Olympiad National Tournament to be held in Florida on May 18 and 19.  A first for Rustin High School, the team achieved this honor by placing second at the Science Olympiad State Final Competition behind Harriton High School of Montgomery County. It has been sixteen years since a WCASD school attended this prestigious national event.

Science Olympiad, which began 28 years ago by a group of science teachers, is now one of the most prestigious science competitions in the nation, providing rigorous challenges to nearly 6,400 teams in the nation.  The competitions consist of a series of 23 team events reflecting genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering, and technology. Emphasis is placed on hands-on group participation.

Competing against more than 1,000 students from across Pennsylvania, the Rustin team placed first in both the helicopter and forestry categories at the state level. Their helicopter design remained airborne one-and-a-half minutes; thirty seconds longer than the second place model.

Coached by physics teacher Jaime Suarez and assistant coaches Greg Byrd, Shanon Genovese, Dr. Steve Good, Joe Hayes, Judy Jones, and Nicole Zimmerman, team members are Jacob Bissinger, Alan Cohn, Matt Cowan, Courtney Eason, Rich Giduck, Annie Haftl, Paul Hager, Joe Hayes, Dylan Kozicki, James Lack, Chris Laplante, Jennica Leclerc, Ben Litwack, Helen Liu, Renzo Mancini, Doug McCaskey, Adam McLean, Alaina Noronha, Jan Scharsig, Sean Scharsig, Elki Spino, Paul Tomkiewicz, Julia Verbiar, and Lauren Zabilowicz.

A community fundraiser is being held on Wednesday, May 16 at the West Chester PJ Whelihan’s Pub on Wilmington Pike. Patrons supporting the team should state so at the time of order. Fifteen percent of each order placed for Rustin will be donated to the team to help cover travel expenses to Florida.