Preston Middle School Wins Science Olympiad Again
# **🏆 Preston Middle School Dominates State Science Championship for Second Consecutive Year**
**Preston’s Teal Team Crushes Defending Champions with Record-Breaking Victory**
*April 4, 2024 – University of Colorado-Colorado Springs*
Preston Middle School has once again etched its name into the annals of Colorado science competition history, securing the **15th state title** in school history—and its **14th since 2010**—with a commanding performance at the 2024 Colorado Science Olympiad State Tournament.
After a narrow loss last year, the Preston **Teal team** delivered a **stunning comeback**, finishing **53 points ahead** of runner-up Homeschool Science Colorado in a field of **30 elite teams**. Their total score of **63 points** reflected dominance across the competition, with **eight first-place finishes**, six second-place showings, and four top-four placements.
> *"This victory is a testament to the relentless dedication of our students and coaches,"* said **Coach Elizabeth Loyd**, now the winningest coach in state history with **11 titles** under her belt. Assistant coaches **Shamie Beecher** and **Joe Mlakar** played pivotal roles in guiding the team to another championship.
---
## **📊 The Numbers Behind the Glory**
### **Middle School Division Results**
| Rank | Team | School | Points |
|------|------|--------|--------|
| **1** | **Teal** | **Preston Middle School** | **63** |
| 2 | Homeschool Science Colorado | Homeschool Science | 10 |
| 3 | Gold | Kinard Core Knowledge | 28 |
| 5 | No. 1 | Lesher IB World School | 22 |
| 6 | Purple | Preston Middle School | 18 |
| 8 | Maroon | Wellington Middle School | 14 |
| 9 | Blue | Kinard Core Knowledge | 12 |
High School Division Highlights
- Fossil Ridge High School secured second and third places, narrowly missing the top spot by just three points.
- The Black team from Fossil Ridge finished three points behind the champion, while the Green team dominated with a 109-point lead over fourth place.
Event Dominance
The competition spanned 23 rigorous events, testing students’ prowess in:
- Genetics
- Earth Science
- Chemistry
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Physics
- Geology
- Engineering & Technology
Preston’s Teal team led or contended in nearly every category, showcasing the depth of their scientific expertise.
---
🔥 A Legacy of Excellence
Preston Middle School’s championship streak is nothing short of legendary:
- First title in 1998 (shortly after the school’s opening).
- Uninterrupted dominance from 2010–2020, interrupted only once in 2021 by Homeschool Science Colorado.
- Back-to-back wins from 2022–2024, with a near-miss last year before this year’s resounding victory.
The Poudre School District also flexed its academic muscle, with six teams placing in the top ten of the middle school division.
---
🚀 Road to Nationals
With this victory, Preston’s Teal team earns a spot at the National Science Olympiad Tournament, held May 22–23 at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.
"We’re not just competing—we’re representing Colorado’s brightest young minds on a national stage," said a team spokesperson.
As the countdown to nationals begins, one thing is clear: Preston Middle School isn’t just a powerhouse—it’s a dynasty.
--- For more information on the Colorado Science Olympiad, visit www.coloradoscienceolympiad.org.
