Bednarcik Science Bowl team wins Regional Championship, advances to National Science Bowl

Oswego Community Unit School District 308 congratulates the Science Bowl team from Bednarcik Junior High School for having placed first at the Argonne Regional Championship of The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Science Bowl, qualifying for the National Science Bowl in April. The virtual competition was held on Saturday, Jan. 30.

Science Bowl team members are comprised of four students, one alternate and a teacher who serves as an advisor/coach. Bednarcik’s team includes: Fiyin Akinyemi (grade 7); Aarin Bothra (grade 7); Mary Cadena (grade 8); Prabhav Veeramachaneni (grade 8); and Vincent You (grade 8). Science teacher Amy Truemper is the team advisor/coach. During the Science Bowl, teams face-off in a fast-paced question-and-answer format, being tested on a range of science disciplines including biology, chemistry, Earth science, physics, energy, and math. Approximately 315,000 students have participated in the National Science Bowl since it was created in 1991 and is one of the nation’s largest science competitions.

As the winner of the academic regional competition, the team from Bednarcik Junior High School advances to the virtual National Science Bowl in late April. “Our district takes great pride in the achievements of all our students in the district,” said Dr. John Sparlin, superintendent of schools, “and to have a group moving on to a national-level competition shows the dedication and commitment of our staff to work with our students to help them reach their full potential.”