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The College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) Outreach hosted the 2025 Alabama State Science Olympiad Tournament on March 29, bringing together the top 17 high school and 11 middle school teams from across the state, offering a dynamic, sports-like atmosphere for students to showcase their scientific expertise.

"We are thrilled to welcome the brightest young minds in science to our campus for the State Science Olympiad," said Jessica Gilpin, assistant director for COSAM Outreach and the State Science Olympiad Tournament Coordinator. "We are proud to continue hosting this inspiring competition, which leaves a lasting impact on participants."

Competing in 46 challenging events across two divisions (23 high school and 23 middle school), students vied for the coveted first-place trophy and a chance to represent the state at the National Science Olympiad Tournament in May at the University of Nebraska. The diverse range of events spanned various fields within science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), including wind power, chemistry, ecology and fossils.

The State Science Olympiad provides an invaluable platform for middle and high school students to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and teamwork in scientific disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, mathematics and earth science. From rigorous exams to hands-on challenges, participants showcased their creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities — all with the support of more than 100 volunteers.

“Science Olympiad has taught me about the huge diversity within the sciences,” said Tomas Pagett, a sophomore at Florence High School. “I always thought I was smart, but Science Olympiad has taught me I have so much left to learn and provided an avenue to continue to learn.”

Teachers also saw the huge impact this event had on their students.

“Coming to the State Science Olympiad is really exciting for my students,” said Sarah Prevallet, a fifth-year coach from Discovery Middle School. “It’s not just about the knowledge these students gain from participating; it’s about the skills they develop through their involvement. It’s about the resilience they build — learning how to handle a difficult test or event where they don’t know the answer, and how to bounce back, study more and try harder next time.”

Auburn and COSAM Outreach are proud to offer the resources and support necessary to continue hosting this impactful event, nurturing the next generation of innovators and STEM leaders.