St. Croix Students Shine at Regional Science Bowl, Eye National Championship in Washington D.C.

A spirited day of scientific inquiry and competition at the University of the Virgin Islands’ Great Hall on St. Croix culminated in two teams clinching the 2024 Virgin Islands Regional Science Bowl titles on Sunday. Their victory has now paved the way for their participation in the prestigious national championship in Washington, D.C., from April 25-29.

The Church of God Holiness Academy outshone competitors in the middle school division, while the St. Croix Educational Complex Team 2 claimed the top spot in the high school division. The event, which kicked off at 10:00 a.m., witnessed its final showdown between Complex Teams 1 & 2, concluding at 7:20 p.m.

The competition saw participation from 16 teams, comprising a total of 80 students from throughout the territory. Joann Lewis, Science Bowl Coordinator for the St. Croix District, expressed her enthusiasm for the turnout and performance. “We’re so thrilled with the display of talent and dedication by the students,” she remarked. She emphasized that the competition serves as a platform for students to exhibit and hone their scientific skills.

Mirroring the territory’s regional competition, teams across the United States vie for the honor of being the best. The competition’s structure promotes teamwork, rapid problem-solving, and a comprehensive understanding of scientific concepts.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Science Bowl epitomizes the pinnacle of academic competition among the finest regional teams. It underscores the significance of STEM education and highlights the exceptional capabilities of students nationwide. Established in 1991, the National Science Bowl® underscores the Department of Energy’s dedication to STEM education and its role in fostering the future generation of scientists and engineers.

The V.I. Department of Education revealed that the Middle School Division saw participation from teams such as Lockhart K-8 School, Church of God of Holiness Academy, Eulalie Rivera Elementary School, Juanita Gardine Elementary School, and Pearl B. Larson Elementary School. The High School Division featured teams from Charlotte Amalie High School, Ivanna Eudora Kean, St. Croix Central, St. Croix Seventh Day Adventist, and St. Croix Educational Complex, showcasing the breadth of talent and dedication across the territory.