The South Carolina Science Olympiad, a premier science competition for K-12 students, is set to take place at Presbyterian College starting in 2025. The event will attract hundreds of young scientists from all around the state, who will compete in various team-oriented activities. PC President Anita Gustafson expressed her excitement about hosting the competition, stating that the college is proud to welcome students to campus and provide them with an opportunity to challenge themselves and each other.
The Science Olympiad holds significant importance for the Clinton community, particularly for schools in Laurens County School District 56. Bell Street Middle and Clinton Middle schools in Division B have won the state Science Olympiad a total of 22 times in the past 38 years, maintaining a 17-year win streak between 2003 and 2019. At the high school level in Division C, Clinton High School has claimed 13 state championships.
District 56 Superintendent and temporary director David O’Shields expressed his excitement about PC becoming the permanent home of the Science Olympiad, calling it a “dream come true.” He highlighted PC’s strong science program and the addition of new programs such as pharmacy, occupational therapy, and physician assistant as factors that make the college an ideal host. O’Shields also mentioned that Clinton’s goal of turning itself into ‘Science City, S.C.’ is closely aligned with PC’s beautiful campus and talented professors who will provide an excellent experience for students from across the state.