Martin Walker hosts 2nd annual CCISD Science Olympiad

By DAVID J. HARDIN
Cove Leader-Press 

Young minds came together on Saturday for the 2nd Annual CCISD Science Olympiad at Martin Walker Elementary School. 
The event was a chance for elementary students to learn new things about science and math and use their skills to try to be the best in the events in which they participated. 
The Olympiad consisted of Barge Building, Pentathlon, Treasure Hunt, Reflection Relay, Circuit Wizardry, Aerodynamics, Tennis Ball Catapult, Water Rockets, Wildlife Safari, Write It/Do It; Solid, Liquid, or Gas; and Bridge Building. Each school that participated had a team of 15 members plus teachers as their coaches. 
Jerry Miracle has been the coordinator for both years of the CCISD Science Olympiad. 
“When I came to Copperas Cove, I always had a strong interest in science, and I started the science fair, so this is an evolution of that,” Miracle said. “We want the kids to have fun, and they can choose which events they want to participate in. Throughout the year kids sign up for these events and practice and participate, and then the coaches select the top 15 from each school to participate in these events.”
Last year, the event was held at Clements/Parsons Elementary School but it was decided to rotate the Olympiad to all of the various participating campuses.
Jeff Shores is a fifth grade science teacher at Fairview/Miss Jewell Elementary School and has been involved with the event both years. 
“I like this year’s Olympiad better because Martin Walker Elementary is a little more compact school than last year’s site of Clements/ Parsons Elementary,” Shores said. “This has been a great turnout, and the kids have had a lot of fun.”
Christina Newberry is a second grade teacher at Hettie Halstead Elementary School. This is her first year as a coach for the event, and her first year teaching at the school. 
“The time has gone by fast. It has been wonderful, and the kids have been having a good time,” Newberry said. “It is a great thing to be able and coordinate with other campuses as well as get to have some camaraderie with teachers from the other schools.”
David Dees loves robotics, and has been an in-school aide for Williams Ledger Elementary School for nine years. Dees said he has always been fascinated by robotics. 
“It is great to see the kids learn how to build stuff, especially Lego drag racing robots, tug of war robots, and who doesn’t like a good competition?” he said.
Kyan Ramos is a student at Martin Walker Elementary School and has participated in the Olympiad both years. Her goal this year was to finish first in the two events that she was involved with, Treasure Hunt and Aerodynamics. She also wanted her school to win the Good Sportsmanship Award. 
“I want to be a Firefighter when I grow up,” said Kyan.
Darci Ramos is the Kyan’s mother said said her daughter loves science and likes being involved with this event each year.
Sebastian Vaquez-Solis is a fourth grade student at Clements/Parsons Elementary School and participated in Water Rockets and Reflection Relay.
This is the second year that he has been involved with the event. He said he would like to be an engineer one day.
When all events were finished, awards were handed out for first, second and third place.