Newberry College to Host Science Olympiad Competition

NEWBERRY, S.C., March 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Newberry College will once again host the Science Olympiad competition this weekend, attracting teams of high school seniors from across the state of South Carolina. Several faculty members from Newberry's Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Science Departments will be involved in the event. Associate Professor of Biology Bret Clark is the Director of the South Carolina Science Olympiad. The College has been the location of the state competition since its inception 27 years ago.

Science Olympiad is a national non-profit organization that hosts annual tournaments featuring over 240 regional and state tournaments, providing over 6,000 students with the chance to compete. The state and national tournaments consist of a series of individual and team events, involving interscholastic academic competition in biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, problem solving and technology. The winning schools from each division go on to compete in the National Science Olympiad competition, taking place at the University of Wisconsin – Madison on May 20 and 21.

"Newberry College is proud to play a role in this tremendous national science program – particularly at a time when our nation – and the world – needs this next generation to become even more engaged in science and technology disciplines," said Newberry College President Dr. V. Scott Koerwer.

The event takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. this Saturday, March 19 where students will be competing in the Science Building. The opening and award ceremonies, as well as events in the MacLean Gym and Eleazer Arena, will be open to the public.

About Newberry College

A private, residential, co-educational, college with a diverse student population, Newberry College offers baccalaureate degrees in 24 majors, 31 minors, and 27 areas of concentration. Founded in 1856 by the Lutheran Church, the college is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, and the National Association of Schools of Music. The college has a radio and television station, and offers 15 NCAA Division II sports. In the recent 2011 ranking of the Best Colleges in U.S. News & World Report, Newberry College placed in the top tier of regional colleges in the South. For more information, visit www.newberry.edu.

SOURCE Newberry College