Wilmington Regional NC Science Olympiad

Sixty-five teams – involving more than 900 middle school and high school students  – participated in the 2025 Wilmington Regional Science Olympiad held March 8 on the UNCW campus. WCE’s Center for Education in in Science, Tech, Engineering and Math (CESTEM) sponsors the annual event in partnership with schools and campus and community volunteers.

Science Olympiad is a science, technology, engineering and mathematics competition for students in grades K-12. The tournament consists of a series of hands-on, interactive, challenging and inquiry-based events that are balanced between the disciplines of biology, earth science, environmental science, chemistry, physics, engineering and technology.

On the day of the competition, 36 science events took place across the UNCW campus including events at Trask Coliseum, Hanover Gym, Dobo Hall, the Teaching Lab Building, and DeLoach Hall. More than 130 volunteers comprised of UNCW faculty, staff and students, GE and Corning employees and community partners provided support for these events. During the competition, units from across campus showcased their programs to students and families, and provided fun activities at their tables during a designated time.

“This event would not be possible without the support of our dedicated volunteers,” said Michelle Hafey, CESTEM Program Associate. “They are happy to be here and enjoy participating in the event as much as our students.”

Five high schools and six middle schools from the tournament will advance to the State Science Olympiad Tournament in Raleigh, North Carolina on April 25-26.

Top high school finishers were: Hoggard High School, Isaac Bear Early College High School, Chapel Hill High School, North Brunswick High School and Laney High School. Top middle school finishers were: St. Mary Catholic School, Wilmington Academy of Arts & Sciences, The Friends School of Wilmington, Murray Middle School, Topsail Middle School and Classical Charter Schools of Whiteville.

North Carolina Science Olympiad (NSCO) hosts regional competitions on university, community college and public school campuses across the state each year. NSCO is a nonprofit organization with the mission to attract and retain the pool of K-12 students entering STEM degrees and careers in North Carolina.

About CESTEM

WCE’s Center for Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (CESTEM) partners with schools, businesses and the broader community to promote STEM education through professional development, a technology loan program and regional competitions such as the Regional Science & Engineering Fair, Science Olympiad and SeaPerch. For more information visit the CESTEM website