operating contractor. “Competing teams work incredibly hard studying, practicing and strategizing each year to win this regional competition and continue on to D.C.”

Teams faced-off in a fast-paced question-and-answer format similar to the television show “Jeopardy.” Questions cover a range of academic disciplines including biology, chemistry, Earth science, physics, energy and math.

“It’s inspiring to witness the level of intelligence that is displayed in each round of the competition,” continued Hewitt. “It is the ultimate test of the students’ ability to perform well under pressure.”

Each team consists of five students and a teacher who serves as a coach. After winning the 2023 regional competition, two coaches from Lakeside High School, David Arrington and John Cato, said their teams were thrilled for the chance to protect their winning title.

“Our students are proud to blaze a trail for others interested in science, engineering and math,” said Arrington. “This team has grown and evolved since middle school and enjoys every minute of competing together and showing what they are capable of.”

“This competition teaches students how to make mistakes and bounce back by rallying together,” said Cato. “As we gear up for nationals, I hope my team can look back on this experience and see the friendship and support they’ve gained from the extra hours and effort put into this program.”

SRS is one of only three DOE sites to participate annually at the regional level since DOE created the National Science Bowl in 1991. This year’s regional contest involved 64 students from nine high schools and is the only academic competition of its kind.

Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School team members Amari Robinson, Caroline Moon, Elizabeth Xie, and Hanyu Zhou test their buzzers before a round. Behind the table, sits teammate Adetutu Adeyemi and Coach Jillian Harold.

“Our performance was a testimony of the work we’ve put in all year to build our team from scratch,” said Amari Robinson, an 11th grade student from Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School. “We went from practicing in a controlled and calm environment to a high-pressure competition that required us to ‘buzz in’ within seconds – it was the most nerve-racking and rewarding experience.”

Aiken High School	Aiken	South Carolina
Augusta Preparatory Day School	Martinez	Georgia
A.R. Johnson Magnet School	Augusta	Georgia
Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School	Augusta	Georgia
Dorman High School	Roebuck	South Carolina
Dutch Fork High School	Irmo	South Carolina
Lakeside High School	Evans	Georgia
Lowcountry Preparatory School	Pawleys Island	South Carolina
South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics	Hartsville	South Carolina

Volunteers from multiple Site contractors work as judges, scorekeepers, moderators and timekeepers during the regional tournament each year.

“For over 10 years, I’ve volunteered and supported this competition as a moderator,” said Connie Yung, Engineering Recruiter for Savannah River Mission Completion. “I hope I can inspire at least one student here to pursue a career in STEM just like they inspire me with their energy and intensity. Witnessing students less than half my age answer some of these difficult questions is what brings me back, year after year.”