Cape High students compete in Delaware Science Olympiad

Cape High students participated in the annual Delaware Science Olympiad March 2 at Delaware State University, where teammates Aaron Tikiob and Joshua Cohen earned a bronze medal in their event.

In the school’s first appearance at the contest since 2019, eight Cape High students completed 16 events such as forestry, forensics lab, disease detectives and wonders of electricity, competing against 44 other Delaware high school teams. 

This year’s Cape High team comprised students Sahil Patel, Cassidy Johnson, Joshua Cohen, Aaron Tikiob, Charles Umanzor, Caitlyn Randall, Kaia Cauffman and Julia Logue. The team was advised by Priscilla Coolbaugh, Stephanie Halter and Peter Burnham.

By the end of competition, Cape High teammates Aaron Tikiob and Joshua Cohen earned a third-place bronze medal in the ping pong parachute event.

“This is a great achievement, and we cannot wait to see what they and the other members accomplish next year,” Coolbaugh said.

Students prepared diligently for competition by using microscopes to observe human hair, working with partners to build robots and parachutes, and studying for assessments, Coolbaugh said. 

“Cape Henlopen had a great showing for their first competition in five years,” she said, noting the team’s goal is to expand to a full 15-student roster and possibly add a second team. “We know through the students’ hard work and passion, they will earn more medals in the next competition.”

Delaware Science Olympiad’s goal is to inspire students to achieve the next level in their science education through exciting and challenging competitions. This year’s sponsors include the Delaware Nature Society, Penn Medicine CAREs and Delaware Environmental Institute. Events include labs, tests and building challenges. 

The Science Olympiad is always seeking community volunteers to help with events on competition day. Individuals and families interested in Science Olympiad may contact Priscilla Coolbaugh at Cape Henlopen High School, Priscilla.Coolbaugh@cape.k12.de.us.