In March 2023, the Bedford Middle School (BMS) Science Olympiad team clinched first place at the Science Olympiad state competition held in Coventry. This was a huge accomplishment for the team, led by head coach Dr. Daniel Cortright, who has been with the program since 2017. With this victory, BMS secured its spot to compete at the national Science Olympiad tournament at Michigan State University in May 2023.
Dr. Cortright’s dedication to his students and their success is evident in the fact that he has led BMS to victory at both the state and national levels. The Science Olympiad program at BMS has grown significantly since its inception, with between 30 and 50 participants each year. Despite challenges such as last-minute illnesses or family commitments, a total of 28 students competed on two teams during this year’s state tournament, resulting in an impressive win for BMS.
Science Olympiad tournaments are known for their challenging events that cover a range of science and engineering topics. Students build devices such as timed marble roller coasters, conduct experiments, and solve complex challenges like building a timed marble roller coaster or deciphering coded messages. These events push students to think creatively and critically about science and engineering concepts, helping them develop important skills that will serve them well throughout their academic careers.
As Dr. Cortright prepares his team for nationals, he emphasizes the importance of perseverance and hard work in achieving success. “The events are really challenging,” he says, “but if they stick with it, students start to see competitive success in seventh and eighth grade.” His passion for his work with these young minds is clear from his enthusiasm for watching students grow and succeed during their middle school years. “It’s a great feeling to watch a young person realize that persistence really can pay off,” he says with pride.
Overall, Dr. Cortright’s leadership has been instrumental in BMS’s continued success in Science Olympiad competitions. As they prepare for nationals once again, his team will continue to challenge themselves through innovative experiments and device building projects while working towards their goal of bringing home another national championship title.