Kraemer hosts first Science Olympiad invitational

The theme for the Kraemer Middle School Science Olympiad team this year is, “Experiment, Learn, Succeed and Repeat.”

The team’s first competition at Winston Churchill Middle School near Sacramento on Saturday, Dec. 5, was a big “Experiment” with science, teamwork, travel and fun. Some students even started studying for each topic over the summer. At the hotel, students took over the lobby with study groups and science experiments. The team celebrated its third place win with a dinner at Olive Garden, and a trip to the Scandia Amusement Park prior to returning home.

In preparation for the second invitational at Ladera Vista Junior High School in Fullerton on Saturday, Dec. 12, Kraemer students “Learn” how to study harder. Even though the weather was cold, parent volunteers stepped up with plenty of snacks and hot drinks to keep students warm and well nourished, which kept them focused on the competition. This enabled Kraemer to win first place!

The team was able to “Succeed” in hosting its first-ever invitational at Kraemer Middle School on Saturday, Jan. 9! Kramer welcomed 24 teams in 17 events. Associated student body (ASB) students were at each entrance to greet the guest competitors. Coaches and volunteers were offered warm soups, sweet desserts, fresh fruits, coffee and hot chocolate. The quad also had food for sale, in addition to a SciOly parents snack bar fundraiser. Ms. Melissa Samson, the ASB director, played music to keep everyone’s energy up during lunch.

Later in the afternoon, the Kraemer jazz band, under the direction of Mr. Mark Gunderson, played songs to welcome guests into the Valencia High School gym. Mr. Doug Reynolds, team photographer, created a slideshow to display the students’ hard work and determination during the events, and entertained everyone while waiting for the final result. Mr. Minesh Patel, Mr. Chris Palickle and his son Aiden kept the crowd occupied with various games and activities. Goodies bags and candies were given to game winners, participants and the audience. Six team trophies and numerous individual medals were awarded to the top winners in each event.

Kraemer Principal Keith Carmona was at the event from beginning to end to provide support and boost morale. Team coaches and directors, Mr. Shaun Evola and Mrs. Tracy Chung, were outstanding in ensuring the entire event ran smoothly. Finally, a big thank you to all of the SciOly students and parent volunteers for making this first event a big success!

The team hopes to “Repeat” its success at the next two invitationals, which will be held at Muscatel Middle School on Saturday, Jan. 16, and Mesa Robles School on Saturday, Jan. 30