The Hudson Middle School Science Olympiad team started off the 2023 year strong with a first-place finish at the Westlake Invitational on Jan. 7.
The competition was fierce, as Solon Middle School (Ohio; fourth place at U.S. Nationals), Daniel Wright Junior Middle School (Illinois; sixth place at U.S. Nationals) were part of a strong field of 27 teams from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. It was the first time the Hudson team has won an Ohio invitational tournament other than a regional tournament.
“We have come a long way since our program started in 2016,” head coach Jordan Renna said. “This is a great way to start off 2023 year.”
Assistant Coach Chirag Patel noted that the students had the best supplies and gear, thanks to help from the Northeast Ohio STEM Alliance, Burton D. Morgan Foundation, Don Patron Mexican Grill, Hudson Community Foundation, Hudson Kiwanis Foundation, Lianda Corp., dozens of individual donors, and the Hudson City School District.
The team expressed its appreciation to parent event mentors and the HMS administration and custodial staff for the extra support and coordination with the additional practice times for the team.
Next the team will head to the Kenston Invitational, followed up by three Invitational tournaments in February, Solon, Mentor and then the Hudson team conclude the regular season with a trip to the West Liberty-Salem Tournament.