![The Phoenix varsity volleyball team lines up for the national anthem. “We were more communicative [with each other] during this game, and I feel like we kept our energy up, especially after the first set,” senior Jessica Valdov said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSC_0202-1200x800.jpg)
![Junior Alex Alkhal pitches the ball. “[I] just let it go and keep practicing so we can focus on our goal for the next game to get better as a team,” Alkhal said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/DSC_0013-1-1200x929.jpg)
The Science Olympiad club is a non-profit, STEM-based club where students are able to compete with other students through several events. The events held at Science Olympiad competitions are chemistry, biology, physics, engineering, and much more. Students are able to collaborate with their peers and build projects so they can learn more about specific topics in science and be exposed to the STEM field. There are about 20 events per year, and students study and work hard to place high at the competitions.
Rock Ridge High School had a very successful school year with the Science Olympiad club. This year, they made it to states for the first time in two years and won the most trophies at a regional level (12) since 2014, the opening year of Rock Ridge High School. They finished the state tournament by placing 4th in astronomy and 21st overall.
In order to join the Science Olympiad, students must go through an application process and provide their knowledge on STEM-based events and topics so that the leadership team can have an insight on students’ prior experience. Science Olympiad leadership members, such as Anika Dureja, look into students’ experience in science-based competitions and STEM interests. “We mainly look at the students’ general interests and what their favorite STEM subjects are,” Dureja said. Through an application process, Dureja became the communications officer for the 2024-2025 season. She was able to get 45 students interested in the Science Olympiad club, which led them to maxing out three teams for the season.
Social Sciences teacher Colin Pendergast, sponsor of the Science Olympiad club, helps with the administrative side of the club. “My main responsibilities include collecting club dues and fees to cover competition costs and also organizing the club meetings,” Pendergast said. While the Science Olympiad student team mostly runs the club, he still helps organize events and schedules for all members of the club. Although Pendergast isn’t deeply involved in the STEM field, he enjoys seeing students pursue their passions. “It’s incredibly refreshing to watch students approach their events and competitions with such vigor,” Pendergast said.
Competitions can be challenging, but students who are a part of the Science Olympiad make sure they enjoy every second of their competitions and meetings that they have together. Even if they don’t get the outcome they expect, they’re able to share their passion and love for the STEM field and collaborate well with their teammates.
Junior Risha Varma, vice president of the Science Olympiad club, values helping others and keeping parts of the club organized. “My responsibilities are making sure that everyone submits their work on time and keeping our team spirits up,” Varma said. She is actively involved in the Science Olympiad, and helping the Science Olympiad stay on the right track so that the students can do well at their competitions. Varma also plans on being the president of the Science Olympiad club for the 2025-2026 school year with more management responsibilities.
The Science Olympiad club will continue to progress and build a strong team so that they can perform even better next season and eventually reach their goal of competing at nationals.
