Submitted by Representative Gregg Takayama:
The Highlands Intermediate School Science Olympiad Team who placed first overall in Division B (Middle School) of the Hawaii State Science Olympiad in March, was recognized and congratulated on the House floor on Wednesday, April 3, 2013.
At the Science Olympiad students participate in 30 different events covering a wide spectrum of fields related to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to include astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, genetics, medicine and rocketry.
The Hawaii State Science Olympiad is a federally recognized 501C-3 non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of science education for K-12 students. The Highlands Intermediate team will travel to Dayton, Ohio in May to compete in the National Science Olympiad.
"It is regularly reported that the U.S. falls way behind other nations in Math and Science," said Rep Gregg Takayama (Pearl City, Waimalu, Pacific Palisades). "Events such as the Science Olympiad that challenge our energetic students to strive to be the best, combined with terrific support from their teachers, help us close the gap."
Photo courtesy of Representative Gregg Takayama
The Hawaii State Science Olympiad Division B (Middle School) Champions from the Highlands Intermediate School Science Olympiad Team and their coach Kathy Lin pose for a group photo after being presented congratulatory certificates by Rep. Gregg Takayama on the House floor on Wednesday, April 3, 2013. Pearl City House Representative Roy Takumi, Senator David Ige, Representative K. Mark Takai (Aiea) and Representative Ryan Yamane also joined Representative Takayama during the certificate presentation.