Legacy Academy scores medals in first Science Olympiad

Legacy Academy of Georgetown participated for the first time in Delaware’s Division B (middle school) Science Olympiad March 15, joining 42 other schools from around the state.

“As a new school with a young team, we knew the competition would be tough,” said Kim Henry, Legacy’s Science Olympiad coach. “But we were determined to honor God, give our best and enjoy the experience.”

Henry brought 40 years of experience to this year’s Science Olympiad. In 1985, she participated in the state’s first Division C (high school) competition as a student. She went coached several different Science Olympiad teams while teaching at various public and private schools in Sussex County. She also mentored and coached her daughter Lauren Smith, who competed in Science Olympiad for many years.

Mother and daughter came together again this year to coach Legacy Academy’s first Division B Science Olympiad team. Two of Henry’s grandchildren were part of the team.

“Coaching together and seeing the next generation excited about Science Olympiad is something we’ve dreamed of,” said Henry. “It really is the ‘gold standard’ to strive for in curriculum and classroom activities. It inspires wonder and gives students tools for success in school and life.”

Legacy entered seven different events this year, including Experimental Design, Metric Mastery, Tower and Crime Busters. Each of the 24 Science Olympiad events is designed to challenge students in different branches of scientific study like chemistry, physics, biology, technology and engineering.

“These were difficult events,” said Henry. “Many are considered high school level. But with God’s help, I knew my students could do it.”

Legacy Academy placed first in Experimental Design and third in Crime Busters, beating out teams from 42 other schools in those events.

“It was fun to win medals when I was a student, but seeing my child win is a hundred times better,” said Lauren Smith, co-coach.

The students earned their first-place medal in Experimental Design by designing and conducting an experiment and writing a lab report on a given topic, all within a 40-minute time limit. For Crime Busters, students had to apply forensic and chemistry knowledge to evaluate evidence from a fictional crime scene.

“We are so proud of our first Science Olympiad team,” said Karen Barbrow, Legacy head of school. “The students’ courage and coaches’ passion is contagious and inspirational. We can’t wait for next year’s event.”

To learn more, go to legacyacademyde.org.