Girls show what they are made of: smarts

MILFORD — More than 200 middle school girls from throughout Connecticut spent a recent Saturday translating a secret language, building a bridge out of paper and testing how much weight it can support, and building race cars from lifesavers, straws, and paper at Lauralton Hall’s annual fall Science Olympics.

Curious Creatures, professional exhibitors who teach respect and appreciation for exotic and unusual animals, were on hand to give an educational presentation with twelve animals, including: a boa constrictor, chinchillas, and ferrets.

With the help of Lauralton faculty and students, participants “competed” in problem-solving events related to physics, linguistics, engineering and more. Students worked in teams, with the winners as follows:

In the 8th grade category
1st place: Team #49, The Cross Chemists from Wilbur Cross Middle School in Bridgeport: Lori Pham, Natasha Colon, Ashley Dixon, and Nina Jones

2nd place: Team #6, The Amphibious Dolphins from East Haven Academy in East Haven: Sarah Farnsworth, Danielle Stevens, Rose Maldonado, Jenna LaFontaine

3rd place: Team #9, The Science Geeks from Betsy Ross Middle School in New Haven: Joi Littlejohn, Katherine Bettej and Kameesha Collins

In the 7th grade category
1st place: team #18, The Little Einsteins from Tyrell Middle School in Wolcott: TaylorWay , Samantha Collette, Jessica Biolo, Xhovana Collaku, and Erica Bolduc

2nd place: team #37, The Hurricanes from St. Augustine’s in Bridgeport: Alexia Smith, Imani Marie Jean-Gilles, and Atillia Lee

3rd place: Team #31, The Super Scientific Stingers from East Haven Academy in East Haven: Brianna Allevato, McKenzie Miessau, Nicholle Gargano, Katie Housler

In the 6th grade category
1st place: Team #12, The Pink Panthers from Tyrell Middle School in Wolcott: Taylor Way, Morgan Velez, Jessica Fleming, and Lauren Bozzuto

2nd place: The Purple Puffins from Holy Trinity:in Wallingford: Michaela Leslie, Erin Leslie, and from Conte/West Hills Magnet School in New Haven: Tatiana Gay

3rd place: Team # 21 from St. Rose in Newtown: Haley Ryan, Caitlin Keane, Sophia Chiravelli

Combined grades category
1st place: Team #65, The Shooting Stars: Olivia Numa from St. Lawrence in West Haven, Catherine Pyzybylowski, Nicolette Muro, and Mariana Jiminez

2nd place: Team #23, The Chemical Reactions from St. Ann’s in Milford: Lauren Vetter, Paige Vollero, Heather Volkens, and Haley Barnum

3rd place: Team #58, SMPA from St. Martin’s in New Haven: Asia Barnes, Cheyenne Hedley, Kirstin Vega, and Madiah Gant

Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall, hosts Science Olympics twice each year. The spring “games” are scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2009. Any schools, students or teachers interested in learning more should contact scavar@lauraltonhall.org.